Adho Mukha Vrksasana using blocks

I like to use blocks under my hands in Adho Mukha Vrksasana because it increases the integrity of my upper arm muscles and takes the pose out of my elbow joints.  Working like this helps me to improve my strength and endurance in this posture when I practise its classical variation (without the blocks).  I have to work a little harder to get up due to the added height under my hands but once I’m up, I experience a great sense of stability and connectivity. – Lori Berenz, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher