The best yoga blocks are those sturdy, versatile and often underestimated props, which can be used as your trusted companions on the mat. Whether you're a seasoned yoga, familiar with home gym equipment, or a newbie to the practice, finding the yoga block for you can help to elevate your practice to new heights of comfort and alignment.
The best yoga blocks at a glance:
• Best overall yoga block: Alo Yoga Uplifting Yoga Block - View now on Alo Yoga
• Best eco-friendly yoga block: Gaiam Yoga Block - View now on Amazon
• Best semicircle yoga blocks: Bala Bangles Bala Block - View now on Current Body
Do yoga blocks make a difference?
Wanting to improve your yoga technique in 2024? Investing in the best yoga blocks can make a real difference in your yoga practice. These blocks offer support, stability and alignment assistance. And will allow you to perform poses in your yoga socks or barefoot more comfortably and effectively. Maybe you're a beginner working on flexibility. Or an intermediate practitioner aiming to refine your postures. Even an advanced yogi seeking to deepen your stretches, yoga blocks can adapt to your individual needs.
They also help in assisting with proper alignment, prevent overstretching or straining, and enable you to hold poses for longer durations. Which, in turn, enhances flexibility and strength over time. With use over time, you can fine-tune your practice, explore new poses and find your balance, which makes them a great tool for yogis of all levels.
We've scoured the market to discover the best yoga blocks to add into your gym bags. So wave goodbye to those awkward stretches, and welcome a more balanced, blissful practice.
The best yoga blocks to buy right now:
Best overall yoga block
The Alo Yoga Uplifting Block is made with both innovation and style in mind, featuring a sleek design that sets it apart from traditional yoga blocks. Available in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colours, such as dove grey and smoky quartz, this block offers the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics to enhance your journey. Made from high-density EVA, its block maintains both firmness and comfort, ensuring added stability in poses and in aiding alignment during your session.
Pros
- Bevelled edges for comfort and grip
- Small enough to fit in a gym bag
- Aesthetic design to match your activewear to
Cons
- None we can think of!
| Colours: | Various colours available including: Smoky quartz, Jungle green and Powder pink |
| Material: | 100% EVA |
| Dimensions: | 4" x 6" x 9" |
- Customer review: "I love these Alo Yoga blocks. I had a set of blocks before and could never understand why they would slide if I used them for downward dog (my instructors did not slide - thought it was me and hated it). I get it now. The texture of the blocks made a huge difference. These do not slide around at all. They feel very secure, which in turn helps ME feel very secure and makes it a lot easier to relax into the poses."
Best eco-friendly yoga block
For the environmentally conscious yogi, the Gaiam Cork Yoga Block is a top pick. Made from sustainably sourced cork, these blocks offer not only unrivalled grip and stability but also a natural feel. With bevelled edges for a comfortable grip, they provide the versatility needed to support a range of poses.
If that wasn't enough to convince you, cork is naturally antimicrobial, so you can breathe easy during your practice knowing you're being supported by the best eco-friendly yoga block.
Pros
- Easy grip bevelled edges for stability
- Made from 100% cork for the more sustainably-minded yogis
- Lightweight for easy transportation
Cons
- Not for individuals who prefer a yoga block with 'give'
| Colour: | Cork |
| Material: | Cork |
| Dimensions: | L22.9cm, W14cm, H7.6cm |
- Customer review: "I bought 2 of these Gaiam Yoga Blocks and they are perfect: sturdy to do yoga poses in confidence (much better than foam ones), good grip even for HOT YOGA and I just love the look of cork which has a matching cork yoga mat 5mm. I love them, they are amazing!"
Best semicircle yoga blocks
The Bala Bangles yoga block offers individuals an interesting semicircle design crafted from a dense and supportive foam. The design means you can separate the two blocks to make sure you feel supported at every angle during your yoga sessions. Let's be honest, the traditional yoga block has nothing on this innovative circle block.
Pros
- Semi-circular design means you get two separate yoga blocks and support at every ankle
- Great choice of muted colours
Cons
- One reviewer found these to be much heavier than traditional yoga blocks
| Colours: | Sand, Charcoal |
| Material: | Foam |
| Dimensions: | D15.24cm, W11.5cm, H28cm |
- Customer review: "I was sceptical at how good these Bala Bangles yoga blocks would be - I have normal yoga blocks - but I was very nicely surprised by these. Firstly, flat side on the floor their highest point is pretty much a yoga block and a bit high, so they work well with me being stiff and allow me to do deeper downward dogs etc.
"Their semi-circular shape mean that if you use with flat side on the floor, they are much less harsh on the wrists. Curved side down they provide support but with a bit of wobble, making you work harder. They also work well to help stretch the back (lie over them flat side down on your back). You can also use them as normal yoga blocks if you put them on their sides. Highly recommend!"
Best set of two yoga blocks
The Tumaz yoga blocks are durable and lightweight foam blocks which have been designed to provide stability, support and versatility during yoga practice. Its non-slip surface ensures a secure grip, and the set of two allows you to experiment with different heights, offering options for various poses and personal preferences.
Pros
- Includes an eight-foot yoga strap to make it easier to hold poses with the correct posture
- Made from high-density EVA foam for anti-slip
- Easy to clean as it can be washed with water or mild detergent
Cons
- One reviewer found the blocks slightly too thick for some yoga poses
| Colours: | Various colours available including: Magenta, Forest and Black |
| Material: | EVA |
| Dimensions: | L23.2cm, W10cm, H15cm |
- Customer review: "I have just started to do yoga and decided to purchase this Tumaz set. Love it! Love the colour! Its just perfect for my yoga sessions. Defo recommended it to everyone! The box also comes with leaflet that shows you how to do the most common positions in yoga. You can even download an eBook! I am already feeling the benefits!"
Best budget yoga block
www.decathlon.co.uk
Listen up, if you're a yogi on a budget, this might be the block for you. The KIMJALY yoga block is a key tool for stability and comfort during your yoga sessions. So whether you're a beginner seeking assistance in achieving proper alignment or an advanced yogi looking to deepen your stretches and poses, its blocks cater to all levels of practice.
Pros
- Lightweight - weighs under 100g
- Small size means it can fit in any gym bag
- Very affordable for yogis on a budget
Cons
- One reviewer stated it lacks firmness in certain poses, like bridge pose, for example
| Colours: | Grey, Sepia, Chocolate |
| Material: | Foamed Polyethylene |
| Dimensions: | L22.5cm, W13.5cm, H7.5cm |
- Customer review: "Honestly, the KIMJALY yoga blocks are the best I have used. I love the colour and they are just the right amount of soft and firm. I use it almost daily to perfect my Yoga postures and for added support."
Best yoga block for design
Gaiam made the list for the second time, this time with their Printed Yoga Block. Its eye-catching printed design adds a touch of personality and inspiration to your practice, and it's also easy to transport and built to last. Whether you're working on your flexibility, balance or alignment, this block proves to be a reliable and stylish companion on your yoga journey, combining a burst of positivity and creativity into your practice space.
Pros
- Non-slip surface to make sure you always feel stable during poses
- Intricate printed design
- Bevelled edges so your block is gentle on your skin in certain yoga positions
Cons
- One reviewer found the block was slightly too deep for certain poses
| Colours: | Navajo heron, Blue shadow point |
| Material: | Foam |
| Dimensions: | D10cm, W22.5cm, H15cm |
- Customer review: "A firm favourite. No. Honestly. The Gaiam is a lovely firm yoga brick which is soft enough to sit on and firm enough to steady you on those awkward balances or difficult reaches."
FAQS
Which is better, cork or foam yoga blocks?
The decision between a cork and foam yoga block depends on your personal needs. Also the type of yoga you engage in.
Cork yoga blocks
Sturdy and durable: Cork blocks are known for their durability. This makes them a great long-term investment for your yoga practice.
Eco-friendly: Cork is a sustainable material, which makes it a great option for the more sustainably-minded individuals.
Traction: Cork's natural textures offers a good grip, reducing the chances of slipping during practice.
Foam yoga blocks
Lightweight and portable: Foam yoga blocks tend to be lightweight and easy to carry. This makes them ideal for individuals on the go. Or those with limited storage spaces.
Soft edges: Compared to cork blocks, foam blocks tend to have softer and more comfortable edges, which are gentler on your body during certain poses.
Affordability: Foam blocks tend to be more affordable compared to cork blocks.
If you prioritise durability, stability, and a natural feel, cork blocks may be preferable. Alternatively, if you value affordability, portability and comfort, foam blocks are a good option. You could always invest in a combination of both types of yoga blocks so you can select either one based on your different needs and types of yoga practice.
How heavy should a yoga block be?
The ideal weight for a yoga block typically falls under 1kg. This weight means there's a balance between providing enough stability for your yoga poses while remaining lightweight enough to easily move and transport to and from your practice. A yoga block should be heavy enough to stay in place and support your body weight so you can reap the benefits, but not so heavy that it becomes bulky to use and move.
Ultimately, it's down to you. Some yoga-goers may prefer a slightly heavier block for added stability, while others might opt for lighter ones for ease of transport. The key is to find a weight that suits your specific needs and helps you achieve proper alignment and comfort in your yoga practice.
Do you need one or two yoga blocks?
Your usual yoga practice will determine whether you need one or two yoga blocks. Many people find that having two yoga blocks is beneficial as it allows for a more balanced and versatile practice. Two blocks can provide better support in some poses. Especially for those requiring symmetry or when needing to adjust the height for different postures. However, individuals with limited space or beginners might start with just one block until they add a second once they feel more confident in their poses.
Gemma Lavers is a fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.
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