ERGONOMIC YOGA/EXERCISE BLOCKS

Abstract

A method for facilitating a yoga or other exercise pose by a practitioner may comprise the steps of placing a first block, having a flat surface on one of its sides and a rounded surface on another of its sides opposite the flat surface, with the rounded surface on a floor upon which the poses are executed, performing the pose with at least one body part of the practitioner supported by the flat surface of the first block, and allowing the first block to tilt on the rounded surface to thereby allow the body part to attain a preferred angle relative the practitioner's body. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment, such as yoga equipment, and in particular, blocks used to facilitate yoga or other exercise poses.

BACKGROUND

Over recent decades, yoga and similar exercises have achieved increasing popularity worldwide as a method of physical-discipline and health maintenance, a body-oriented therapy, and/or a spiritual discipline. Practitioners of yoga often make yoga a regular practice in their lives, spending time daily or several times a week in its performance.

Traditionally, in general, blocks have been used to help practitioners facilitate certain poses. This is of particular importance to those who may be limited in their mobility. By the selective use of blocks, practitioners seek to “bring the ground” to themselves when it is too far away for the practitioner to do certain postures. Through the use of one or more blocks, a practitioner may be able to practice a pose, the blocks potentially helping maintain proper alignment and posture, without straining or being unable to remain in the posture for very long.

For example, if a practitioner having tight hips is in a crossed-legged seated position, their knees will likely be higher than their pelvis, causing a rounding of the lower spine, as shown in FIG. 1. Sitting on a block or two can help to bring their pelvis up to the level of their knees to thereby alleviate this rounding to some degree, as shown in FIG. 2. Often in this posture blocks are placed under the outer thigh or knee for further support, as shown in the figure. Although this is an improvement, however, the posture may be less than optimal as the lower spine still will often be rounded to some degree, as can be seen in FIG. 2.

Another example is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Many people cannot attain a seated kneeling position, that is, sitting all the way back to rest on their feet, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Sitting on blocks makes the posture possible, as shown in FIG. 4, but again, the posture may be less than optimal as the spine will often be rounded to some degree, as can be seen in the figure. Other postures may require practitioners to place one or both hands on the ground. This can be difficult for some people, and in an effort to reach the ground they will often contort themselves in very unhelpful and potentially harmful ways, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5. By using blocks, as shown in FIG. 6, the practitioner can “bring the ground” closer, to thereby attain the pose. However, the person's wrist may be at an uncomfortable angle which can result in discomfort and/or less than optimal postures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus that avoid the shortcomings discussed above and substantially facilitate optimal posture and comfort in a practitioner's poses.

In accordance with examples of the present invention, a method for facilitating a pose by a practitioner may comprise the steps of placing a first block, having a flat surface on one of its sides and a rounded surface on another of its sides opposite the flat surface, with the rounded surface on a floor upon which the poses are executed, performing the pose with at least one body part of the practitioner supported by the flat surface of the first block, and allowing the first block to tilt on the rounded surface to thereby allow the body part to attain a preferred angle relative the practitioner's body. The pose will typically be a yoga pose. The method may further include the steps of sitting on the flat surface of the first block, performing a pose while seated on the first block, and allowing the first block to tilt on the rounded surface, to thereby allow the practitioner's pelvis to tilt to align the practitioner's spine. The pose may be a crossed-legged seated position, or a seated kneeling position. Alternatively, the method may comprise the steps of placing a hand on the flat surface of the first block, performing a pose, such as downward dog, while the hand is on the first block, and allowing the first block to tilt on the rounded surface, to thereby allow the practitioner's wrist to attain a preferred angle relative the practitioner's arm.

The method may further comprise releasably connecting to the first block at least a second block having flat rectangular surfaces, and positioning the connected first and second blocks with the rounded surface of the first block on the floor. Still further, the method may additionally comprise the steps of releasably connecting to the first block a plurality of additional blocks, each of the additional blocks having flat rectangular surfaces, and positioning the connected first and additional blocks with the rounded surface of the first block on the floor.

In accordance with additional examples of the invention, a plurality of blocks are adapted to facilitate a pose by a practitioner and comprise a first block having a first flat surface on one side thereof and a rounded surface on another side thereof opposite the first flat surface, the rounded surface adapted to be placed on a floor upon which the poses are executed, a releasable connector disposed on the first flat surface of the first block, a second block having flat rectangular surfaces, one of which is a second flat surface substantially equal in size to the first flat surface on the first block, and a releasable connector disposed on the second flat surface and positioned to allow a releasable connection between the first flat surface and the second flat surface. The first and second blocks are preferably formed of EVA foam, and the releasable connectors are preferably comprised of Velcro®.

In accordance with another example of the invention, plurality of blocks are adapted to facilitate a pose by a practitioner and comprise a first block having a first flat surface on one side thereof and a rounded surface on another side thereof opposite the first flat surface, the first flat surface having a releasable connector thereon, the rounded surface intended to be placed on a floor upon which the poses are executed a plurality of stackable blocks each having six flat rectangular surfaces, two of which are substantially equal in size to the first flat surface on the first block and have a releasable connector thereon, wherein one or more of the stackable blocks can be connected to the first flat surface and to each other. Preferably, each of the plurality of stackable blocks have dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the first flat surface that are different from each other, the blocks consist of three stackable blocks, wherein a first stackable block measures approximately 4 inches in the direction perpendicular to the first flat surface, a second stackable block measures approximately 2 inches in the direction perpendicular to the first flat surface, and a third stackable block measures approximately 1 inch in the direction perpendicular to the first flat surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, of which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of practitioner in a crossed-legged seated position;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the practitioner of FIG. 1 attaining a crossed-legged seated position by sitting on one or more blocks;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a person attempting a seated kneeling position;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a person attaining a seated kneeling position by sitting on one or more blocks;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a person attempting a posture requiring the placement of one or both hands on the ground;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a person attaining a posture requiring the placement of one or both hands on the ground by using one or more blocks;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blocks in accordance with an example of the present invention in alignment, but separated;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the blocks in accordance with an example of the present invention connected to each other, and other blocks separated to illustrate the connection features of the blocks;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a practitioner in a crossed-legged seated pose using the blocks of the present invention to attain proper posture and spine alignment;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a practitioner in a seated kneeling pose using the blocks of the present invention to attain proper posture and spine alignment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a practitioner in a pose requiring placement of a hand on the ground, using the blocks of the present invention to provide comfortable support of the practitioner's hand;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a practitioner in a pose requiring placement of both hands on the ground, using the blocks of the present invention to provide a comfortable wrist angle for the practitioner's hand; and

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a practitioner in a restorative posture using the blocks of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An example of the blocks in accordance with the present invention will first be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In this example, four blocks 10, 12, 14 and 16 are provided. As shown, block 10 is preferably a half round geometry with a flat, rectangular bottom, whereas blocks 12, 14 and 16 are preferably rectangular in the three dimensions of height, width and depth, although the edges of the blocks can be beveled, as shown. The blocks are preferably formed of EVA foam, although other materials may be used, as desired, and in this example, the blocks have the following preferred, approximate dimensions (i.e. dimensions that may have minor variations without adversely affecting the function and operation of the invention):

• • Half Round block 10—3″ in the X direction (at apex of rounded side), 9″ in the Y direction, and 6″ in the Z direction;
  • Block 12—4″ in the X direction, 9″ in the Y direction, and 6″ in the Z direction;
  • Block 14—2″ in the X direction, 9″ in the Y direction, and 6″ in the Z direction; and
  • Block 16—1″ in the X direction, 9″ in the Y direction, and 6″ in the Z direction,where the X direction is perpendicular to the plane of the flat, rectangular bottom of block 10, as shown in the figure.

As will be appreciated, the use of multiple blocks, and blocks having varied dimensions, allow the practitioner to use combinations of blocks, which when assembled have the dimensions that are appropriate for the particular practitioner and pose. It will be appreciated that other dimensions, numbers of blocks, and combinations of blocks may be used as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Mating connectors 18a, 18b are provided on each block in complementary positions, such that the blocks can be releasably connected together as desired, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. The connectors ensure that when more than one block is required, as discussed below, the blocks will not slide apart. Preferably, the connectors are formed of Velcro®, although it will be appreciated that other types of releasable connectors may be use as desired. Although block 16 is shown only with connectors 18b on one side, additional connectors 18a can be provided on the opposite side of the block as well.

In use, the practitioner can use a selected combination of blocks to facilitate seated poses. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the user can select the half-round block 10, along with one or more rectangular blocks 12, 14 or 16, if desired, to facilitate a crossed-legged seated pose. The user will place the combination of blocks, with the round surface of half-round block 10 on the floor, and sit on the opposite side. As in the case of FIG. 2, sitting on the blocks helps to bring the user's pelvis up to the level of their knees to assist in attaining the pose. In addition, however, the use of the half-round block 10, with the round surface on the floor, allows the user's pelvis to naturally tilt to properly and optimally align the spine, as the blocks can tilt on the half-round surface. In this manner, the rounding of the lower spine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is alleviated, as shown, and the user is comfortably seated on the blocks with perfect or close to perfect posture. The same benefits are realized when the blocks are used to facilitate a seated kneeling position, as shown in FIG. 10, where the user's pelvis naturally tilts to properly and optimally align the spine.

In standing poses, the blocks can give the user the height necessary to attain the proper postures, and as shown in FIG. 11, by placing their hand(s) on the round surface of the half-round block 10, the rounded surface can comfortably support the user's palm in a way a flat surface cannot.

In other poses, such as downward dog, the user can place their hands on a pair of half-round blocks 10, with the round side on the floor, as shown in FIG. 12. Because blocks 10 can tilt on the floor, they allow the user to find the angle where their wrists stay neutral, thereby alleviating any discomfort if their wrists are inflexible. Blocks 10 can also be used in this manner to comfortably support a person's hands in a supine position, the blocks allowing the user's wrists to find a comfortable angle.

The blocks can also be used to facilitate restorative postures, where blocks can be selectively placed under the body to so that the user can fully relax. For example, the user can perform a forward fold with their head supported on a block, or a block can be placed under the back, the neck, the back of shoulders and/or under the knees. And as shown in FIG. 13, in a supine position, the round side of blocks 10 can comfortably support the backs of the knees.

It will be understood that various additional changes in the details, materials and arrangements of parts which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating a pose by a practitioner, comprising the steps of: a. placing a first block, having a flat surface on one of its sides and a rounded surface on another of its sides opposite said flat surface, with said rounded surface on a floor upon which said poses are executed,b. performing said pose with at least one body part of said practitioner supported by said flat surface of said first block; andc. allowing said first block to tilt on said rounded surface to thereby allow said body part to attain a preferred angle relative said practitioner's body.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said pose is a yoga pose.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of sitting on said flat surface of said first block, performing a pose while seated on said first block, and allowing said first block to tilt on said rounded surface, to thereby allow the practitioner's pelvis to tilt to align said practitioner's spine.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said pose is a crossed-legged seated position.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein said pose is a seated kneeling position.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of placing a hand on said flat surface of said first block, performing a pose while said hand is on said first block, and allowing said first block to tilt on said rounded surface, to thereby allow said practitioner's wrist to attain a preferred angle relative said practitioner's arm.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said pose is downward dog.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of releasably connecting to said first block at least a second block having flat rectangular surfaces, and positioning said connected first and second blocks with said rounded surface of said first block on said floor.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of releasably connecting to said first block a plurality of additional blocks, each of said additional blocks having flat rectangular surfaces, and positioning said connected first and additional blocks with said rounded surface of said first block on said floor.

10. A plurality of blocks adapted to facilitate a pose by a practitioner, comprising: a. a first block having a first flat surface on one side thereof and a rounded surface on another side thereof opposite said first flat surface, said rounded surface adapted to be placed on a floor upon which said poses are executed;b. a releasable connector disposed on said first flat surface of said first block;c. a second block having flat rectangular surfaces, one of which is a second flat surface substantially equal in size to said first flat surface on said first block; andd. a releasable connector disposed on said second flat surface and positioned to allow a releasable connection between said first flat surface and said second flat surface.

11. The plurality of blocks of claim 10 wherein said first and second blocks are formed of EVA foam.

12. The plurality of blocks of claim 10 wherein said releasable connectors are comprised of Velcro®.

13. A plurality of blocks adapted to facilitate a pose by a practitioner, comprising: a. a first block having a first flat surface on one side thereof and a rounded surface on another side thereof opposite said first flat surface, said first flat surface having a releasable connector thereon, said rounded surface intended to be placed on a floor upon which said poses are executed; andb. a plurality of stackable blocks each having i. six flat rectangular surfaces, two of which are substantially equal in size to said first flat surface on said first block and have a releasable connector thereon;c. wherein one or more of said stackable blocks can be connected to said first flat surface and to each other.

14. The plurality of blocks of claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of stackable blocks have dimensions in the direction perpendicular to said first flat surface that are different from each other.

15. The plurality of blocks of claim 14 wherein said plurality of stackable blocks consist of three stackable blocks.

16. The plurality of blocks of claim 15 wherein a first stackable block measures approximately 4 inches in the direction perpendicular to said first flat surface, a second stackable block measures approximately 2 inches in the direction perpendicular to said first flat surface, and a third stackable block measures approximately 1 inch in the direction perpendicular to said first flat surface.