Yoga blocks are essential props used in yoga practice to assist with flexibility, balance, and alignment. They are rectangular or square-shaped foam blocks that can vary in size, typically about 3 to 9 inches in height. Unlike blankets or straps, yoga blocks provide stability and support, making them versatile tools that can be utilized by practitioners of all levels.
The primary purpose of yoga blocks is to help modify yoga poses to accommodate different body types, abilities, and limitations. They aid in deepening stretches, making challenging poses more accessible, and improving overall comfort during practice. Here are a few common uses of yoga blocks:
- Stability and Alignment: Yoga blocks serve as an extension of the arms or legs, allowing practitioners to achieve proper alignment and stability. For example, in standing forward bends, blocks can be placed on the floor to bring the ground closer to the hands, enabling a better forward fold with a straight back.
- Support in Sitting Poses: During seated positions, like Sukhasana (Easy Pose) or Padmasana (Lotus Pose), blocks can be positioned under the hips to elevate them in order to reduce strain on the knees and ankles. This helps individuals who have tight hips or limited flexibility to comfortably sit for longer durations.
- Balance and Strength Building: Yoga blocks can be effectively used to improve balance and build strength. In postures like Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) or Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose), placing a block under the lower hand can provide a point of stability and prevent strain, enabling practitioners to focus on alignment and stability.
- Deepening Stretches: Yoga blocks can be utilized to deepen stretches in various poses. By placing blocks under the hands or feet in poses such as Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) or Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), practitioners can gradually increase the intensity of the stretch while maintaining proper alignment.
- Restorative Practice: In restorative yoga or gentle yoga classes, blocks are commonly employed to support the body in passive poses to encourage relaxation. For instance, placing blocks under the spine in a supported fish pose allows for gentle chest opening and release.
Yoga blocks, with their versatility and adaptability, can greatly enhance a yoga practice. They offer stability, support, and accessibility, making yoga more inclusive for practitioners of all levels, body types, and abilities.
Best Yoga Blocks in November 2024
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Manduka Yoga Cork Block - Yoga Prop and Accessory, Good for Travel, Comfortable Edges, Lightweight, Extra Firm Cork, 4" x 6" x 9" (10 x 15 x 22.5 cm) (Pack of 2)
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MANDUKA CORK BLOCK: Made of sustainable cork, this high-quality cork yoga block has a firmness not found in foam blocks and allows you to feel secure in the support it provides. Easy to grip textured surface-- Great for beginner to advanced yogis
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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. Perfect for restorative yoga classes, Pilates, meditation, fitness and exercise
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LIGHTWEIGHT AND STURDY: Cork blocks have a firmness and support not found in foam blocks. Featuring a rounded edge for maximum comfort, support, and grip. Manduka’s Cork Yoga Block weighs less than coarse-grain cork commonly used for blocks
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SUSTAINABLE CORK: Cork is a renewable, sustainable material. Responsibly made with no toxic chemicals produced during harvesting or manufacturing. Manduka is committed to creating responsibly sourced products while minimizing environmental waste
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PRODUCT DETAILS: 9" x 6" x 4" Cork yoga block; Pack of 2; Keep your blocks looking great by wiping down after each use with Manduka's Botanical Cleaner
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block (Set Of 2) - Supportive Latex-Free Eva Foam Soft Non-Slip Surface For Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Grey
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Stability plus balance: Yoga blocks provide the stability and balance needed in your practice to help with optimal alignment, deeper poses and increased strength
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Durable supportive foam: These lightweight and supportive foam blocks are constructed of a durable foam with a nonslip surface and beveled edges for easy gripping. Premium blocks are 50 percentage denser than standard EVA blocks
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Modify plus align: Use under your hands, feet or seat (meditation) to ensure the proper alignment needed in order to safely support and modify poses to suit your level of flexibility If you feel tight, don't risk injury and grab a block or two
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Extend plus deepen stretches: Blocks make for the ideal yoga prop and companion, as they are an important tool in your practice to help extend, support and deepen your stretches while also working to increase your range of motion
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Care info: Spot clean with mild detergent towel or air dry (Dimensions: 9 inches W x 6 inches H x 4 inches D / Weight: 4.6 ounce) Sold as 2 Pack
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Hugger Mugger Big Blue Foam Yoga Block
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About the size of a block and a half
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Lightweight and easy to Transport
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Beveled edges are comfortable for Supported and restorative poses
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Great for taller or less flexible yogis
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Manduka Yoga Recycled Foam Block - Yoga Prop and Accessory, Comfortable Edges, Lightweight, Firm, Non Slip Recycled Foam, Midnight Blue, 9" x 6" x 4" (22.5 x 15 x 10 cm)(Pack of 2)
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RECYCLED FOAM YOGA BLOCK: Step up your routine with the unbeatable style, comfort and support of Manduka’s Recycled Foam Block. Great for yoga, barre, pilates, and home fitness. Lightweight and portable for home exercise or at the gym or studio
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STABILITY AND BALANCE: Featuring slip-resistant contoured edges for comfort, firm stability, balance and support in any yoga pose. Great for beginner to advanced yogis. High-density foam is durable and more firm, less squishy than other yoga blocks
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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. Perfect for restorative yoga classes, Pilates, meditation, fitness and exercise
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SUSTAINABILITY: Manduka's recycled yoga blocks contain between 50% - 75% recycled post-industrial and post-consumer EVA foam for lightweight comfort with a conscience. High-performance sustainable fitness accessories to minimize environmental impact
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PRODUCT DETAILS: 9” x 6” x 4”; Pack of 2; Weighs 0.9 lbs. To clean: Wipe with a damp cloth or with an organic household cleaner such as a 50/50 organic apple cider vinegar & water solution. Midnight Color
