The yoga block is one of the most popular accessories in a yoga class.
Yoga props were popularized by B.K.S. Iyengar as tools to support the body and allow for deeper expression in the alignment of a yoga pose.
Yoga blocks are often used as an extension of one of the hands, but they are also used to support the back, head and hips, and deepen the perception of alignment.
A yoga block is most helpful for students starting out or those who have experienced injuries or other physical limitations, but more advanced practitioners can use these props to safely learn the most challenging new poses.
When buying a yoga block you will need to consider size, material, cost and quantity.
B.K.S. Iyengar said that the ideal block measures 22.8cm x 11.44cm x 7.6cm, but you will find blocks larger or smaller than this one. Choosing a larger or smaller block will depend on the size of your hands and the level of your flexibility. If you have small hands and good flexibility, you should consider a small size block. If, on the other hand, if you have large hands and little flexibility, think about considering a large block.
Originally yoga blocks were made of wood, but now they are also made of foam and cork.
Wooden blocks
Wooden blocks are frequently made of bamboo, birch wood, maple, pine, balm and poplar.
Those made of hardwoods will be more durable, while softer ones will be lighter.
The wooden blocks are comparatively hard and heavy (these normally weigh between 675 grams and 1.2 kilos) but they are very strong, more aesthetic and will last forever.
The downside of wooden blocks is that they are expensive, become slippery with wet hands, can slip when you put them on wooden floors, and don’t always stack properly.
Cork blocks
Cork yoga blocks can be more environmentally friendly than wooden ones (depending on how the wood and cork have been extracted) and cork blocks are softer and lighter than wooden ones (between 450 and 900 grams).
These are stacked and stored very well, but unfortunately cork absorbs sweat and odors that can occasionally cause unpleasant odors and crack or chip over time of use.
Foam Blocks
Foam yoga blocks are cheaper than cork and wood and lighter (weigh between 85 and 300 grams) and are very soft. Because of their low cost, durability and ease of cleaning, these are the most common blocks among yoga centers.
The disadvantage of foam blocks is that they get dirty and wear easily, and are not eco-friendly like wooden or cork blocks. They may also feel weak or unstable when used for support.
More than one yoga block?
Most of the time you’ll only require one block of yoga, but there’s a good chance you won’t regret buying two.
First, you will have a compatible set and you will not need to remember the size, brand and color later.
Second, you will find that having a block in each hand or stacked blocks will offer you more support, giving you a wider range in posture throughout your practice.
Even if you think that buying two blocks instead of just one can be more expensive, this can save you on shipping costs.
