How to Choose a Yoga Block?

While you can perfectly practice yoga without any blocks, you can still use one either to deepen your stretch if you are an advanced yogi or to feel less strained in poses for which you don’t have enough flexibility.

Which size of yoga block to choose?

Yoga block sizes differ depending on the manufacturer. But the most common are 3x6x9 inches and 4x6x9 inches. If you have small hands smaller blocks will be easier for you to grip.

Which material to choose?

Here you’ve got a choice of wood, foam, and cork. Each has their advantages and disadvantages, so choose whichever is better in your situation.

1) Wooden blocks are definitely the most durable. On the downside, they may feel slippery when your hands get wet. In addition to that, wooden blocks are the heaviest weighing between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds or 0.5 and 1 kilo each. Foam blocks, for example, are up to 12 ounces (400 gram) and usually even lighter.

2) In addition to being super light, foam blocks are cheap and easy to clean. Foam has more give than cork which is good for restorative poses but may not feel comfortable for balance poses. Yoga studios often buy foam blocks for their classes, and that's where you can try using them and see whether their quality is good enough for your needs.

3) Cork blocks are many yogis’ favorites. They are light and yet feel stable and sturdy. The only downside if that cork easily absorbs smells and sweat.

If you set your mind on buying yoga blocks — get two to be able to practice a wider range of poses with them. By the way, some yogis successfully use thick phone books instead of yoga blocks. 

If you don’t want to buy any blocks, that’s absolutely fine! After all, many yogis say a yoga mat is the only essential thing you need to start practicing yoga.