Beginners and experienced yogis alike find that using a yoga block is an effective way to get more out of every asana. They can act as an extension to your arms to reach deeper or to support the head, back, or hips when settling into a new or difficult pose.
Yoga blocks are an important tool for any level and help your yoga practice in a lot of ways. They can be used to shorten the distance between you and the floor, help establish and maintain proper alignment, and show you how to properly engage and support the muscles required in a specific pose. Yoga blocks can also be rotated and positioned so that they’re low, medium, or high to give you more or less support as needed.
While choosing the right yoga exercise block might sound simple enough, there are a lot of things to think about. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before you choose one before we tell you which ones are our favourites.
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Choosing a Yoga Block
There are a lot of options when it comes to yoga accessories, and you’ll find that the selection of yoga blocks available might be a little overwhelming. Here are a few things to think about to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
What are you working toward?
Are you just getting into yoga or are you looking to advance your practice? If you’re just getting started, you should definitely consider a yoga block, but take a look at some of the other available accessories, too. There are a lot of yoga props designed to support you as you’re working to increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility.
That said, if you have a little more experience and are hoping to work your way to a specific pose, a basic block can support you until you get to a place where you can get into the asana independently.
What material is best?
Cork yoga blocks are generally the most popular, and your yoga instructor or teachers will usually recommend them. There are plenty of other options too, including wood, EVA foam, and recycled foam. Which material is right for you really comes down to personal preference. Some materials are more flexible than others and are a little more squishy while cork blocks are sturdy and offer more stable support.
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Another thing to consider is the type of yoga you’re planning to do, especially if you’re considering hot yoga. Most foam bricks are moisture-resistant and don’t soak up sweat, odor, and bacteria. They’re also easy to clean and a good choice for Bikram yoga. Cork, on the other hand, is absorbent so make sure you clean it properly after every hot yoga class to prevent odor, mold, and mildew.
How portable is it?
What a yoga block is made of directly affects how heavy it is. Although none of them are particularly heavy, they might feel like they are if you’re carrying them in a bag or backpack as you walk or ride the subway to and from yoga class. If you’re planning to travel, look for a lightweight block. Solid wood or cork blocks are generally the heaviest while foam blocks are light as air.
What size do you need?
There are multiple sizes of yoga blocks available, so it’s important to figure out what size is best for your body and your yoga practice. Generally, 9 x 4.5 x 3 inches is considered the standard size, but if you are particularly petite or tall, you may want to go down or up a size. You may also choose to get a larger yoga block if you’re just starting and require a lot of support while you work on improving your flexibility.
How many do you need?
Two is ideal but if you find one that you love, you might consider having more to keep them as backups.
Here Are the Best Yoga Blocks You Can Buy
Now that you know a little more about what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the many options that are out there. We picked some of the best options in a variety of materials so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block
These yoga blocks from Gaiam make a great addition to your yoga practice. They’re sold in packs of two and give you the support you need to deepen your stretches and maintain proper alignment.
Gaiam Essential Yoga Blocks are made of lightweight, supportive foam with a non-slip surface and beveled edges for better grip. They are a good choice for hot yoga, and they’re really easy to clean. Just use a mild cleansing cloth or detergent then towel or air dry.
Gaiam is a popular brand when it comes to yoga gear, so it might surprise you to know that these blocks are some of the most affordable ones out there. They’re extremely lightweight so they’re perfect for travel, and there are four colors available.
Woeau Yoga Blocks 2-Pack Set
One of the best choices for beginners is this set from Woeau. Not only does it include two yoga blocks, but it also comes with a yoga strap. These tools give you everything you need to improve flexibility and strength and work on more difficult poses when you’re ready.
The yoga blocks are made of high-density EVA foam and the non-slip grip is easy to hold onto, even when you’re working up a sweat. They’re easy to clean, just gently wipe them down with a wet towel or add a little bit of soap if necessary. Plus, they only weigh five ounces apiece, so they’re easy to travel with.
As for the yoga strap, it’s made of high-quality cotton with just a little bit of stretch. You can adjust the loop to the right size and use it for various poses that strengthen your back, legs, shoulders, arms, and more.
Manduka Cork Yoga Block
These simple yoga blocks from Manduka are a great choice if you prefer cork. This sustainable material is much firmer than foam blocks, which allows you to really feel the support. Manduka cork blocks are lighter than standard coarse-grain cork but are still a little heavier than foam. So, if you’re looking for something that’s a little more substantial and won’t weigh you down, this one is a great choice.
The edges are slightly beveled for a more comfortable grip, and the blocks are made without glue or filler so there are no seams to worry about. The Manduka cork yoga brick is a little larger than average and, although it’s a bit pricey, it should last a really long time.
Saruka Serenity Balsa Wood Yoga Block
If you’re looking for a wooden block, take a look at this 100 percent balsa wood yoga block from Saruka Serenity. It’s a little on the small side at 2.75 x 5.5 x 9 inches, perfect for petite hands. Plus, they use all-natural wood without any colours, finishes, dyes, fillers, or wood glues.
Balsa is a great choice if you like the look of a wooden yoga block but prefer something that’s lightweight and easy to travel with. It’s not as firm as some types of wood but has just the right amount of softness which makes it really easy to grip. Plus, they look amazing.
Bean Products Yoga Blocks
Bean Products has been in the business for more than 30 years, so it’s pretty safe to say they know what they’re doing when it comes to yoga props. These blocks are made of high-density materials and feature beveled edges for a better grip that’s also more comfortable.
This foam yoga block is extremely durable and lightweight, perfect to take with you to the yoga studio. Something that we really like about them is that you can choose from natural cork or multiple colours of high-density foam, including black, blue, green, or purple.
These blocks are available as a single item or you can buy them in sets of two, which is more economical. They come in two different sizes too. Choose between the three or four-inch width depending on the size of your hands. No matter what you choose, these are some of the best yoga blocks for anyone on a budget who’s looking for something that’s both durable and affordable.
Fledo Yoga Blocks
These yoga blocks are a little wider than the standard size and made of durable and eco-friendly EVA foam. They’re lightweight, easy to travel with, and have a beveled edge that gives you a comfortable grip. Plus, they have a non-slip grip that won’t slide out of your hands, even when you’re working up a sweat.
The EVA material is non-absorbent and moisture-proof, so these blocks are really easy to clean and don’t soak up bacteria and bad odour. To clean them just use a drop of dishwashing soap with some warm water, and wipe any dirt from the surface.
Fledo yoga blocks come in sets of two so you can stack them if you need to. Because they’re so lightweight, it’s easy to toss them in a bag or backpack and take them with you when traveling or to the yoga studio. They’re extremely affordable and available in six different colours: red, purple, blue, black, turquoise, and grey.
REEHUT Yoga Blocks
Another good choice for a foam exercise block to help you get into challenging poses is this one from REEHUT. It’s available in two different widths – three and four inches – so you can choose whichever works for you. Each has a beveled grip for comfort.
The high-density foam is slip-resistant and moisture-proof, perfect for hot yoga. You’ll maintain your grip knowing that your block isn’t soaking up sweat and bacteria. It’s also easy to clean and more durable than other materials.
The best thing about this product is it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee and an 18-month replacement if you have any issues, which is a pretty amazing way for a company to back their product. Choose a single block or a two-pack so you have an extra one if you need it. They’re available in black, blue, grey, purple, and turquoise.
Three Minute Egg Yoga Blocks
If you want to try something a little different, give this yoga egg from Three Minute Egg a look. This is one of the newest ways to practice everything from restorative yoga to more aggressive poses. It combines the benefits of a yoga block, bolster, belt, and blanket.
What makes this product different is that it’s curved and not flat like a standard yoga block. This makes it the perfect shape for building strength, improving balance, and smoothly transitioning from one pose to the next.
The medium density foam is lightweight and easy to clean, just use a little bit of soap and water. They’re available as a single egg or in packs of two, four, or six, and there are three colours to choose from.
Maji Sports Bamboo Yoga
This bamboo yoga block from Maji Sports looks amazing, and it’s sustainable and eco-friendly. Bamboo grows fast after harvesting, quickly replenishing itself, so you don’t have to worry about deforestation or other negative effects on the planet. This wood block is lightweight like a foam block but delivers superior support during a yoga session. If you’re looking for a good yoga block that’s capable of holding a little more weight, this is the one. The smooth finish and rounded edges are easy to hold onto, and the size is perfect for smaller hands.
Final Word on Best Yoga Blocks
Yoga blocks are a great accessory, no matter how much experience you have. Beginners can use them for extra support while getting used to restorative poses and working on their strength, stamina, and flexibility. Those with a bit of experience find them indispensable for getting into deeper poses and providing just the right amount of support while taking on more difficult asanas.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a yoga block, including what material will work best for you and what size block you need. We included a nice variety of options so you can find the best yoga blocks for your needs.
