Top 12 Best Yoga Blocks You Need To Support Your Practice
Considering getting a few props to help grow your practice?
Perhaps you have trouble in balancing poses or maybe you need more stability…
I’ll share with you my personal experience with different types of yoga blocks in the following list. Depending on your needs and how far along you are in your yoga journey you may want to consider different things.
I’ll discuss some of the best yoga blocks I’ve found over the past few years, and even answer a few common questions along the way.
Let’s dive right in with the number one choice...
This Gaiam yoga block has become a favorite by many yoga, Pilates, and gym-goers alike.
The soft yet firm foam block is nice to place between your shoulder blades when lying down. It allows enough cushion on your back to be supported, yet won’t stab or poke you in the wrong places.
Using this block in Hero pose (virasana) is also nice because it gives you that little extra boost you may need to protect your knees. The only small downside is that this block would not be good for standing on top of. The foam is too forgiving and it would be a bit wobbly.
Quick navigation:
- Gaiam Latex-Free EVA Foam Block
- YOGU Blocks Set of 2
- IUGA Yoga Block (2PC) with Strap
- REEHUT Two Blocks And Strap Set
- BalanceFrom GoYoga Set of 2 High Density Yoga Blocks
- Manduka Premium High Density Cork Yoga Block
- ZURA Premium Bamboo Block
- BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set
- Clever Yoga 7-Piece Kit
- URBNFit Yoga Block with Free Workout Guide
- Nu-Source Yoga Block
- YogaAccessories 4'' Foam Exercise Block
?
How Many Yoga Blocks Should I Buy?
If you have enjoyed using one block, then two blocks will open up a world of new possibilities in your yoga practice. I often use two blocks to support me when I am practicing the splits. Having one on both sides of my mat is always reassuring because at least one is always in reach
Having two blocks is nice to have in restorative classes and poses as well. You’ll be able to access lots of different postures when you have that extra block, instead of one.
Let’s look at a few different pairs of blocks you may want to consider.
YOGU Blocks Set of 2
Over 490 Ratings!
These blocks are the perfect pair, because of their size.
Most yoga blocks are 4 inches wide. Typically this is a good thing, but in some cases you actually will want less height on the block. These are only 3 inches wide.
If you have ever had a teacher offer you a block in class then you may know what I mean…
Initially you are trying a pose and struggling. The teacher offers you a block to use, but then you can’t even feel the stretch in the pose because the block is helping TOO much. You end up trading one problem for another.
What do you do?
If you use a smaller block however, you may be able to actually find that happy medium where you are supported AND you’re feeling the stretch as well.
I personally prefer to have two 3” blocks rather than one 4” block. You simply have more options.
IUGA Yoga Block (2PC) with Strap
Over 330 Ratings!
If you’re getting a couple blocks, why not get a strap as well?
This pair from IUGA is a wonderful set when you need stability. Most yoga blocks are made with a lightweight foam, but these are much more dense.
If you want a pair of blocks you can really put your weight into then you’ll want to look more at this set. They may not be good for lying down on, but they’ll be a sturdy option for most other yoga poses.
Naturally, the cool bonus here is the strap you get. If you don’t already have a strap as well in your accessoires then this choice is a clear frontrunner.
?
What Are Yoga Blocks Good For?
Yoga blocks are used for making difficult yoga poses more easy to access. They can also be used for amplifying poses you are already really good at.
For example… Let’s say you are doing Bound Angle Pose - more commonly known as Butterfly. This pose you are seated on the ground and allow both knees to fall out to either side. When you have blocks underneath your knees it can make it less painful on your hips and knee joints.
On the other side of things…. Let’s imagine you are super flexible in your Seated Forward Fold. This pose you simply sit on the ground with your legs extended out in front of you.
If you can easily grab your feet, then you may not feel the stretch that much. However, if you place a block on the soles of your feet, reach past your feet, and grab for the yoga block then you’ll be able to really feel the stretch!
REEHUT Two Blocks And Strap Set
Over 260 Ratings!
This is once again a good pair of blocks with a strap…
This set actually has 2 foam blocks that are 4” instead of 3” wide like the previous item listed. You’ll notice that there are two main variables when choosing a yoga block. It all comes down to size and cushion.
There unfortunately is no one-size-fits-all yoga block out there. It will depend on how soft you want your block and/or how big.
What if you’re really tall?
I would recommend this set for taller, more inflexible people who do yoga. If you can’t bend forward and touch your toes with still about a foot or more of room between your fingertips and your toes, then this would be a good set for you.
You’ll have wider, softer blocks, and a strap to help you with flexibility. Again, a lot of this comes down to preference. It’s not always an exact science.
BalanceFrom GoYoga Set of 2 High Density Yoga Blocks
Over 140 Ratings!
Here are another set of 4” blocks, but this time without a strap.
The density of these blocks is really what makes them special. If you are going to be putting a lot of weight on your blocks then these will be a good solution.
Yoga blocks also take a lot of beating if you have a family, especially with little ones running around. These blocks are durable and strong enough to be thrown around a few times without large chunks of foam breaking off.
How heavy is a yoga block?
Here are the common weights for most yoga blocks:
- Lightweight EVA Foam Block - Less than 1/2 lb
- High Density EVA Foam Block - A bit more than 1/2 lb
- Wooden Block - 1.5 lbs
- Cork Block - 2.5 lbs
Every company will have different weights when it comes to their specific yoga block. Some ultra lightweight blocks will only be 3 or 4 ounces heavy. Some wooden blocks can be very heavy if they are made of denser tree materials such as oak.
Let’s explore a couple of the more heavy yoga blocks on the market...
This Manduka block is truly a premium product…
The heavyweight cork material provides you support and stability like no other foam block can. If you are seeking safety and support in your practice then this is the way to go.
Furthermore, cork will have just a tiny bit of “give” to it. It’s not squishy, but you’ll notice that it may feel a bit better on your joints than perhaps a wooden block that has zero give.
For those who have sweaty hands you may also like cork blocks. They provide an extra element of grip when they are damp.
ZURA Premium Bamboo Block
Weighing in at only 1.5 lbs this block is a good lightweight solution when you need ultimate stability.
ZURA promotes itself as, “good for restorative” yoga practices, but I would have to disagree. You do need a certain level of comfort in yoga poses and if a hard block like this one is digging into your body you may not find it very enjoyable.
?
How Do Beginners Use Yoga Blocks?
Most yoga beginners will use blocks to help with making the overall process of doing yoga easier.
Just because you can do a pose, doesn’t always mean you should without the support of a yoga block. Having a little extra help is always nice when first starting something new. Beginners should listen to their teachers and use yoga blocks whenever instructed to do so.
If you are just starting out then you might want to look into a few starter’s packages as well.
BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set
Over 1100 Ratings!
Here’s a fantastic option for anyone just starting their yoga practice…
This set is perfect for anyone trying to recover from an injury or someone who is seeking to relieve chronic pain.
What’s your skill level?
You’ll have plenty of options with this set of mats and accessories. Specifically, the mat is meant for those who need a lot of cushion. More advanced yoga students will find this mat to be troublesome, but those who find sitting on the ground painful will really enjoy it.
If you are wanting to tread very lightly into the world of yoga and haven’t been very mobile in a few years then this will be a good package deal.
Clever Yoga 7-Piece Kit
Over 680 Ratings!
This would be a good kit for someone slightly above the beginner level…
If you are decently fit and don’t have any major health issues then you’ll enjoy this package of products.
The mat specifically is a good all-around yoga mat. It will deliver good stability and grip for most every style of yoga. Even if you love hot yoga then you’ll have a towel to use as well!
The blocks are comfortable to use and only 3” wide. This is good because as you progress in skill level 3” blocks tend to be a bit better than 4” blocks.
Are Yoga Blocks Toxic?
Most foam yoga blocks are made from EVA (ethel vinyl acetate) which is supposed to be non toxic. The real issue lies in whether or not these blocks contain a chemical called formamide or not.
Countries like France and Belgium have banned EVA for the use of play materials while the rest of the world is still on the fence. It all comes down to the manufacturing process. Look here if you are curious about yoga mat materials.
You’ll have to dig...
It’s rather hard to confirm if a foam yoga block has formamide in it or not. Playroom flooring (the ones that look like big rectangular puzzle pieces) will advertise whether or not they contain this chemical. Yoga blocks on the other hand do not. You’ll have to contact the manufacturer directly.
The cheaper the yoga block the more at risk you’ll be for toxins. Granted, everyone is different. Some people may not mind EVA yoga blocks and others will only want a wood or a cork block for this very reason.
That being said, here are the last few picks…
This is the best quality block for the price…
The manufacture is top quality and ensures there are no harmful toxins like, heavy metals, chlorides, phenols and/or latex.
The density of the foam is good for laying on and has a decent amount of give to it. You’ll enjoy the 3” width as well which makes this product a bit more manageable in your yoga practice.
Nu-Source Yoga Block
Over 100 Ratings!
This foam block is pretty basic…
You get one yoga block that’s 3” wide that has a good amount of padding a squish to it.
In terms of toxic materials, this manufacturer does not list what all goes into the creation of these EVA blocks so buyer beware.
You may be thinking “why would products like this even be on the list if they may contain toxic chemicals?”
First of all, I do not know if it does or not. I haven’t contacted the manufacturer of this product. Second, this article is meant to guide and educate you the buyer.
If potential toxicity is a red flag for you then please be aware. If you don’t care, then this yoga block may be a good cheap option for you.
YogaAccessories 4'' Foam Exercise Block
Over 100 Ratings!
It’s pink, cute, cheap, and will get the job done…
This is the last choice on the list because it’s super basic. There are no extra blocks or straps to go with it. There’s no cool design on the block or really anything special.
If you want a super cheap yoga block then here you go!
Summary
The three biggest things to keep in mind when choosing a yoga block are size, weight, and cushion. If you want a block that has decent support with a good amount of cushion to it then you’ll be happy with the Gaiam block listed at the top.
Others will want something that is firm, non-toxic, and will support their weight no matter what. In that case I’d go with the cork block from Manduka as your top choice.
What’s been your experience with yoga blocks? How have they helped you in your practice?
Let me know below!