11 Yoga Blocks for Beginners, Experts, and Everyone in Between

For example, if you’re having trouble touching the ground, you can use a yoga block to extend your reach. Or, if you need a little support in a posture, you can use one as a cushion or a bolster. “I use yoga blocks to help me find a deeper stretch, or as props when I don’t have the required flexibility to do a yoga posture,” explains DeAndre Sinette , fitness instructor and trainer with the FitOn App . “They’re so good for supporting you in seated meditation as well.”

It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned expert—the practice can be challenging. Very few of us can nail every stretch and every posture, and yoga blocks are there to help us when we can’t.

Yoga blocks are great for adding length to your arms and your legs during challenging postures. But if you need support for your hips or your back, snag a yoga bolster like this one. Whereas yoga blocks are sturdy and firm, yoga bolsters are softer and more comfortable—after all, they’re designed to cushion your tush anytime you take a seat. Rest the bolster on your yoga mat, and sit on top of it like you would a pillow. This added height should make it easier to open your hips (and it should make sitting upright a little more comfortable).

If standard yoga blocks are just a little too thick for you, try a pair of yoga wedges instead. These are crafted from high-density foam, and because they’re shaped like wedges, they give you more height options to play with. (They’re also a little easier to grip.) Also nice: If you stack them on top of each other, you’ll end up with a standard, rectangular yoga block, so you rest assured knowing you’ll always have one at the ready if you need it.

When using a standard yoga block, you can take advantage of the length or the width. But a curved yoga block—like Manduka’s UnBlok Yoga Block—gives you even more dimensions to play with. When you need a little extra height, you can grab the middle of the curve. And when you want something a little shorter, you can grab the curve’s outer edges. Also, this block is crafted from supportive, high-density foam, and it’s rendered in a standard size.

Just like yoga blocks can make some postures more accessible, yoga straps can make some stretches more accessible. Given this, it’s no surprise that the two are often sold together. If you’re looking to build strength and flexibility, consider buying a block-and-strap set—like Gaiam’s Yoga Block + Yoga Strap Combo Set. Gaiam’s yoga block is a best-in-class option, and its 6-foot yoga strap is incredibly versatile. And really, why buy them separately when you could buy them together?

Most foam and cork yoga blocks are supportive but soft. So if you’re looking for a solidly sturdy experience, you may be better off with a bamboo yoga block, like Wooden-Life’s Bamboo Yoga Block. The block is crafted from high-density bamboo and coated with a protective lacquer. The result is a block that’s seriously sturdy—and smooth to the touch. The swap won’t be suitable for everyone, but it’s a great option if you’re craving something a little different.

Dense cork blocks are a great addition to hot yoga practices. But what if you’re looking for a more standard, lightweight yoga block and you just prefer the way cork feels? Node Fitness has your back. The brand’s Cork Yoga Block Set comes with two yoga blocks crafted from lightweight, durable natural cork. The blocks still boast the same strength as denser cork options—they’re sturdy, non-slip, and moisture-wicking—but without all the extra weight. This makes them a great, textured alternative to classic foam blocks.

BalanceFrom’s GoYoga 7-Piece Set will cover all your yoga bases—color-coordinated, of course. The set comes with one yoga mat, one knee pad, two towels, one yoga strap, and two foam yoga blocks. Use the yoga blocks to tackle challenging poses and use the yoga strap to make stretches more accessible. The towels will bolster your hips and back during seated postures , and the knee pad will cushion your knees anytime you need to kneel. Combined, these must-haves make yoga a whole lot easier and more comfortable.

Most of the time, you want a yoga block that’s both supportive and lightweight. But when you’re doing hot yoga, you want something that’s seriously dense—otherwise, it might slip out of place. Thankfully, Manduka’s Cork Yoga Block is up to the task. The block is crafted from fine-grain cork, making it firm and easy to grip—even in sweaty situations. And the block’s smooth, rounded edges offer a comfortable place to rest your hands as you stretch and balance.

If you’re a first-time yogi, you probably want two yoga blocks, not just one. And that’s exactly why BalanceFrom’s GoYoga Set is such a great place to start. Each set comes with two standard yoga blocks crafted from high-density foam. The blocks are durable, supportive, and slip-resistant—and they’re also easy to clean. (Simply wash them with soap and water whenever they need a clean-up, and you’ll be good to go.)

Yoga blocks don’t tend to be expensive. But Reehut’s Yoga Blocks are budget-friendlier than most. The starter blocks are crafted from high-density EVA foam, a supportive and durable material but still lightweight. And the blocks promise to be moisture-proof, too, meaning they are not likely to slip out of place—even if you work up a sweat. The brand also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and an 18-month replacement guarantee, both of which make the deal even sweeter.

If you’re looking for something classic and straightforward, you can’t go wrong with Gaiam’s Yoga Block. Crafted from EVA foam, Gaiam’s Yoga Block is dense enough to support you as you tackle challenging postures but still lightweight enough to carry with you. The block’s beveled edges make it easy to grip, and its non-slip surface will ensure your yoga block stays exactly where it’s supposed to be during your practice. Plus, Gaiam lets you customize your block’s appearance. Choose between an array of fun colors and prints, and craft a block you’ll love looking at.

Final Verdict

Yoga blocks are a great way to modify postures and stretches to make them more accessible. (Can’t reach the ground? No problem—use a yoga block to help you get there.) The best yoga block is the one you feel comfortable using, so don’t be afraid to experiment. If you’re looking for a classic foam option, you can’t go wrong with the Gaiam Yoga Block (see at Amazon). And if you’d rather shop for something a little more hot-yoga-friendly, opt for Manduka’s heavy and supportive Cork Yoga Block instead (see at Amazon).

What to Look for in Yoga Blocks

Density

Look for yoga blocks made out of high-density materials such as EVA foam or cork. These materials will provide you with a sturdy base that you can feel comfortable pressing your weight into. EVA foam is lightweight, durable, and firm enough to keep you from pressing into it and potentially losing your balance. Cork is another excellent material for yoga blocks because it is relatively lightweight and very sturdy, plus it’s long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace your blocks as often.

Non-Slip

Non-slip surfaces are ideal when you are practicing tricky poses that require balance and precision. Also, if you are a naturally more sweaty person or will be taking your blocks to hot yoga, a non-slip surface is vital. Some yoga blocks have textured surfaces in the foam to help prevent slippage or choose fine-grain cork, which is naturally non-slip.

Proper Size

Depending on your yoga level and body shape, you may need more or less height for your blocks. Blocks come in different dimensions, and this is an important consideration. If you’re less flexible, you will likely need higher, thicker blocks so you can bring the ground closer to you. If you only need a little bit of help or are petite, a smaller block may be best. Some blocks offer different shapes that might suit your needs better, such as wedges and curved tops.

FAQ

• What is a yoga block used for?

  Yoga blocks are used to help you reach a stable surface during yoga poses where you cannot fully reach the ground. They essentially bring the ground closer to you or help extend your reach so you can perform a pose properly without overreaching or straining. Yoga blocks help you maintain proper alignment when you aren’t quite flexible enough or have physical limitations.

• Are yoga blocks necessary?

  Yoga blocks aren’t necessary to perform yoga. However, if there are poses where you cannot reach the ground while maintaining proper alignment, blocks or some stable elevated surface become necessary.

• Are yoga blocks worth it?

  Yoga blocks are definitely worth it if you cannot perform certain poses without them. Many of the fundamental yoga poses require flexibility and mobility that allow you to reach the ground from standing. Many people cannot do this and maintain proper alignment without an elevated surface. Blocks provide this needed elevation in an affordable and portable package.

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