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Jul 03, 2023

The Best Yoga Blocks for Finding Your Flow

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Build a budding yoga interest from the ground up (literally) with these top picks. When it comes

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.

Build a budding yoga interest from the ground up (literally) with these top picks.

When it comes to yoga, there are few gear requirements from the start. After all, all you really need for a well-to-do flow is a comfortable set of workout clothes and a stable, grounded yoga mat. But as much as we’d all love to have that premium flexibility and balance from the start, naturally, our bodies need a little extra support from time to time.

Enter yoga blocks.

While simple in nature yet capable of boosting any asana, yoga blocks can be excellent accessories to add to your mindful get-up. These sturdy blocks can help you maintain balance and structure, serve as guide rails when tackling new poses and even be used to help you get the most out of your favorite flows. Additionally, yoga blocks are relatively affordable, meaning there’s less of a lift to add one (or a set) to your at-home regimen.

But with a product so utilitarian, it can be difficult to determine which is right for your specific needs. Thankfully, we’ve sweat through enough sessions and utilized a ton of the below picks to determine which yoga blocks are worth considering.

I’ll be the first to say that my yoga prowess is not one of experience and mastery. As such, I’ve relied on yoga blocks for plenty of my weekly flows, helping me achieve the proper stances and more comfortable poses for the sake of better progress and relief. In testing, I noted how comfortable and approachable these blocks felt across my frame and hands, as well as how versatile they were across different yoga styles. Also, there's no sense in putting your weight atop a structure that folds in on itself, so density and sturdiness was also a deciding factor when curating this roundup. Finally, I worked up quite a sweat during these sessions, so I analyzed how clean and hygienic these accessories were when doused in muck and post-workout grime (as well as how easily they cleaned up).

Ready to elevate your practice? Let’s jump into the best yoga blocks on the market today.

Thanks to its sturdy-yet-cozy construction, this impressive yoga block from Manduka has been a go-to for many sessions. I appreciate how forgiving the recycled foam makeup is, particularly when using this accessory under my lower back as a supportive bridge. Additionally, the foam still retains a bit of rigidity, perfect for elevating my stances without fear of sinking too low.

The Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block is also a top pick when it comes to budget-minded athletes, as each block is less than $25. While there’s some durability concerns given the foam structure — the material can begin to break down over time — this is a solid option for any budding yogi.

Want your yoga blocks to support your other fitness endeavors? Consider these sleek silhouettes from Baseblocks. The Strongblocks Pros come in a set of two and feature a convenient angled handle attachment which can be great for other exercises like push-ups, planks and more. Plus, I enjoy the sturdy makeup present across each profile that’s more than capable of supporting my weight through a number of poses.

Unfortunately, though, these shouldn’t be classified as solely yoga blocks. For one, the handles, when not utilized, are stored in a convenient cutout. This makes storage much easier, but does eliminate a smooth surface on that particular size. Additionally, these blocks are a little thinner than other yoga blocks available, which can influence how you orient them in the throws of a flow.

These lightweight yoga blocks from Gaiam are excellent for athletes building out a set, as the sub-$10 cost allows for multiple purchases without worry. From a build standpoint, these blocks are anything but cheap. I appreciate how easy it is to throw these blocks into a rotation, and placing them in their desired spot across my mat is a breeze. Plus, when gripping the sides of these yoga blocks, you’re presented with a comfortable surface thanks to the rounded corners for better ergonomics.

Unfortunately, though, those that are hard on their gear may want to opt for a more rigid structure. The foam material, while comfortable, can compress more than others in this guide, which can lead to a lower stance or positioning than desired.

Lululemon has a slew of fantastic yoga products that can be great solutions for budding enthusiasts, and this yoga block is no exception. The Lift and Lengthen Yoga Block showcases unique dimensions that can help raise your stance and stability, all while remaining lightweight enough for quick maneuverability mid-session. I also appreciate this density as it’s simple enough to throw in a gym bag without hesitation.

While the unique 9.8-inch length is noteworthy, particularly for individuals that need the taller support in certain poses, that potential height is also this yoga block’s crux. You may notice some wobbliness if your balance begins to falter mid-pose, and the thinner base may become wobbly as well in the process. If you do intend on using this yoga block in an upright position, be sure to shore up your balance … or, at least, make sure you can bail on a pose without too much of a tumble.

Cork can be a great material of choice for yogis thanks to its hygienic nature and grippy exterior. This premium profile from Manduka is one of my favorites thanks to its well-balanced dimensions and easy-to-clean makeup. Plus, the premium traction creates a perfect contact point, even when temperatures begin to rise in the middle of a flow.

I also enjoy using this Manduka Cork Yoga Block in practice because of its firm makeup. There’s no give to the block, making for a sturdy and confident setup no matter how intricate my poses may be. As much as this is desired in my personal sessions, though, I understand that the rigidity felt may be a little too uncomfortable for some. Also, cork is naturally heavier than other foam yoga blocks, so don’t expect to move this silhouette into position with just a simple flick of the wrist.

If you’re looking for a yoga block that’s ultra ergonomic, consider this unique profile from Lululemon. The Inner Flow Yoga Block boasts a curved side that fits perfectly in your hands for more comfortable setups day in and day out. While the oblong shape doesn’t lend itself to stacking for additional height, I can attest that the feel mid-flow is more accommodating than most.

Additionally, I find the Inner Flow Yoga Block to showcase a perfect blend of density and structure, as there’s some give to the foam for added softness yet the material itself is more rigid for that secure base. Sure, this shape can’t work for every pose, but the unique aesthetic (and approachable price point) is enough to warrant a spot in any athlete’s collection.

Yoga blocks are great for creating that rock-solid setup, but that notion can easily fly out from underneath you if your accessory moves easily within your flow. Thankfully, this dense and sturdy Bamboo Yoga Block from Hugger Mugger exists, creating a grounded yet comfortable aesthetic fit for any practice. I really like how weighted this yoga block is, which makes mid-pose movement less possible for a more trusted get-up.

Of course, though, a toga block constructed from bamboo is going to be less comfortable than, say, a soft foam or giving cork. Additionally, the smooth exterior doesn’t have the same tackiness as other options, and if you sweat a ton during practice, that slip can transfer onto the block itself. If you’re taking this Bamboo Yoga Block into a hot yoga class, be sure to have a gym towel handy to keep your gear sweat-free for better traction.

The Uplifting Yoga Block can be a suitable option for plenty of yogis thanks to its firm yet cozy aesthetic and slew of available colorways. Not only does this give your yoga setup a dash of personality, but can also make it easier to identify your gear when partaking in group sessions. Plus, this yoga block boasts beveled edges ideal for creating that perfect grip for every pose.

Unfortunately, however, this yoga block suffers from durability issues, as do most foam silhouettes. The material can’t sustain extended wear and tear as well as cork or bamboo offerings, so if you’re looking to make just one purchase throughout your entire yoga journey, you may be better off with another profile.

Jade Yoga can be a great cork option for interested athletes since the silhouette is available in both small and large profiles. This can be prime for those that want a sense of support yet don’t need the full foundation of a regularly-sized yoga block. Additionally, I appreciate the naturally-antimicrobial nature of the cork exterior, which can stay more hygienic for longer over extended use.

Be mindful, though, that cork is a more dense material than other options, which means it can take some doing to place the yoga block in its correct place mid-flow. While this might not seem lie a large undertaking, if you’re trying to keep your mindful nature uninhibited in practice you may want a profile that’s more maneuverable.

Another foam-based yoga block, I enjoy this silhouette from Hugger Mugger thanks to the simple center line that’s present along the edge of this profile. This can help with alignment issues in certain poses, giving you a visual reference point for your grips and bracing. Additionally, the line is present across the entire lineup of colors, so there’s no fear of losing that aesthetic across the variety of hues.

Also this Hugger Mugger Four-Inch Foam Yoga Block is plenty affordable at less than $20, but that cost effectiveness can influence the craftsmanship at hand, according to some. Athletes have noted they’ve received some deformed yoga blocks in the past, so you may need to make a return if your personal order arrives misshapen.

While it might be perceived that yoga blocks are solely for beginners, that isn’t the case at all. Yoga blocks can definitely great for those getting used to certain poses, but also serve a purpose to veteran yogis, too, as they can unlock new angles and bracing points across more intricate poses. Additionally, yoga blocks can allow athletes to get “deeper” in their stance, taking some of their focus off their balance and more so into their holds.

One of the first qualities to consider when choosing a worthwhile yoga block is the material used across the structure. Foam yoga blocks can be some of the softest and most approachable silhouettes on the market, yet the less dense material can begin to break down over time and can show signs of instability in certain sessions. Cork blocks are more dense and stable thanks to the heavier material, but may feel a little uncomfortable for some, especially when placed along the lower back and spine. Wood or Bamboo yoga blocks can provide athletes with premium stability in their practice, but can be difficult to maneuver through flows and may be slippery if coated in a layer of sweat.

There’s no true right or wrong option, though, so the best bet is to choose a profile that suits your personal wants and needs.

A standard yoga block measures four inches thick by six inches tall by nine inches wide. Of course, there is some room for alteration, but this three-dimensional structure can be the best for optimizing you stability and comfort in each pose. Thinner, taller yoga blocks can be great for those needing that extra upward support as they learn and progress, but what you earn in height, you lose in stability. Be sure to take your personal experience in yoga into question when looking at yoga block sizes and choose an option that fits your setup best.

You’re likely to not break the bank when adding a yoga block to your repertoire, but profiles that can withstand extended use are always better in the long run. While material is the main factor in determining a block’s integrity — wooden and cork blocks will last longer than foam-based profiles — you want to choose a silhouette that can be with your for the long haul.