If you’re like most yogis… then you’ve probably wondered about the benefits of yoga blocks – and are really worth the investment? How about the pros and cons?

After all, they’re not exactly cheap – and you may not be sure what benefits they offer.

In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at the upsides and downsides of using yoga blocks… so you can decide if they’re worth the purchase or not. Let’s dive in!

What is a yoga block – and how are they used?

Yoga blocks are the #1 yoga prop used by instructors and yogis of all levels – and they’re used to add crucial support, balance and stability to difficult poses. We cover this topic deeper in this article here.

Yoga blocks get extremely high reviews among yogis – especially when they help achieve a yoga pose or stretch they need help with (and couldn’t accomplish without a block).

Benefits of a yoga block

Helps with lack of flexibility

If you can’t reach as far into a stretch or pose, a yoga block comes in handy.

For example – if you can’t fully touch the ground in Triangle pose (and many other poses), then a block will “raise the ground” so you can place your hand on a surface – allowing you to stabilize yourself.

This can help improve your flexibility and range of motion over time. But on the other hand, it also helps with…

Deeper stretches

Instead, if you’re rather flexible, one of the greatest benefits of a yoga block? It can help you to achieve deeper stretches.

If you place the block under your hand or foot, you will be able to stretch further than you would without the block – making it easier to extend further and improve your stretch.

Support and stability

If you are new to yoga, or if you have any injuries or limitations, yoga blocks and props can help you to maintain proper alignment and avoid any further injuries. This is especially helpful when you progress from beginner poses to medium-level poses.

Balance and alignment

Using a yoga block can also help to increase your balance. When you place the block under your hand or foot, it will force you to engage your core muscles to maintain your balance. This can help to improve your overall strength and stability.

Downsides of a yoga block

Sometimes bulky and difficult to store

This is especially true if you have more than one.

You can make storage easier by investing in a yoga block rack. A yoga block rack is a great way to keep your blocks organized and within easy reach.

It also means that you won’t have to carry them around with you when you travel – so if you’re looking for a convenient way to store your yoga blocks, a yoga block rack is the perfect solution.

Not required for every single yoga pose

Yoga blocks are often seen as an essential part of a yoga practice, but they’re not required for every single pose.

For example, in Warrior I, blocks can be used to support the arms, but they can also get in the way if you’re trying to bring your chest to the floor. The key is to experiment and see what works best for you in each pose. Sometimes blocks will be helpful, and sometimes they won’t be needed at all.

You might need 2 blocks for certain poses

Most yogis find that one yoga block is sufficient for their needs. However, there are some poses in which two blocks may be helpful:

• If you are working on an inversion pose and need extra support for your head, two blocks can be placed underneath your shoulders.
• If you are trying to stretch your hamstrings, you may place one block under each hand in order to maintain proper alignment.

In general, it is best to start with one block and only add a second block if you feel that you need it. With a little experimentation, you will quickly find the right number of blocks for your practice.

So are the benefits of yoga blocks actually worth it?

Most instructors agree that yoga blocks are worth it – especially for beginner and medium-level yogis that need better support to help master a pose. In fact, many yogis think cork vs. foam yoga blocks are better.

Blocks provide extra support and stability, which can be helpful for beginners or those with tight muscles or limited flexibility. Additionally, using a yoga block can help you to deepen your stretches and achieve more challenging poses.