All you really need to practice yoga with is your own body and a little spare time, but if you're serious about improving then yoga accessories can certainly assist you. Yoga blocks are versatile and available in a range of materials, from the traditional foam offerings to the naturally eco-friendly options of cork and bamboo, or even recycled foam blocks and eye-catching blocks made of chips sourced from post-production waste.
Yoga blocks help you to ease into poses, lengthen your stretches and provide support where you need it the most. We've created this guide to help you choose the best for you. Read on to learn how to use yoga blocks, the different types available and for our pick of the best, from online UK retailers such as Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, Decathlon and more.
Quick List - Top Yoga Blocks
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The right size yoga block for you might not be the right one for someone else. First of all, you need to think about your flexibility level. If you're just starting out and aren't that flexible yet, go for a larger block. This makes the positions easier for you to get into when using the block for support.
Amongst most professional yogis, the ideal size for a yoga block is considered to be 9 x 5 x 3 inches. A larger block of 9 x 6 x 4 inches is wider than the average block, making it suitable if you're not very flexible. A smaller block at around 9 x 6 x 2 inches, meanwhile, will be easier to grip for smaller hands. These thinner blocks are also great for sitting on, to help keep your back straight and aligned.
Wood is the material that was historically used for yoga blocks before foam and cork came about. They are usually made from either bamboo (which is a fast-growing sustainable choice), birch, maple or pine, making them sturdy and exceedingly durable. Due to their stability, they are excellent for active poses, support in standing positions or to assist with balance.
The downside to wooden blocks is that they can get slippery if you tend to get sweaty doing your speedy vinyasa flows. Being made from such a rigid material also means that they aren't the best for restorative yin yoga, as it's not that comfortable to lie on wood when holding a position for a few minutes at a time.
Cork yoga blocks are much softer and lighter than wooden ones. The material absorbs moisture, so there's no need to worry about a sweaty, slippery coating. That said, a cork block can begin to emit nasty odours after a while, so it might not last as long as a wooden block. They can also crack and break from overuse.
However, cork provides a really solid structure without feeling too harsh like wood, or too soft like some foam types can. They feel sturdy while helping you feel supported in almost any pose. Made from just the bark of a tree, that regrows between harvests, cork is the most eco-friendly option available.
Foam yoga blocks are probably the most popular option as they are generally the cheapest and most widely avaialble too. Foam is very soft, lightweight and supple, making it the best material for blocks aiding in gently-paced yin yoga. They will support your body well in restorative and back bending poses, but they can also help with a range of standing postures to gain extra length and help with balancing.
The downsides to foam yoga blocks are that they can get dirty easily and wear quickly. They often don't feel as stable as solid, wooden blocks when used in active poses, but they still provide support and last for a decent amount of time. There are eco-friendly versions of foam blocks out there, made from recycled foam.
The standard shape of a yoga block is rectangular, but you can also find them in curved or rounded forms. Being the most versatile, rectangular blocks are great for general use to help support your body in many different poses but are especially useful for standing positions such as lunges and forward folds.
Curved or rounded blocks are better suited for supporting your back and spine during reclining positions such as the 'Legs Up The Wall' or 'Reclining Staff Pose'. They snugly fit into the hollow of your back, making the position feel more comfortable overall.
One yoga block is all that is really needed for most yoga poses, but some do come as a pack of two. When you're a complete beginner, two yoga blocks often serve you better than one, as you can stack them on top of each other to provide more height. Two yoga blocks are also great for using as a beginner during specific positions when you need to evenly spread your weight, such as low lunges or cobras.
Check out more of our yoga kit recommendations - the best yoga mats, the best yoga tops for women and the best yoga pants for men.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Reehut Yoga Block Set | ![]() | A Fantastic All-Rounder Set Suitable for All Levels | |
2 | Cork Space Natural Cork Space Yoga Block | ![]() | A Tree is Planted For Every Cork Space Yoga Block Purchased | |
3 | Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block | ![]() | A Sturdy Foam Block Made From Recycled Materials | |
4 | Yogamatters Recycled Chipped Foam Yoga Block | ![]() | A UK Made Block Formed From Post-Production Waste | |
5 | Wooden-Life Bamboo Yoga Blocks | ![]() | A Sturdy Bamboo Option That'll Stand the Test of Time | |
6 | Gaiam Printed Yoga Block|Navajo Heron (Purple) | ![]() | An Eye-Catching Lightweight-Yet-Dense Block From Gaiam | |
7 | Opti Yoga Block | ![]() | The Lightweight Yoga Block for Out and About | |
8 | Yoga Studio EVA Yoga Block | ![]() | A Slim Foam Block Perfect for Seated Positions | |
9 | Clever Yoga Lightweight Foam Yoga Block and Sturdy Yoga Strap Set | ![]() | The Full Yogi Set Including 2 Blocks With a Strap | |
10 | Zen Yoga Wedge Cork Egg Oval Block | ![]() | Ideal for Supporting Back Bends Thanks to Its Oval Shape |
The foam yoga blocks from Reehut are an excellent no-frills choice that are non-toxic, lightweight and eco-friendly. Being made from foam, they should last well and hold their own even under strenuous yoga positions and heavy weight. They also have bevelled edges which allow for an easy, comfortable grip.
Another bonus with these blocks is that they are completely moisture-proof, so you won't need to worry about any lingering sweaty smells. The foam is reliably supportive, but it also has a bit of give, allowing for a slight, soft cushioning for your joints and muscles.
Choosing this block from Cork Space means that a tree is planted on your behalf - so your yoga practice and the environment benefits, thanks to the company's support of the Eden Reforestation Project
This block is designed to be long lasting, for a lifetime of yoga sessions. Cork is naturally antibacterial and has a beautiful surface texture with excellent grip. The cork is harvested sustainably from the bark of protected cork trees in Portugal, without harming the trees. This block is a truly sustainable option.
Manduka was one of the first to produce recycled yoga blocks using 50% to 75% recycled EVA foam. The block is light yet very sturdy, meaning it's guaranteed to hold its own under heavy weight. Unlike many blocks made of foam, it also comes with the appealing bonus of being free from any chemical odours.
The block is comfortable to rest on with rounded edges and a slip-resistant material, making it suitable for a wide range of positions. The material is also easy to grip, more eco-friendly than standard foam blocks and soft to the touch, whilst still feeling supportive.
This chipped foam block not only looks unusual, it has eco-friendly credentials too. It is made in the UK from post-production waste. The chips of foam are densely packed, making it a popular, supportive block for planet-conscious yogis.
The block does need to be treated well, as it is more prone to sunlight discolouration. On that note, the colour of these blocks will vary depending on the waste foam available, but they will always have the beautiful flecked appearance.
Coming in a pack of two, these wooden blocks are a fairly standard size of 9 x 6 x 3, making them ideal for a wide range of positions. The material is made from natural, eco-friendly bamboo, dressed with a coating of lacquer which protects the fabric from wear and tear, sweat and tears.
The edges are circular which does provide some softening for grip. However, the blocks are very hard, so aren't the most comfortable for sitting poses or backbends. That said, they are incredibly sturdy and should last a lifetime, even with excessive use.
Gaiam is one of the biggest names on the yoga scene, and their blocks have quickly become a favourite amongst both beginners and experienced yogis. This eye-catching block (also available with a blue floral design) is perfect for assisting in balancing poses, providing optimal alignment and support.
The foam block is lightweight yet dense and non-slip, with bevelled edges to provide a comfortable grip. This sturdiness makes it ideal for beginners. This block, however, has a particular chemically smell when taken out of the packaging, but that does go away over time.
If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful solution, look no further than the Opti Yoga Block from Argos. Made from a lightweight EVA foam, the block is the perfect medium between soft and stable, helping you achieve balance, support and stability during everyday yoga.
At 9 x 6 x 3 inches, the block is a pretty standard size and it has with bevelled edges to help you grip. It's also extremely lightweight at just 200 grams, making it perfect for taking to the gym with you – and the fact that it comes with a one year guarantee is a nice bonus.
This is a fantastic choice to place under your sit bones for seated yoga positions such as child's pose. It's about half and inch thinner than the standard size, so it's also great for people with little hands. However, that does mean that you will be closer to the ground so it might not be the best choice for beginners.
The edges are bevelled, which allows for better comfort and grip, but it can be challenging to prop up vertically, so it's not great for balancing positions and only really recommended for advanced yogis to balance on.
Coming in a pack of two with a strap, this is a great set for beginners. Plus, unlike some other foam choices, Clever Yoga's blocks are high density, meaning that the structure doesn't give when under pressure. This is excellent for stability, although not so good if you need more support for your joints.
The blocks' closed-cell structure means that they don't soak up sweat and moisture, so they can be easily wiped clean and kept for much longer. They are a little wider than the standard size so they may not be the best choice if you have small hands, unless you want to lay your palm flat on the blocks.
Oval yoga blocks are perfect for supporting your back and spine while practising reclining or back bending poses. They are built to fit perfectly with the arch of your back, so if you need help with back bending positions, this is an excellent choice.
The cork material is naturally non-slip, antifungal and antibacterial, so you couldn't be in safer hands. It's also one of the most eco-friendly products on the list, made from 100% natural biodegradable materials. While this isn't as versatile as a rectangular block, it's still a good, sturdy option that won't break the bank.
A yoga block is a small rectangular block of foam, cork, rubber or wood used as a prop to help with certain yoga positions. Placed under your hand, a yoga block can be viewed as an extension of your arm, to help bring the floor closer to you – but that's not the only way they can assist in your practice.
Yoga blocks can also help to support your back, hips, head, or any other part of the body as you gently settle into a pose. Once you're established, you can remove the block (or ideally get someone else to remove it for you) if you want to sink deeper into the position.
One of the biggest problems in yoga, especially with beginners, is that people push themselves too hard before they've established the correct alignment. Yoga blocks help limit any strain or overreaching as you learn to align yourself comfortably and correctly.
No. 1: Reehut|Yoga Block Set
No. 2: Cork Space|Natural Cork Space Yoga Block
No. 3: Manduka|Recycled Foam Yoga Block
No. 4: Yogamatters|Recycled Chipped Foam Yoga Block
No. 5: Wooden-Life|Bamboo Yoga Blocks
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