If you’re reading this article, you’re probably wondering:

• How many yoga blocks do I ACTUALLY need?
• Do some poses and exercises need two?
• Is there anything else I should know before deciding?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the different reasons you can use yoga blocks – and how many blocks you’ll need for each purpose. So let’s get started!

How many yoga blocks do I need?

Rarely will you need more than 2, so the answer is 1 or 2. Overall, it depends on your individual practice and what you hope to achieve with yoga blocks – along with what poses, stretches and exercises you might need help with. Let’s cover them below.

General reasons you might need 1 or 2 yoga blocks

1) To stabilize your body with 2 hands

If you can’t fully reach the ground with your hands, then you’ll need to “heighten” the ground with 2 blocks on each side. This can allow you to practice difficult poses (without needing to fully extend your arms to the ground). If you haven’t already yet, read our blog post on what a yoga block is for beginners.

2) To support the body in seated or standing poses

If you have trouble maintaining good alignment in seated or standing poses, using a block can help by giving you something to rest your hand or foot on. This will help you keep your hips squared and your spine long.

For example, if you’re having trouble keeping your foot parallel to the ground in warrior II pose, placing a block underneath your foot can help. Try using one block at first, and see how it feels. If you need more support, you can use two blocks stacked on top of each other.

3) To deepen stretches

Yoga blocks can be used to deepen stretches by providing resistance against which you can press.

Try this – if you want a deeper stretch in hamstrings, try placing a block under your sitting bone as you extend your leg straight out in front of you. You can also place a block under your hand in Triangle Pose to add resistance as you stretch over to the side. Start with one block and see how it feels before adding a second block.

4) To modify challenging poses

Certain yoga poses can be quite challenging, particularly for beginners. Modifying these poses with blocks can make them more accessible while still providing a good workout.

For example, if regular Camel Pose is too challenging for you, try placing a block under each hand for support as you arch back. In Downward-Facing Dog, placing blocks under your hands can help relieve pressure in the wrists and shoulders. Once again, start with one block and only add a second block if needed.

5) To improve balance

If you have trouble maintaining balance in tree pose or Half Camel Pose, try placing a block on its widest side directly underneath your offset hand for support. As always, start with one block and only add a second if needed.

6) To prop up the body during relaxation

During relaxation at the end of class, it’s important that your body is supported so that you can fully relax into the pose. Placing a yoga block under your head, hips, or knees can help achieve this goal. Depending on which part of the body you’re supporting, you may need one or two blocks.

Specific yoga poses, stretches & exercises that can benefit from 2 yoga blocks

Warrior III

This pose helps to build strength in the legs and core. Using 2 blocks can help to keep the hips level and ensure that the pose is being done correctly – while maintaining balance (by reaching your hands down to hold you).

Standing Split

This pose helps to stretch the hamstrings, hips and back – while improving your balance. The blocks are helpful to support both of your hands, making it easier to maintain the correct form.

Camel Pose

This deep backbend is a great way to open up the chest and shoulders. The blocks can be placed under the pelvis to help support the spine and prevent injury.

Bridge Pose

This is a great pose for strengthening the back and glutes while also improving flexibility in the hips. The blocks can be placed under the feet to help with alignment and provide support for the lower back.

Lizard Pose

Here you might want to stack 2 blocks – so you can create a high-enough platform for your elbows/forearms. This helps immensely if you can’t stretch all the way to the ground, to lay your arms down flat.

Final thoughts on how many yoga blocks you need

As you can see, there are many different reasons why someone might need 2 yoga blocks during their practice. The different block materials are a factor too.

Overall, it depends on the individual, what poses & exercises they’re practicing, and what they hope to achieve with their practice.

However, it’s generally recommended that beginners start with one block (and buy more blocks as needed). As you get deeper into more advanced poses and stretches, you might need a 2nd block.

Whatever your level or needs may be, remember that yoga blocks are a great way to support the body and deepen your practice!