Blocks are also an excellent aid for deepening your stretch, making it possible for you to advance to the next level faster. These would be great to use in supportive postures as chest openers or if you are very inflexible and need extra height or support in some poses. The blocks are also designed in a fun bi-color pattern to make your yoga sessions brighter. Thanks to its non-traditional materials, the yoga block is truly gentle on the spine and your skin. This way, you can easily modify asanas according to your flexibility and enjoy a smooth and seamless practice. I advise you look at yoga blocks differently. Yoga blocks are probably the most essential yoga props used to facilitate or add challenge to the poses, help with alignment, and release tension. Was told to bring my block and brick and was unsure whether they were the same. Cork, being more expensive than foam, are more vulnerable to quality mishaps. In a pinch, you can get away without having a block for support in your home practice. If you practice gentle, restorative or yin styles of yoga blocks are definitely worth having. Edge Cutting with Soft LinesThe exquisite golden cut for six sides and eight corners can give you better grips. A lot of beginners flock away from using yoga blocks for some reason. Despite being made of foam, the Manduka yoga block is surprisingly sturdy. I like using yoga blocks against my feet when doing a pike stretch to give me something further out to grab. Instead, listen to your body. I feel like its hard to go wrong brand wise with these- you dont need to spend a ton of money to get the top brand names. The traditional yoga block is the shape of a rectangular brick. Why Am I So Inflexible? I think its because when we start something new we get impatient and want to already feel like the expert in the subject we are learning. It will raise the floor higher in standing asanas. Yoga blocks offer additional support for your tight hips and knees and help prevent injury. A yoga block is most helpful for beginning students and those experiencing injury or other physical limitations, but more advanced practitioners can utilize props to safely learn new challenging poses. Perfect for restorative yoga classes, Pilates, meditation, fitness and exercise. Heres What Happened, Splits In 30 Days: Myth or Reality? Wood-You dont really see wood or bamboo blocks used that much today, although in the history of yoga, this is what was used. Add support to allow you to relax and soften into the experience of the asana. Thanks for the comment Do not use harsh chemicals on the cork material. So make sure to read them before applying any detergent as it may damage the material. Disclosure: YogaBasics.com participates in several affiliate programs. Weary of your ordinary yoga blocks? This was very helpful, thank you. Im ready to blow some cash on high-quality ethically-made items that are eco-friendly and built to last It supports my efforts for sustainable yoga practice and lifestyle. They are made of sturdy material such as foam, cork, wood, or bamboo and are often shaped as rectangular bricks. You will be able to do a whole lot more poses while placing your hands on two blocks. Again, yoga blocks will come to your rescue by helping you with alignment. If the room with my yoga gear were on fire and I had enough time to snatch only one yoga prop (except for my fav yoga mat), I wouldnt blink an eye I would grab a yoga block. Your email address will not be published. Originally yoga blocks were made of wood, but now blocks also come in both foam and cork. Wood blocks will also be uncomfortable to use for restorative yoga classes or to rest the weight of your body. Fact-checking is a procedure that verifies information in order to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of reporting. Mandukas yoga block looks well-made and wears well compared to other foam blocks one user said theyve been using the block for 10 years already, and it still is in great shape. Your email address will not be published. They are made for stuff like Ardha Chandrasana, if you cant reach the floor yet. Yoga blocks are great for deepening into your stretches even if youre an advanced yogi. If you are searching for a smooth yoga block, check out other suggestions below. Or you can hold the blocks in your hands during standing asanas such as Warrior II or Warrior III. If you are brand new at yoga you may wish to wait until you have some experience to know how much you may need a block. Namely, blocks work great for muscle activation and for adding some burn to common yoga poses. Most yoga studios have blocks available to borrow, but you may wish to purchase your own. Timothy has been serving as the Executive Director of YogaBasics.com since 2000. Original yoga blocks were made of wood, such as pine, bamboo, or birch. I appreciated learning about different kinds of blocks! Yoga blocks became popular after the 1970s when BKS Iyengar (founder of Iyengar yoga style) integrated props such as blocks, straps, blankets into the yoga class. Also, avoid dumping too much weight or sinking your hands into the block during balancing postures. Yoga blocks made of foam are also the least eco-friendly option unless theyre manufactured from recycled materials. As time goes on, your needs for your practice will change and you may find yourself with a few pairs. High Density EVA for Steady Support The pressureproof, dense, and durable blocks can provide stable, safe support for your practices. Cork blocks are still heavy to travel with or even carry them to the yoga studio. Moreover, the manufacturer provides a lifetime guarantee. By placing your bottom hand on the yoga block, you can still enjoy the benefits of the pose while maintaining spinal integrity and an open front body. Cork yoga blocks can be more eco-friendly than wooden ones (depending on how the wood and cork are harvested) and cork blocks are softer and weigh less than wood (between one and two pounds). With their minimalist and stylish look, HemingWeigh cork yoga blocks will become a great addition to your yoga practice as well as your room. Also, advanced yogis may have specific body proportions that make certain poses difficult and need blocks to fully access and experience them. Like any other yoga equipment, yoga blocks require proper care and cleaning to extend their life and protect against bacteria growth. Hollow semi-circle blocks are great for arm balancing. 9x6x3:Average yoga block size. I increased my flexibility a lot because of using them. Keep in mind that HemingWeigh yoga blocks are much heavier than their foam counterparts. If you are not happy with the product, they will replace it or give you a full refund, no questions asked. Easy to grip textured surface-- Great for beginner to advanced yogis, SAFE AND EFFECTIVE: Improve your practice by using blocks to maintain proper alignment, deepen your stretches, and to help stay safe by reducing injury and muscle strain. Meet YogaKali top pick eco-friendly cork yoga block that will bring versatility and comfort into the practice of beginners and seasoned yogis alike. Timothy has studied and taught many styles of yoga and has completed a 500-hour Advanced Pranakriya Yoga training. This pair fromYogaBody (see price on Amazon)are the best I have seen at the price. Conversely, if you have larger hands and less flexibility think about choosing a larger block. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most of the yoga blocks have three different heights. For example, hold a block between your knees to activate inner thighs and prevent your legs from splaying out. Thanks for sharing. You will also find blocks that have different proportions than the standard 4 x 6 x 9 size as well as other shapes. Its an excellent full-body exercise that promotes strength, flexibility, balance, and spine lengthening. But the versatility and quality definitely outmatch this disadvantage. Made of EVA foam, REEHUT blocks are lightweight and easy to tote to the studio or wherever your yoga practice takes you. Check out how to use a yoga block for tight hips and knees below. You want a sturdy, natural cork that will stick together and not fall apart after a few uses. You see, you may feel jealous looking at all those Insta pictures with yogis performing inverted poses and handstands. This arm balancing pose requires solid upper-body and core strength. Thanks! A traditional yoga block has the form of a rectangular cube or a brick. As a disadvantage, due to its porous surface, cork is harder to clean than foam or wood. Cork yoga blocks will generally require more attention as they absorb more moisture and sweat than wood or foam. Make no mistake, though. Your email address will not be published. This Manduka cork yoga block offers a stable and fully slip-resistant foundation when you need it most. Glad to hear that the blocks are working for you! Using yoga blocks in your yoga practice can: Using yoga propsblankets, blocks, straps, etc.can help students shift poor alignment habits, develop strength and awareness, and experience asanas more deeply. People behind YOGABODY believe that Practice is Everything. And it couldnt be more accurate. Is There Any Hope? This wassuch a good read. Harder woods will be more durable, while softer woods will be lighter. CorkCork blocks are much heavier than foam blocks. Share in the comments! Im super impressed but Im also very high. Discover 7 other tools to cultivate greaterself-awareness and safety in your asana practice. But with that being said, when you look up yoga blocks online, youll see there are tons of different ones to choose from. if theyre convenient to carry to a yoga class; whether the block can hold up your weight in arm balances. Its going to take the pressure of the lower back and hamstrings. Wooden blocks are comparatively hard and heavy (they usually weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds) but are very sturdy, more aesthetically pleasing, and will last forever. The item also features Practice On engraving on one of the sides, which adds texture to the surface. Egg-shaped block, for example, is particularly useful for reclining postures and backbends due to the curved design. Exactly! Choosing a larger or smaller block will depend on the size of your hands and the level of your flexibility. Your yoga block will generally come with the manufacturers cleaning instructions. Keep in mind, bamboo and wooden blocks last VERY long, so they will be much more expensive than foam and cork blocks. The blocks are dense and provide a comfortable balance between firmness and a hint of softness, which is crucial for restorative poses. More thought and consideration is required if you are considering a more expensive wood or cork yoga block. Deepen the activation of muscles and add more challenge to basic asanas. Timothy Burgin is a Kripalu & Pranakriya trained yoga instructor living and teaching in Asheville, NC. The set contains two recycled EVA foam blocks and an 8ft D-ring yoga strap that will take your practice (and flexibility) to the next level. The only reason you would most likely be interested in buying wood blocks is to improve or practice your arm balances. They are sturdy and provide firm support no matter what your weight is. You can feel perfectly stable when standing on blocks, but lying on them can be uncomfortable at first. Da Vinci Premium Natural Cork Yoga Blocks (see price on Amazon). B.K.S Iyengars stated ideal size for a yoga block is 9 x 4.5 x 3 inches. Check out the video below to see how to use yoga blocks for hamstring flexibility. Take Crow Pose (Bakasana), for example. Take Side Angle Pose (Parsvakonasana), for example. Internal fact-checking is performed in-house by the publisher; external fact-checking is performed by a third party. Curved, rounded, oregg-shaped blocks will be the most comfortable for reclining poses and supporting your spine in back bending asanas. You can also buy ready-made cleaning sprays to kills bacteria and fight bad odors (like this one). All of my content is edited by a professional and fact checked by an external fact-checking service. Also, be aware that cork doesnt give in during the exercise. For example, if you cant touch your toes (yet!) I have a set ofDa Vinci Premium Natural Cork Yoga Blocks (see price on Amazon). Hollow wooden yoga blocks are often made of bamboo, birch, maple, pine, balsa, and poplar. Laura is a certified Yoga teacher who has completed 500 hours of training. If you have small hands and are fairly bendy you might want to consider a smaller sized block. These blocks from Gaiam from are nice and sturdy and are the perfect width and height to use in most practices. Foam blocks are softer and very lightweight. For instance, sitting on the block in the Hero Pose (Virasana) will spare you the unpleasant sensation in your knees while at the same time gently stretching your thighs. Carolina Morning Designs are on a mission to elevate your yoga experience as well as yoga gear production standards. The grip is good and they are heavy weight, which is perfect for using them for things such as practicing L sits. Use your flexibility level and hand size as a starting point. When I was less flexible I used them to protect my form and feel safer when doing my asanas. However, the full pose where one hands touching the ground and the top arm forms a straight the line from the toes to the fingertips is hardly accessible to the majority of people. Help prevent injury by reducing overreaching and strain. REEHUT offers an unbeatable price for those who dont want to invest much in the yoga equipment yet. MULAYO comes to the rescue. Most people struggle to learn handstand because they simply jump up again and again. You can still reap tons of benefits by including yoga blocks into your yoga routine. If stacked together in a row, blocks, especially softer foam ones, can even substitute a yoga bolster and work great for relaxing and chest-opening poses. Contrary to other yoga blocks, BRIK has four different heights for maximum versatility in your practice. Therefore, you want a pair that are sturdy, non-slip, and comfortable enough that they wont ruin your hands. As long as you make sure you purchase good quality and they aid in your practice, the money will be well spent. Viewing ads supports YogaBasics. Those with sensitive joints will also benefit from the sturdy foundation because it prevents you from dumping weight into your wrists (as it happens with cheap foam blocks) and helps build muscles. buy-it-for-life investment (the most durable type of yoga blocks), eco-friendly (if manufactured with green practices in mind), eco-friendly choice thats more affordable than wood, easy to grip & stack thanks to flaky texture, somewhat too firm for a relaxing yoga session, the least eco-friendly option (unless made of recycled materials), limited durability (get dented & scratched easily). You can buy a basic EVA foam yoga block for about $8 or a set of two for about $14 so this is a very small investment. These yoga blocks wont wobble, stack well, and provide excellent support for balance postures. There are several other large companies that continue to innovate and develop better materials, shapes to improve the functionality of blocks. Instead, engage muscles in your fingers, hands, and forearms. Heres a collection of companies and brands Ive tried and loved Ive grouped them into 4 categories. when you feel your body is not ready for a full pose and you need to modify; when you cant breathe properly in a challenging asana; when you have had a hard day and need a little more balance and support. Here are just some examples of when to use a yoga block: Be careful not to get too attached to your yoga blocks, though. Using Props to Deepen Your Yoga Practice . Keep in mind that this foam yoga block is firm. Some manufacturers even provide a lifetime guarantee on their products. They also offer no-hassle cleaning and have a pleasant natural look. Yoga has become so popular that you can find yoga mats and props in big box stores like Target, DicksSporting Goods, and Walmart. Thanks to that, they are comfortable to grip, non-slip even when wet, and easy to stack on each other. If you like to carry your props to the class, Clever Yoga yoga blocks will be a wise choice. It might not look fancy, but it certainly gets the job done. The price for a set of two is equal to what one cork block usually runs for with the big brands. But it is common for yoga instructors to suggest or require the use of one or two blocks for their classes. You can also always put the block under the forehead for additional support. Their other prop, a yoga block called BRIK, sold out in just two weeks after release thanks to its innovative design. And Yogabody blocks were designed precisely to make the time you hone your yoga skills more fun and enjoyable.