How to Use Yoga Blocks and Strap with Your Alignment Mat

Quick answer

Use the Alignment Pack's blocks and strap with your Tree of Life cork mat to support proper alignment, deepen stretches, and build confidence in foundational poses.

Step-by-step guide: Using blocks and strap with your alignment mat

1. Step 1: Set up your mat and props: Unroll your Tree of Life cork mat on a flat, non-slip surface. Place the two cork blocks beside the mat within easy reach, and keep the organic cotton strap nearby. Use the mat's center line as a reference to align your body midline with the mat's center. Common mistake: Placing blocks too far away, which forces you to break your pose to grab them. Keep them within arm's length.
2. Step 2: Use the strap in seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana): Sit with your legs extended along the mat's center line. Loop the strap around the soles of your feet, holding one end in each hand. Inhale to lengthen your spine, exhale to hinge forward from the hips, keeping your back flat. The strap lets you maintain a straight spine even if you cannot reach your feet. Checkpoint: If your shoulders hunch or your knees bend excessively, shorten the strap so you can keep your legs active and chest open.
3. Step 3: Use blocks in Triangle pose (Trikonasana): Stand at the top of your mat with feet wide apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees, aligning your heel with the arch of your left foot. Place a block on its tallest height under your right hand. Press into the block to open your chest and rotate your torso, using the mat's horizontal cue lines to check that your hips stay squared. Common mistake: Placing the block too far forward or backward, which twists your spine. Adjust the block directly under your shoulder.
4. Step 4: Use blocks in Half Moon pose (Ardha Chandrasana): From Triangle, bend your right knee and bring your right hand to the block (still on tall height). Shift your weight onto your right foot, then lift your left leg parallel to the floor. Use the block to keep your torso lifted and your supporting leg stable. Gaze at the mat's center line to maintain balance. Checkpoint: If your lifted leg drops or your standing knee wobbles, lower the block to medium height for more stability.
5. Step 5: Use the strap for a shoulder opener (Gomukhasana arms): Stand or sit comfortably. Hold the strap in your right hand and reach your right arm overhead, bending the elbow so the strap hangs down your back. Reach your left arm behind your back and grasp the other end of the strap. Walk your hands closer together along the strap over several breaths to deepen the stretch. Common mistake: Forcing your hands too close too quickly, which strains the shoulder joint. Move slowly and stop at the first sign of sharp pain.

Featured product

• The Alignment Pack: Tree of Life Mat + 2 Blocks + Stretch Strap: The Alignment Pack includes a 4.5mm Tree of Life Alignment Cork Yoga Mat with a carry strap, a pair of Natural Cork Yoga Blocks, and one Organic Cotton Yoga Stretch Strap. Having all three props in one pack ensures compatibility and saves you the hassle of matching separate items from different brands.