What Is a Yoga Block?
A yoga block is one of the easiest ways to get started with yoga. It’s essentially a rectangular block of foam that acts as a prop to support specific poses. Frequently, yoga blocks are used to take pressure off knees, ankles, and elbows. Blocks are of course also used to elevate a pose to make it easier.
Yoga blocks can be made of a variety of materials, including soft foam, firm foam, cork, wood, or recycled rubber.
Why Do I Need a Yoga Block?
Yoga blocks are handy for beginners. If you are too stiff or too inflexible to accomplish a pose, the yoga block can provide the extra help needed to hold a pose.
Yoga blocks can also provide support for a downward-facing dog. This pose is commonly used as the final resting position of a sun salutation.
Blocks are also great for deepening stretches or poses. In savasana, for example, a woman who cannot comfortably straighten her legs may place a block under each thigh for additional support.
What Else Can Yoga Blocks Do for Me?
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Manduka Cork Yoga Block | Best Overall |  |
| REEHUT Yoga Blocks 1-PC/ 2-PC | Budget Pick |  |
| Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Manduka Cork Yoga Block
Pros:
- Hand-cut from sustainably-harvested cork
- Thick and sturdy
- Strongly resembles a block that would be used in a yoga studio
- No chemical smell as it’s made from natural material
- Lightweight
- Comes in at a reasonable price
Cons:
- It’s not as sticky as I expected after reading the reviews
- Not as sturdy as I expected for the hefty price tag
The Manduka Cork Yoga Block is designed to have a look that is similar to a yoga studio block. It is 100% eco-friendly because it is made from the sustainably-harvested cork of the Cork Oak trees.
The cork is harvested by hand so it takes a little bit longer for the blocks to reach production. This is why the price is a little steep. The cork is heavy duty and about 1/3 of an inch thick.
It’s not sticky like other yoga blocks though.
2. Manduka Recycled High Density EVA Foam Yoga Block
Pros:
- Lightweight recycled foam block is firm yet comfortable to use.
- One side is covered with velvety, high-density EVA foam for extra comfort and support.
- Light grey block is not coated with black or colored polyurethane, so it does not flake, peel or chip.
Cons:
- Edges of block can collect dirt, lint, and pet hair that can be difficult to remove.
- Block gets sharper the more you use it, so be prepared to replace if you use it a lot.
- Some users have reported receiving a used – dirty – product.
This is a great lightweight yoga block for balance and support to sit on, to cover with a blanket or towel for reclining poses, or to put under or behind legs or arms in poses such as downward facing dog or wide-legged forward fold.
The reason I recommend this one over others is because it has a nice, smooth texture and the edges are well finished so that lint, dirt, and pet hair does not stick to it, and so that it does not collect hair and become gross.
One side is high-density EVA foam and the other side is covered with a soft velvet-like material so that your hands and feet do not slip and it is more comfortable to use.
3. Gaiam Cork Yoga Brick
Pros:
- Very light weight
- Good for several Yoga and Pilates poses
- Easy to clean
- Does not slip and tip over during exercises
- Good cork material, nice size
Bottom line:
Nowadays India seems to be synonymous with Yoga, it is practiced by millions people including body-builders, school kids, professionals, house wives, Hip-Hop icons, models, actors, sports persons. Yoga is extremely beneficial for body, mind and spirit. Though, Yoga blocks have been around for a long time surprisingly it is not so easily available so it is not practical to use pressure on your wrists or elbow.
It is a good option for those who find Yoga blocks a bit expensive and are tight on budget. Bricks find a place in most of the Yoga asanas, it is not essential for practitioners but helps them to do certain exercises in proper form.
4. Cork Yoga Block
Pros:
- Basic yoga block design.
- Nice pyramid shape for comfort.
- Hard, dense cork. Very weighty, yet moldable.
- Smooth without streaks or scratches.
- Cork has nice chemical-free odor.
Cons:
- Some reviewers find it too dense (or heavy).
This is a very basic yoga block with a matte surface. Khaki in color, it is made from solid cork that is very dense and heavy. It is a very durable block.
The edges are rounded gently and the surface has no scratches or streaks, but it is not very smooth. It is quite comfortable while sitting on the block, but could be too tall to use under your knees for comfort during a long inversion pose. The lower quality cork blocks out there will tend to feel the same as this option, at least initially.
While the cork itself is a big part of its value, the convenience of being able to out it in the dishwasher for cleaning is also a bonus. Some reviewers felt the block could be too dense for a beginner, however, especially if they are using it as a wedge. Others found it too tall for comfort and too heavy for use as a wedge. Still the majority of reviewers found the quality very good, and appreciate the lack of odor, which tends to be very strong on blocks made from actual tree cork.
5. YOGA DESIGN LAB
Pros:
- Can be used for a variety of poses
- Soft enough to use comfortably but firm enough to be an asset during practice.
- Attractive colors and cool design.
- Price is reasonable for what you get.
Cons:
- The pad at the bottom started unraveling, but this was after 3 years of pretty heavy use. It likely would have lasted much longer if I were more careful.
- The instructions that come with the block are not the best, but you can find some here that are better.
This stretchy, lightweight block is my favorite yoga block. It is made of a dense foam that is firm enough to be of use when needed, but soft enough not to leave you with bruises afterward. I love that it comes in colors, so you can choose the one you like best. There are 20 or so different color options, so there is one to match just about any gym environment.
It is pretty small, but it is just big enough to be helpful, while still remaining portable. I also like that it has a little indentation in the top, which makes it easy to grip. The design of this block is also very nice and simple.
Bottom line: Overall, I really love this extra wide yoga block. It is great for anyone looking for a small-sized, well-made block that is fun.
6. Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block
Pros:
- Non-slip surface
- Sturdy on ground
- Comfortable surface area
- Value for money
Cons:
- Cumbersome
- Might leave an imprint on some surfaces
Working out or practicing yoga can be very taxing on the body so before you do the former, you probably should consider the latter. Yoga is a practice that is thousands of years old, and a good yoga mat is an absolute must.
This continues to be a huge problem to many that make up a huge percentage of the population that have been struggling to find the right mat to practice yoga on and for a long time are unable to do so because most mats that have existed in the market have always been too slippery to attempt yoga on.
If you are searching for a yoga mat that has a plush surface to practice on that is quite stable and provides you with enough traction to stick to that mat well enough especially when attempting more advanced poses and if you are looking forward to a yoga mat that has a high-quality design and an eye-catching comfort to it, then the Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block is a mat for you.
7. IUGA Yoga Block 2 Pack
Pros:
- Well-sized, not too big.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Built well and will last a long time.
- Fabric is stretchable.
- (Left to right) Top to bottom: height, weight, width, depth
Cons:
- The gliding of the strap to the block can be a little rough and noisy.
This pair of yoga blocks is constructed with a high tensile strength grip material for the handles. It has a durable carrying strap and a comfortable surface for your wrists.
These lightweight and portable yoga blocks are well sized and non-slip for your comfort. The surface is versatile and can be used for yoga, pilates, and meditation. You can use it to increase strength, and flexibility as well as for balance.
These yoga blocks are comfortable to hold and the IUGA yoga block can be used with IUGA yoga straps for added support. The strap is available for purchase on Amazon.
8. JBM Yoga Block Plus Strap
Pros:
- Gel filling and stretched cover adds on the original comfort and stability.
- Ergonomically shaped, the blocks are easy to carry and use.
- The strap can be used to secure the block to your wrist or ankle for added security.
- The block is lightweight, and can be thrown in a backpack or carry-on.
- The block is easy on the budget, and available at a competitive price.
- The package includes 5 blocks so you’ll have a replacement on hand in time, in case your block wears out.
- The block is available in various colors.
Cons:
- The block might become dirty without regular maintenance.
Water-Resistant and Portable for Home and Gym Use With Hook and Belt for Easy Carry.
According to market surveys, yoga is the most popular form of exercise nowadays. If you are a frequent yoga practitioner or student, you will know that there could be no better way to do yoga than on block yoga mats. A yoga block (sometimes referred to as a yoga brick) is a foam or cardboard block that is used to support some specific points in yoga pose or to assist in a difficult pose.
9. REEHUT Yoga Blocks 1-PC/ 2-PC
Pros:
- High-density EVA foam yoga block with a very nice feel and weight.
1-piece and 2-piece Blocks, 5-inch and 8-inch Stacking Height – by REEHUT.
Very useful blocks. Perfect for any type of yoga. We use them on a daily basis.
The blocks are very nice, stable and firm. They also serve as a comfortable sitting or kneeling surface. This is a 2-piece stacking block.
10. URBNFit Yoga Block
Pros:
- Reversible: This short block is reversible and that means you get two different height options when using it. This is great for people who are looking for a little bit of extra height but don’t want to jump straight to the full-sized block.
- Stable: This block may be small, but it’s actually quite stable. It’s also pretty light, so it’s easy to carry around with you from room to room in your house.
- Safe: This block is excellent for helping to improve your balance and flexibility. It’s also non-toxic and doesn’t emit any harmful chemicals or odors into the air.
- Versatile: This is one of those blocks that will help you to improve your balance and flexibility regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
Cons:
- A bit pricey: This is not a bad block, but it’s usually one of the more expensive options in the market.
Overall, though, this is a very nice reversible block that is ideally suited for beginners and experts alike. It’s a little expensive, but this is a well-built piece of equipment that is worth the money.
11. Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster
Pros:
- Comfortable and firm.
- More affordable than traditional bolsters due to its use of polypropylene.
- Can be used for any pose.
- Designed so that it can be folded around you, providing extra support to those who need it.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come in the color blue.
- Might not provide the same level of comfort offered by traditional bolsters made with cotton.
The Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster is effective for those who need an extra bit of support or who are less mindful of their body’s alignment.
With its polypropylene shell, it won’t melt if you accidentally leave it outside in the heat. It promises to be as comfortable as its cotton counterparts and is guaranteed for a whopping 10 years.
12. AmazonBasics Foam Yoga Blocks
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- No chemical smell like most blocks
- Very affordable price
- Great for beginners and intermediates
- A good block for the money
Cons:
- Strong odor when you open the package
- You can feel and hear the memory foam when holding the block in your hand
- Each block is just one piece of foam, as opposed to two layers stitched together
What we can say for sure is that most of these blocks will give you enough support that you can achieve a whole new range of poses you didn’t know you could do before. But if you’re a bit more serious about yoga and you’re able to spend a bit more money to get better quality, you really must try the Jade block.
One of the best yoga blocks for beginners on the market these days. The Jade block has good quality foam that is dense, durable, and comfortable. It is heavier in weight so you don’t have to worry if it will fall over or if your dog will take it to bed.
This one tends to cost more than a lot of the other brands and styles out there but is well worth the extra money. Many advanced practitioners also have these for home use as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which type of yoga block is best?
There are 5 distinct styles of yoga blocks. They are cork(natural), foam, cotton, cork/foam and wood. Cork(natural) is the most popular because it is the quietest. Cork is ideal for beginners who still need to be silent in the studio. Foam is durable and the best light weight option. Cushion cork and cork/foam are a great cheap alternative for home use.
Wood is very sturdy and eco-friendly. 2-piece block and wood blocks fold to save space. All cork and foam blocks are not suitable for traveling. 2-piece blocks are the lightest blocks and they are great for traveling.
What size yoga block is best?
A one-inch block, which is also called a 1-inch block is fine for most people. If you need to do some very deep stretches or are a very tall person, you’ll want a 2-inch block.
2-inch blocks are typically used in yoga classes because they are far more stable, large and long. They are also easier for people who need an extra long reach.
Are Yoga blocks worth it?
Absolutely! The idea is that you can pose in a perfect form with the use of yoga blocks.
The blocks are great for stretching exercises once you have mastered the required form of the poses. When you are just starting out, your muscles might not be strong enough to hold the shape for long, which is why Yoga blocks are so useful to take the pressure off.
Thus, Yoga blocks improve your flexibility and strength, as well as help you work on your body alignment. Some of the Yoga blocks that we reviewed below include foam, cork, foam/cork combination and wood.
Are cork yoga blocks better?
Yoga blocks are a wonderful device to have when practicing yoga as they come in handy for a variety of different practicing needs. Depending on the type of yoga you are doing and depending on the type of Yoga block you have, they might be used to help with balance, to increase the intensity of certain stretches, to increase the stretch in others or to keep you from leaning too far or putting pressure on your joints.
Cork yoga blocks are a particular type of yoga block that are produced using cork wood. Cork blocks have found a following because they are very versatile and very durable. They aren’t just used when practicing yoga, but also in Pilates to make sure practitioners can get the workout they want while preventing pressure on their backs, hips and knees. Many people also use cork blocks in ballet classes.
Conclusion
Yoga blocks are a handy tool for performing certain yoga poses. They also are a great way to improve balance and can even allow you to perform more challenging poses.
We reviewed 12 of the best yoga blocks on the market today. All of the yoga blocks below are easy to store and come with a carrying strap.
Most importantly, all of the yoga blocks below are made from good materials that are designed to hold up to the demands of an active yoga practice.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Manduka Cork Yoga Block | Best Overall | |
| REEHUT Yoga Blocks 1-PC/ 2-PC | Budget Pick | |
| Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster | Upgrade Pick | |