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Stabilize your stretch with these superior yoga blocks. Yoga Moves You Have to Know?
Although yoga is among the few fitness activities that you can enjoy almost entirely sans equipment, there are still a few things you can acquire to bolster your practice. One item that can help you get the most out of your pose is a good set of yoga blocks.
“I always encourage blocks in my classes,” says Amy Lynn Nau, a RYT 200–certified yoga instructor based in St. Louis, Missouri. “They allow you to be in better alignment and focus on the positioning of your body—and your breath—while in the yoga pose, thus gaining the most benefit. They’re especially important for runners, given how a lot of runners are extra tight in the slow-to-warm muscles such as hamstrings and quads.”
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Yoga blocks are fairly straightforward products, but they’re not all created equal. Quality matters, and it can even be a matter of safety when you’re attempting to attain more precarious poses. To that end, below you’ll find buying advice and 10 of the best yoga blocks to bring to your next stretch sesh.
What to Consider
Although the basic design elements of a set of yoga blocks don’t change dramatically from brand to brand, there are still a few considerations that can make one stand out from the other.
Stability
There’s nothing more essential to yoga blocks than their ability to provide a stable platform. That means they won’t slip or otherwise allow you to tumble. Blocks made of smooth plastic can be a highly affordable option, but materials like foam or cork tend to provide better grip.
Softness
This is largely a question of comfort but also lends itself to stability. You often want yoga blocks that you can rest your weight on without feeling like you’re sitting on a rigid brick yet are dense enough that they won’t give too much under pressure and ruin your pose. Here again it’s usually a question of the material, with quality cork and foam often providing the best experience.
Weight
When it comes to how much your yoga blocks should weigh, it depends on your goals. Lighter blocks are good for bolstering and activating specific muscles during certain poses, whereas heavier blocks can ensure a stable foundation for standing or ground poses.
How We Evaluated
As an all-around wellness enthusiast, a fitness writer with over a decade of experience covering the latest and greatest equipment, and a general gear junkie, I’ve spent a lot of time over the years checking out and writing about the best products for yoga and health. Yoga has become an increasingly integral part of my fitness regimen over the years, and I’ve had the chance to try out a wide range of yoga tools accordingly. In addition to my own experience, I selected the yoga blocks below based on input from expert yoga instructors as well as consumer reviews from Amazon and a variety of sporting goods retailers. If you’re looking for yoga blocks to help support your stretching sessions, these are the best of the best.
Pros
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- Sustainable
Cons
- Might be too heavy for some purposes or people
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4 in.
- Material: Cork
- Weight: 2 lb
Manduka has long been considered one of the best yoga brands out there, and many experts agree that cork is the best material for yoga blocks thanks to the fact that it’s grippy, durable, and sustainable. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that Manduka’s cork yoga block is among the most popular you can find. It’s twice as heavy as the company’s recycled foam block, another popular option, so if you’re looking for stability, the Cork Yoga Block delivers the weighted foundation you seek. What’s more, Manduka donates a portion of every sale to charity.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Moisture-proof
Cons
- Not rigid enough for some purposes
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4 in.
- Material: EVA foam
- Weight: 0.35 lb
Let’s face it—sometimes yoga gear can be expensive. This set from Reehut, however, offers one of the best prices for a pair that you’ll find anywhere. Made of durable but semi-pliable EVA foam, each block provides stable, comfortable support. It’s also very light, which makes it perfect for positioning beneath limbs to support specific muscle contractions.
Pros
- Wedge shape adds versatility to your practice
- Affordable
- Beveled edges won’t dig into palms
Cons
- Not rigid enough for some purposes
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4 in.
- Material: EVA foam
- Weight: 0.35 lb
Costing slightly more than my budget pick, this 2-pack from Trideer is majorly affordable—just one reason it’s a great set for beginners. What’s more, it also comes with a workout guide to show you how to get started. Each block is sturdy with beveled edges to provide greater comfort.
Pros
- Firm bamboo
- Durable
- Attractive
Cons
- x 5.5 x 2.8 in
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 in.
- Material: Bamboo
- Weight: Approximately 1.5 lb
Some yogis prefer that their yoga blocks are rigid rather than pliable, and these beautiful blocks from Wooden-Life deliver. Made out of high-quality bamboo, each provides a solid block that’s smooth to the touch yet won’t slip across the floor. Although it’s not as tall as some other blocks on our list, the wooden weightiness ensures that it provides a sturdy foundation.
Pros
- 8-Why Trust Us
- Affordable
Cons
- Not rigid enough for some purposes
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4 in.
- Material: EVA foam
- Weight: 0.4 lb
If you’re looking for a strap to help you get the most out of your stretch, this yoga block and 8-foot strap set from Tumaz offers quality at a better cost than similar sets. It’s also available in eight colors.
Pros
- Ergonomic
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- activities that you can enjoy almost entirely
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4 in.
- Material: EVA foam
- Weight: 0.8 lb
Some yoga block users find that gripping a flat edge puts strain on their wrists, but this curved design from Manduka delivers a more ergonomic experience. The curve also provides the ability to vary the height of your lift based upon where you grip it, allowing you to fine-tune certain poses.
Pros
- Might be too heavy for some purposes or people
Cons
- recycled foam block
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 6 x 3 in.
- Material: EVA foam
- Weight: 0.35 lb
A typical rectangular block won’t work for some poses, so when your stretch calls for a slant, try these wedge blocks from StrongTek. The wedged shape not only makes it ideal for certain positions—like helping your heels find stability if they have trouble reaching the floor during your down dog, for example—but it can also support a range of bodyweight exercises and physical rehabilitation movements.
Pros
- Soft and can be shaped to your needs
- x 6 x 4 in
Cons
- at Dicks Sporting Goods
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 2.8 in.
- Material: Cotton with polyester filling
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
Some people—especially anyone with chronic pain issues—seek a yoga block that’s exceptionally pliable. If that sounds like you, this pillowy block from Decathlon is what you need. Soft to the touch, it’s especially good for people who are coping with joint pain or who want a soft block for certain seated poses.
Pros
- Races & Places
Cons
- is among the few
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 in.
- Material: EVA foam
- Weight: 0.35 lb
If you’re looking to bring home everything you need for more advanced yoga practice in one fell swoop, look no further than this five-piece set from Overmont. In addition to two blocks, it comes with a 12.8-inch yoga wheel, a yoga ring, and a 6-foot strap, meaning that you’ll have all the gear necessary to stretch your routine from tadasana to sirsa padasana.
Pros
- Stabilize your stretch with these superior yoga blocks
- Easy to find a block that fits your aesthetic
Cons
- Soft and can be shaped to your needs
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 4 in.
- Material: EVA foam
- Weight: 0.3 lb
If you’re searching for a stylish block or at least one that’s available in multiple colors, Gaiam—one of the most renowned names in yoga gear—has you covered with 10 colorful printed patterns, along with more than a dozen solid colors, to choose from. On top of that, the block delivers all-around quality thanks to its stable, comfortable design.
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