Yoga essentials (like yoga blocks) are great tools to improve your practice.

What exactly is a yoga block – and what is a yoga block used for?

In this article, we’ll give you the scoop on what it is (and how it’s used) – so you can decide if you need one yourself. Let’s dive in!

What is a yoga block?

A yoga block is a tool (made of foam or cork) which is used as a prop in yoga. They come in a few shapes/sizes, but they’re all designed to help support and stabilize you – along with alignment, deepening a stretch, or adding height off the ground.

Are yoga blocks useful and helpful?

Most instructors, students and yogis believe that blocks are a highly-useful prop and accessory for yoga. For beginners, supportive blocks can:

• Provide extra support and stability in seated and standing poses (when students are first learning how to balance).
• Help more advanced yogis achieve deeper stretches by extending reach.
• Be used creatively in sun salutations and vinyasa flows to add variety to a practice.

Ultimately, blocks can be a great prop for anyone who wants to improve their practice. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing yoga for years, investing in a 1-2 blocks can provide useful support to enhance your routine.

What are yoga blocks used for? Are they necessary?

Yoga blocks are an essential tool for beginner and intermediate yogis, as they can help to make yoga accessible and safe for all bodies. For example, a block can be:

• Placed under the hand in order to help with downward facing dog.
• Placed under the sacrum in bridge pose to provide support for the low back.
• Used in restorative poses to add comfort and relaxation.

But how do they improve my practice? And any negatives I should know about?

Using yoga blocks in your practice can enhance your overall experience and help you improve your alignment, balance, and flexibility.

• These small foam or cork blocks offer support and stability in poses where you may not be able to fully reach the ground or maintain proper form. We cover this more in our article – Yoga Block Benefits – Are They Worth It? [Pros and Cons]
• They can also be used as an extension of your arms or legs to deepen a stretch or aid in more challenging poses.
• And because they are fairly portable, you can take them with you to any yoga class or home practice.

So whether you’re just starting out on your yoga journey or are a seasoned practitioner, incorporating yoga blocks into your practice can greatly improve your routine – and therefore improve your physical & mental well-being.

What are yoga blocks made of? What are the best materials?

Yoga blocks are typically made with the 3 following materials:

• Foam
• Cork
• Wood/bamboo

Each one has their benefits and downsides – especially depending on the type of yoga being practiced. We dive further into this topic here: Cork vs. Foam Yoga Blocks – Which Is Better? [Pros and Cons]

How long do yoga blocks last?

With proper care, yoga blocks can hold up for years. The key is to clean them regularly and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the material to break down over time.

In addition, be sure to inspect your yoga blocks before each use, as impact from a hard surface can cause cracks or chips. With a little care, your yoga blocks will provide you with years of support and stability on your yoga journey.

Do I need more than one yoga block?

It depends on what poses & exercises you want the block(s) for. If you need help with balance or support during your poses, then you might only need one. But if you need help with deepening your stretches, then you might need two.

• For example – in many poses, you’ll need to reach your hands to the ground to stabilize yourself (but many yogis aren’t flexible enough to do that, for certain poses).
• If you can’t reach all the way, then 2 blocks can “heighten” the ground for you.
• This allows you to achieve those poses, without needing years of practice and flexibility work.

If you want a personalized recommendation on whether you need more than 1 block, just reach out to us.

Are yoga blocks all the same size?

Almost all yoga blocks are 9 inches in length and 6 inches in width. In terms of height/thickness, you typically see between 3 and 4 inches. We talk more about this in our article for comparing yoga bricks vs. yoga blocks.

Final thoughts on yoga blocks and their uses

So there you have it – everything you need to know about yoga blocks! (Which are basically the same as bricks, with slight differences).

These props can be a great addition to your practice, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. They can help with alignment, support difficult poses, and add an extra challenge to your flows. Whichever way you choose to use them, make sure you’re investing in a good quality block that will last you for years. Happy block-ing!