Yoga blocks are great for improving your routine… but they can be risky if you don’t have the right TYPE of block.

• A lot of people avoid sitting and standing on yoga blocks because of the risk of injuring themselves – or simply using a block the wrong way.
• This is a valid concern, as certain yoga poses, exercises and stretched can get tricky.
• Regardless, it’s always going to take some practice before you get the hang of it – especially if you’re attempting to stand on a yoga block.

In this article, we give you all the advice you need to stand or sit on a yoga block. We’ll also provide tips on how to use your yoga block for the safest and most effective practice possible.

Is it safe to stand or sit on a yoga block?

While yoga blocks are often used for support during difficult poses… you may be wondering if it’s safe to actually stand or sit on them. The short answer is yes, as long as the block is properly positioned and you use caution. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Make sure that the block is sturdy and won’t slip out from under you.
• Be aware of your alignment and avoid putting too much pressure on one side of the block.
• Use your common sense – if a pose feels risky or unstable, come out of it and try something else.

With a little bit of care, you can safely use yoga blocks to support your practice.

When you SHOULDN’T stand on a yoga block

Under no circumstance should you stand on 3 blocks stacked – and even standing on 2 blocks is risky. If you’re going to use 2 blocks, make sure to they’re wood or cork yoga blocks. Foam blocks certainly won’t be sturdy enough to handle body weight.

Benefits of sitting on a yoga block

For certain poses, sitting on a yoga block can open your hips up to add more comfort – especially in Lotus position (or regular meditation). This helps support your spine and tight leg muscles.

If you’re using the yoga block to help with stretches or to prop yourself up in poses, then you’ll likely see benefits. However, if you’re only using the yoga block as a crutch (and not really trying to do the poses correctly), then you won’t see any benefits.

• If you’re struggling to hold a pose for an extended period of time, for example, try using less support from the block.
• Instead, work your way up to holding the pose for a longer period of time.
• Overusing a yoga block (in the wrong way) can also lead to bad posture and improper alignment.

Which type of yoga blocks should I use to stand or sit on?

When you are doing yoga, you want a block that is going to be sturdy and supportive – and you certainly don’t want one that will crumble, wobble around, or fail to support you.

Cork yoga blocks are extremely sturdy (yet lightweight and not too bulky). These type of blocks are better to stand on, since they give you a stable and strong surface to support your body weight – and many yogis also think they’re more comfortable to sit on as well (compared to foam yoga blocks).

So if you are looking for a yoga block that is going to be sturdy and comfortable, cork is likely your best choice.

What about durability? Will my yoga block “wear out”?

Yoga blocks (especially cork blocks) will hold up for years. Keep the following in mind though:

• You might want to avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or heat.
• This can cause the material to break down over time (especially if you’re using foam – cork is only slightly affected by this).
• Make sure to watch for cracks or chips.
• If strong impacts are made on the blocks (such as falling onto the ground from a high enough distance), this can cause damage.

Remember – you can get so much use out of your yoga block! As long as you take care and maintain it regularly, you’ll have years of sturdy yoga block support.