On the hunt for the best yoga block to help you take your practice up a notch? You've come to the right place. Yoga blocks are far more useful than they might appear, and can be used in a variety of ways to support and advance your practice. If you're struggling to perfect a pose, need a little extra support while you get into position, or want to push your stretches even deeper, a yoga block is your best friend.
While all you really need for yoga is a mat (check out our guide to the best yoga mats to kit yourself out) and perhaps a pair of the best yoga pants to let you stretch freely, added extras such as a yoga block or strap are inexpensive and can make a big difference to your rate of progress.
A yoga block / yoga brick is simply a lightweight cuboid that provides a surface for extra balance, acts as a guide to get your body in the correct alignment, or can be used to deepen a stretch. For example, let's say you're in a balance pose that requires your hands to be on the floor, but you can't quite reach; you can use a yoga block to rest your hands on. This way you can focus on getting the rest of your body in the correct posture, without having to contort yourself just to stop yourself from falling. Rotate the block for a range of different surface heights.
Similarly, you might place one under your sit bones if you need to elevate yourself in a seated posture. If you're more flexible, you might to prop one foot on a block to deepen a split, or place one flat against your feet for a further reach in a seated forward bend. Your yoga teacher will instruct you when and how to use these correctly as part of your practice, but they are much more useful than they might first appear.
What is the difference between a yoga block and a yoga brick?
A yoga brick is shaped roughly like a house brick, while a yoga block is wider and flatter. However, you'll often find the term 'yoga block' as an umbrella term, referring to any support of this kind. Flatter blocks are typically used to sit on, for extra height or to provide stability in seated poses, while deeper bricks have a wider variety of uses. All yoga bricks are roughly the same size – the rectangular cuboid shape means you can flip your block onto different sides for different heights of support.
What type of yoga block is best?
Yoga blocks come in a range of different colours and materials. Cork yoga blocks are usually the most expensive, and offer durability, stability, and a high level of traction. EVA foam is very lightweight and usually cheaper than cork. It's easier to tote to and from your yoga class but it's not as durable or stable. It's also handy to know that both EVA foam and cork are environmentally friendly, so you can practice guilt-free.
The best yoga block 2022 ranking
Our top pick for best yoga block now is the Uplifting block from Alo, made with 100% EVA, with bevelled edges. They're sturdy, lightweight and durable. The surface is nice to touch and grippy. It's not the most important thing, but the design is also pretty cool, and they come in a wide range of colours, so you can match them to the rest of your yoga gear.
With their smooth, non slip surface, these yoga blocks are suitable for a wide range of floors; whether that’s the lino of the local gym or your lounge carpet. They’re lightweight, so taking them to class shouldn’t be a problem, and they’re made from 100% natural cork wood, so they’re environmentally friendly, too.
These blocks are cheap and still eco-friendly, solid and versatile to use. They’re made from EVA foam rather than cork, so they won't deliver on the traction, but the soft surface is comfortable enough to rest hands, feet and even your forehead. There are two bright, bold colours to choose from.
Most yoga bricks are much of a muchness, but Lululemon has gone out on a limb and opted for a completely different shape with its Flow block. A completely horizontal surface can be taxing on your wrists in some poses – this block features curved sides that are designed to counter that. The unusual shape limits the versatility of this block very slightly (if you want a flat surface , you'll only be able to use the brick on its lowest height, for example), but it's an interesting innovation that could be exactly what some yogis have been looking for. It's made from dense foam in a snazzy marbled pattern, and can be wiped down to clean.
With an Easy-go-grip surface and contoured edges, this yoga block has been designed to help yogis improve their strength and balance. Thanks to its cork construction, it’s suitable to use on a range of floor types, while offering users firmer feel than foam blocks. If you’re looking for a block with more weight, this one is just the ticket, but avoid if you’re looking for a lightweight one to take to class.
If you’re just starting out, you may not want to spend too much on a yoga block. To help you advance through the poses, this block from Yogibare will ensure your body gradually stretches into the moves to avoid any damage. The brand say the blocks are sturdy enough to hold your body weight and help you to align yourself so you’re doing the poses correctly from the offset.
If you’re looking for a quality mid-range cork yoga block, this one from Lotuscrafts is just the ticket. Customers say is doesn’t give like foam blocks, so it should provide plenty of support as you master the moves. The surface is soft to the touch but it offers plenty of traction so you’re not in any danger of it slipping while in use.
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