Yoga blocks are very popular and I would be surprised if you find a yoga class that doesn’t have one! No matter what you think about yoga blocks, let me share my opinion: Every yogi should learn to use yoga blocks to their advantage. They are for everyone, beginner, advanced, instructor and more, especially when it comes to flexibility. In our guide, you will find the best yoga blocks as well as a little more information: what are the types? how they are used or how to choose the right model for you.
What are the best yoga blocks?
You must know that you will find cork and foam and not necessarily one is better than another. The foam ones are also used for Pilates exercises. The foam ones tend to be lighter and softer, while the cork ones are a bit more resistant.
Taking your needs into account is also important. You see, a single basic block can serve to reach the first positions. However, a package with more than one will serve you better when you have more flexibility.
Maybe you do not take yoga classes at home or want to continue your activities outside the home, the best is a portable model with high resistance to wear. It is vital that whatever your choice is anti-slip, for your safety and well-being.
Next, you have my comparative list with those of the best brands, the cheapest and ready to buy. Don’t waste more time!
1. IUGA Yoga Blocks
The material these blocks are made of is eco-friendly EVA foam. In addition, it has the advantage that it does not absorb sweat or a bad odour, always remaining free of bacteria. Of course, you can clean it with soap and water if necessary. This pack comes with two blocks of 22.9x 15.2x 7.6cm and a 2-meter metal strap. The blocks are particularly strong and thick enough to keep your head or neck from being bent or needing more support than the block when you are lopsided.
2. Set of two Kork-Deko cork yoga blocks
Both are made of 100% natural material, from the cork oak of Portugal, it is natural and renewable raw material. They provide great stability and at the same time they are non-slip. They are robust and of good size and weight, this does not deform easily.
3. #DoYourYoga foam yoga blocks
This pair is completely foam, there are available in a variety of vibrant colours and striking for any personality, for girls and boys alike. They have the backing of a quality brand. Do not be fooled by its lightness, they are very resistant.
4. Collumino Traditional Thai Kapok Yoga Block
The next yoga blocks we want to show you are those made with natural plant materials, such as kapok, which is untreated, remaining as the original plant fibre extracted directly from the fruits of this tropical tree and used directly in the block. There are 16 different designs and each of them is handmade and responsibly. Due to its firmness and softness, it allows you to maintain the correct posture to meditate or practice yoga even in some of the most complicated positions that require the help of a block.
5. Set of 2 foam blocks Timberbrother
It comes in various colours and also in a variety of sizes, depending on your needs. This solid structure is a smooth surface that guarantees stability and the optimal and comfortable grip you need. These are two versatile blocks to use in the pilates as well.
6. Yamkas Yoga Block Set
The next blocks we want you to know about are those ones that you can choose in the colour you want since it ranges from purple to orange and blue. It is made of ecological moisture-proof foam that repels bacteria. It is pleasant to the touch and has rounded edges so you can easily pick it up. Despite having a firm consistency, they are very comfortable and soft, providing the perfect support to be able to perform yoga postures with greater skill, especially at first, with people who are beginning in this world.
7. Set of blocks of yoga and pilates of 66fit
They are the resource you need to adopt the correct positions because they are of different sizes. The smaller one helps to raise the head, achieving the correct alignment of the neck. While the big one is used to level the pelvis. Both work well for yoga and pilates.
8. Lotuscrafts yoga block SUPRAGRIP
You should know that this block is especially soft and non-slip because it is made of fine natural cork, which also makes it a great ally of the environment. It has the perfect dimensions for the practice of the asana and is easy to combine with other accessories.
What are yoga blocks?
The yoga block is rectangular in shape and generally has a standardized size: 22 cm x 11 cm x 7cm. Its thickness of 6 to 7 cm makes it easy to catch in one hand. It is often light which also makes it easy to move it from one side to the other of your carpet.
A yoga block is made of cork or EVA foam, and more rarely you can find bamboo. The most common yoga blocks are usually made of foam. Unfortunately not very ecological, they are quite soft and therefore ideal to sit on without pain. This is why they have become over time the favourites of yoga practitioners. They are also very light. On the other hand, the cork blocks will be heavier and firmer. They will have the same use as foam yoga blocks but will sometimes be more uncomfortable if you want to rest on them for example, like in Yin Yoga.
Benefits of using a yoga blocks
Have you ever wondered before what a good yoga block can serve you? Well, I give you the answer: with them, you can have better stability and alignment by making endless yoga postures.
There are times when the floor can seem as if it is too far away and that’s when a good block brings you closer so that you can move more comfortably and safely. In turn, they serve to work specific muscle points and improve flexibility in the exercises.
How are yoga blocks used?
You will see, the yoga block is widely used in Iyengar Yoga. The reason? It allows you to find better alignment in the postures, to put less strain on the muscles and thus reduce injuries. Besides, Iyengar yoga is the style of yoga most recommended by doctors, because by using a lot of supports and equipment, it minimizes bad positions that could be dangerous for practitioners.
Blocks and styles of yoga
In addition, yoga blocks are also used in another very different style of yoga: Yin yoga. It is a style of yoga where the postures are held at least 3 minutes and sometimes 10 minutes. This practice, ideal for flexibility, is nevertheless quite intense. Indeed, it can be complicated to remain still in a position that works muscles and joints for a long time. So to avoid discomfort or pain, blocks can help support the weight of the body in certain postures. For example, you can use them to relax your head on the Sphinx or Dragonfly posture for example.
Yoga blocks and posture
On the other hand, yoga blocks are used in all practices for the moment of meditation. Indeed, we can sometimes stay 10 minutes in meditation in yoga. Likewise, during Pranayama exercises, which are often performed while seated. So, to help you stay comfortable in your posture, you can place a yoga block under your glutes. This will allow you to have less back pain over the minutes but also to keep your spine straight
The yoga block also makes it possible not to go backwards while sitting, as we sometimes tend to do. Placed under your glutes, it will help you for the posture of the Pince Assise for example.
Finally, in certain postures, yoga blocks can be placed under the knees, under the thighs or elsewhere in order to stabilize. This can make it possible not to leave one leg in a vacuum or to relieve an overly intense stretch. For example, in posture Butterfly, if your knees are off the ground, you can put two blocks under the legs to limit the work of gravity, which can quickly become painful. In a way, the yoga blocks will then serve as a wedge.
What to consider when buying yoga blocks?
To choose your ideal block you must consider several things. The first is the material used in its construction and it is fundamental because it defines a large part of the utility of each model. Then there are the size, weight, shape, stability and more.
Materials
Wooden blocks
Wood blocks are frequently made from bamboo, birch, maple, pine, balsam, and poplar. Hardwoods will be more durable, while softer ones will be lighter. The wooden blocks are comparatively hard and heavy (these normally weigh between 675 grams and 1.2 kg) but they are very strong, more aesthetic and will last forever.
The downside to wood blocks is that they are expensive, they become slippery with wet hands, they can slide when you put them on wood floors and they don’t always stack properly.
Cork Blocks
The yoga blocks cork can be more environmentally friendly than wood (depending on how they have been extracted wood and cork) and blocks of cork are softer and lighter than wood (between 450 and 900 grams.
These yoga blocks stack and store very well, but unfortunately, the cork absorbs sweat and odours that can occasionally cause unpleasant odours and crack or splinter over time.
Foam Blocks
The yoga blocks foam are cheaper than wood and cork and lighter (weighing between 85 and 300 grams) and are very soft. Due to their low cost, durability and ease of cleaning, these are the most common blocks among yoga centre.
The downside to foam blocks is that they get dirty and wear easily, and they are not eco-friendly like wood or cork. Likewise, they may also feel weak or unstable when used as a support.
Size
There are various sizes of yoga blocks: standard (approximately 220 x 110 x 70 mm) or XL (approximately 230 x 120 x 75 mm). But, be aware that you can also find this yoga accessory especially for the candle to avoid putting too much pressure on your cervical (about 300 x 200 x 50 mm). The dimensions of your yoga block should match your height (especially that of your hands) and your flexibility. A small brick is ideal for easy transport because it is more compact and light.
Shape
Here there may not be too much fabric to cut, since, after all, they are rectangular blocks. However, there are some models that are used for yoga postures with a block that comes in the form of brick, that is, with holes in between. In turn, there are yoga eggs with rounded edges that resemble eggs, others with arch shape and more.
Stability
Stability is fundamental so that you can feel comfortable and safe when doing various poses, mainly those standing up. For this, you will need to get a good block of durable and flexible materials, but do not overlap or bend on the sides.
Weight
The lightest blocks are foam and can weigh less than 450 grams. Yes, they are light! If you often move them from one place to another, like the yoga studio at home and the gym, you will appreciate the difference in weight with respect to cork or wood.
