Practicing yoga doesn’t require many pieces of equipment and has a wide range of benefits for all fitness levels, including improved strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga can act as stress management and it can also help those who are chronic sufferers of back pain. A quality yoga mat, cleaner, a yoga wheel for more advanced yogis and a yoga block are all that’s needed to get the most out of your practice.
Whether you’re just starting out on your yoga journey or have been breathing your way through warrior pose for years, every yogi can benefit from the addition of yoga blocks to their practice. Traditionally made from foam, bamboo or cork, yoga blocks help support poses by bringing the floor “closer” to you, or by extending your range of motion with an added reach.
Blocks can guide yogis towards finding their proper alignment and can help ward off injuries by placing the block in a beginner, intermediate and master yogi position depending on the pose. Sitting on yoga blocks at the end of your practice can also help to open your hips and release tension.
Now that we’ve covered all the benefits of using a yoga block, let’s look at which ones are the best addition to your practice. Namaste.
1. Gaiam Yoga Block
BEST OVERALL
The Gaiam Yoga Block has a huge following thanks to its supportive, lightweight design and nonslip grip, which makes it perfect for hot yoga sessions. Beveled edges make this block comfortable to grip in any position. The latex-free block can easily be cleaned with a mild detergent and the affordable and durable block is available in a huge variety of colors that are sure to please any yogi.
Related Stories
2. REEHUT Yoga Blocks
BEST TWO PACK
Does your yoga practice need double the support, stability and stretch? The Rreehut Yoga Block is sold in a pair and makes an excellent yoga block for anyone looking for something that is sturdy, durable, and moisture-proof ie. great for fighting sweaty bacteria. The lightweight blocks are great for carrying from your home practice to the yoga studio, which helps keep your sweat to yourself. Available in six colors, the Reehut Yoga Block is so affordable you’ll be able to pick up a pair in each hue.
3. BalanceFrom GoYoga
BEST FOR HOT YOGA
If you’re hot for hot yoga, a block that will stay in place during your next intense sweat session is a must-have. The BalanceFrom GoYoga yoga blocks are sold in a pair and are high-density blocks that have a slip-resistant surface and moisture-proof material to help keep the blocks in place and free from bacteria. Rounded edges provide a comfortable grip and base for a wide variety of positions. We also like that the blocks can easily be cleaned with soap and water because as we mentioned, sweat.
4. Gaiam Yoga Block Wedge
BEST FOR WRIST ISSUES
Wrist issues can quickly derail a yoga practice. Every downward dog can cause a carpal tunnel flare-up, but with the Gaiam Yoga Block Wedge, yogis can reduce the strain by lessening the harshness of the 90-degree angle their hands and wrists make for several poses. The wedge acts as a ramp for wrists and can also be used to help with tight lower back muscles and hamstrings. Like all Gaiam blocks, the wedge is long-lasting and can easily be cleaned with soap and water.
5. Manduka unBLOK High-Density Recycled EVA Foam Yoga Block
BEST FOR BACK BENDS
Aren’t sure whether you want a block or a wheel for your practice? The Manduka unBLOK High-Density Recycled EVA Foam Yoga Block is a pseudo-hybrid of the popular yoga props. The high-density foam block has the stability of a typical yoga block, including a comfortable and non-slip grip, with the curved edge of a yoga wheel. A great option for backbends, finding extra length in stretches, and providing added height for various poses, the unBLOK is a helpful two-in-one prop.
6. Wooden-Life Bamboo Yoga Block
BEST SOLID BLOCK
If you’re looking for a yoga block with no give, there’s the Wooden-Life Bamboo Yoga Block, which is sold in a set of two. Made of eco-friendly, natural, high-density bamboo wood, the solid blocks provide a sturdy grounding for a wide variety of poses and positions. The blocks are finished with a thin layer of toxic-free lacquer that adds to their durability. Great for practicing handstands and designed with arc edges for added comfort, the odorless and water-resistant bamboo blocks have no weight limit, making them a great option for all yogis.
7. Manduka Cork Yoga Block
BEST CORK DESIGN
Foam is the most common material used for yoga blocks, but not far behind is cork. There are several styles available and we like Manduka’s cork block, which has an easy-to-grip textured surface that makes it ideal for hot yoga enthusiasts. With a denser finish than foam and an increased level of firmness that helps yogis feel supported, this cork block is great for adding length, shortening poses and providing a stable base. The two-pound cork block is made without any toxic chemicals, helping users feel safe when getting sweaty.
8. StrongTek Yoga Foam Wedge Blocks
MOST VERSATILE
For a yoga block that can be used for yoga, pilates, Crossfit and a variety of other exercises, the StrongTek Yoga Foam Wedge Blocks have a versatile design that makes them a great fit for anyone who needs help stretching. The two wedge blocks can be placed together to resemble a traditional yoga block or they can be used separately to provide added support for wrists, forearms and legs when posing and stretching. Get deeper into hamstring stretches, enjoy some wrist-friendly assistance for pushups, and when you’re done, store the blocks in their carrying case.
9. Three Minute Egg
INNOVATIVE DESIGN
The Three Minute Egg Yoga Block has one of the most innovative designs in the yoga prop world. The ergonomic shape and twist on the traditional block make the egg stand out. The medium-density foam blocks have a devoted following, with customers crediting the blocks for helping stretch, even when suffering from injuries caused by broken bones or sprained joints. The block’s oval design also makes them ideal for stretching out the upper back, neck and spine.
10. Lift and Lengthen Yoga Block by Lululemon
BEST DESIGN OPTIONS
It’s tough to talk about yoga without dropping the ‘L’ word, which is why we had to include Lululemon’s own yoga block. The yoga-turned-fitness company has continued to release enviable designs of all things yoga, from clothing to mats, to bags and yes, yoga blocks. Their durable and supportive Lift and Lengthen Yoga Block is available in three eye-catching marbled colors and keeps yogis looking good while also providing the support they need the most.