Yoga Studio Eva Yoga Block: 499 Yoga Studio
This Yoga Studio block is much the same as the other products when it comes to support and comfort, but due to its size we found it was one of the most useful for seated poses. We particularly enjoyed using this block in Hero Pose and Childs Pose, as we found it didnt lift us too far off the ground and enabled us to stay in the poses for longer.
The block also has beveled edges for maximum comfort and grip, so it is effective when slowly inching yourself into those harder to reach positions. We wouldnt recommend using this block, however, in balancing classes.
Due to its size, it can be very difficult to use when propped vertically and can lead to a very sore head . It is worth noting that Yoga Studio has a huge range of blocks, so if youre looking to buy more than one in order to vary your practice, it is a very reasonable place to do so.
How Many Yoga Blocks Do I Need: One Vs Two Yoga Blocks
The number of yoga blocks you decide to buy is mostly a matter of personal preference.
Getting two yoga blocks at once will make your practice considerably more versatile. You will be able to do a whole lot more poses while placing your hands on two blocks. If stacked together in a row, blocks, especially softer foam ones, can even substitute a yoga bolster and work great for relaxing and chest-opening poses.
Most yoga blocks now conveniently come in the set of two. Some brands also offer a discount if you get a pair.
If you eventually decide to use only one block, you can always stash the second one for later as a replacement, or keep one yoga block in the yoga studio and another one at home.
Bridge Pose With A Yoga Block
Bridge pose is a simple back bend from a supine position. But youd be surprised how easy it is to push your hips too high and hurt your lower back in this asana. To make bridge pose more passively restorative, try it with a block:
- Start laying flat on your back with arms straight along your sides, palms to the floor
- Bend your knees and place feet flat to the ground about a foot from your glutes
- Tuck your chin and raise your hips slightly up, knees bent at around a 90° angle
- Place a yoga block underneath your low back at the base of the spine
- Feel your chest opening and spine resting into the support of the block as you gradually bend open
- Breathe and release
On the other hand, you may be looking for more strength and engagement in bridge pose. You can use a isometric exercise with a yoga block to strengthen the inner thighs.
- Start laying flat with knees bent up hip width apart
- Place a block length-wise between your inner thighs
- Squeeze and engage your legs against the block
- Lift glutes up into a bridge pose, maintaining a neutral spine and knees at a 90° angle above the ankles
- Breathe and hold, actively pushing the block between your legs
- Exhale and release, removing the block to the side and lowering to the mat
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The Balanced Yogi Cork Yoga Block: 15 Corkyogis
There are three main reasons why people love cork its grippiness, its naturalness and the fact it doesnt absorb as much sweat so it doesnt matter how disgusting you get .
We think this cork block by CorkYogis is one of the best on the market, providing a great base for anyone hoping to improve their practice. It is denser and studier than all of the foam yoga blocks we tested.
Plus its made from natural sustainable cork from Portugal, immediately helping with your eco-credentials. The brand also works with the Destiny Foundation, which works to end human trafficking and slavery, and provides a contribution each time a natural CorkYogis mat is purchased. If that doesnt persuade you to use the brand, we dont know what will.
Yoga Blocks Are Tools
A yoga block is a tool and is nothing to be ashamed of. Beginner and advanced yogis use blocks to modify their practice in a way that perfectly suits their unique body. It is not cheating or faking yoga.
There is no shame in using yoga blocks. They are simply another tool in your yoga toolbox, just like a chefs assortment of knives or a tennis players many rackets.
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Yogi Bare Yoga Block: 599 Yogi Bare
This is one of the cheapest blocks we tried but you would be hard pushed to be able to tell. Despite being nearly £10 less than Lululemons, this block was very similar, even featuring a fetching tie-dye design although we did find it was slightly less comfortable.
We would recommend using this block vertically in balancing poses such as Warrior 3 and horizontally under the elbows in poses that help stretch the hip flexors, such as Lizard.
Yogi Bare also prides itself on its eco credentials, meaning this block should be a natural winner for any yogis hoping to do their bit for the planet. The one thing we would say is you need to look after this block after a couple of days in the bottom of our gym bag, we found that it picked up slightly more damage than some of its competitors.
What Are Yoga Blocks Used For
A yoga block is simply a lightweight block 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.
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Lift And Lengthen Yoga Block: 15 Lululemon
Lululemon is a staple for many yoga fanatics, so it is unsurprising that the brand has come up with a block that ticks all the right boxes. We loved this model and scored it 10/10 for its squish level as we found it was comfortable enough for our restorative sessions, while also being sturdy enough for our trickier vinyasa classes.
Its a fairly standard size and can be used in three positions depending on how much you need to extend your reach our favourite was using it during Bridge. As any yogi knows, however, its often more about mentality than the perfect physical pose and thats where Lululemon really does beat its competitors.
The brand not only provides motivational messaging for its customers on its packaging, but there is also encouragement engraved on the block itself .
It may not be much, but it could help you get that extra inch you need. We were slightly concerned that such a comfy block would be easily damaged from a day rattling about in our rucksack but found it didnt get indentations from pressure. Plus, the tie-dye style of this block means youll never forget which one is yours.
Prevent Injury With A Yoga Block
Yoga blocks are one of the best tools for preventing injuries during our yoga practice. In my case, it required setting my ego aside so that I could lean on the yoga block as an ally rather than something to be embarrassed of.
Because they are supportive and bring the floor closer to you, yoga blocks help prevent straining, overextending, falling, or pushing your body too far.
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The Best Yoga Block Kit
YogaRats block and strap set is a great start for beginner yogis, or anyone looking to personalize their yoga equipment instead of borrowing shared studio items. The YogaRat yoga block is lightweight and portable, and the surface is soft and squishy like many popular foam blocks.
The 9 x 6 x 4-inch block is made of eco-friendly, non-toxic EVA foam, and the closed cell antimicrobial surface wicks away moisture instead of absorbing sweat. The block is easy to clean and it comes in a variety of different color options.
The YogaRat strap is woven from thick 100% cotton material and comes in as many colors as the block, so you can rock a matching set. At 1.5 inches wide and 8 feet long, the strap is a great addition to a block for yogis who are either just beginning or looking to deepen their practice. Straps can increase flexibility and help you reach into deeper stretching poses, and of course, youll have also have the block beside you for balance and stability.
Even in the most pristine yoga studios, sharing equipment can get a little gnarly. Instead of trying to block out the germy thoughts, taking a class with your own block and strap set is a great solution for the extra hygienic yogis out there.
Pros: Budget-smart option includes both a block and a strap for beginner yogis or anyone squeamish about sharing studio equipment
Yoga Blocks Help Stabilize Balancing Poses
It is always helpful to have someone to lean on. Balancing poses can be incredibly intimidating, even to experienced yogis. Yoga blocks provide the perfect stability to explore new balancing asanas without risking any major falls.
A block helps with balancing because it brings the floor up closer to your hands. This is especially helpful in a pose like Half Moon . The two opposing actions of grounding in the earth with your standing leg and reaching your raised leg out can cause quite a bit of destabilization.
Things get even more difficult when you dont quite have the core strength to hold yourself sideways, nor the hamstring flexibility to fully reach the floor. In comes the yoga block: a perfect stepping stone toward mastering this joyful moon-inspired pose.
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Guide To Buying The Best Yoga Blocks
Lots of people are getting into yoga classes these days. Everyone is more conscious of their weight and health. Yoga is one of the few exercise routines that you can do both at a yoga studio or in the comfort of your own home without equipment.
There are a few props out there that amplify the different poses you make during yoga. One of these is a yoga block.
Yoga blocks are phenomenal when it comes to providing you with support during your workout. You can use it to align your body better and avoid injuries. The blocks are also fantastic when it comes to giving you stability. Especially when you have to hold poses for a long time.
The Best Foam Yoga Blocks: A Buying Guide
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Although cork yoga blocks and even wooden ones are available, most people who choose to work with yoga blocks probably start off with foam ones. Foam bricks tend to be soft and lightweight enough for comfortable use, but still strong and supportive
Foam yoga blocks are typically 9 x 6 x 4 inches, though some are only three inches thick. They are used to provide support during positions and allow for more extensive stretches. Most are brick-shaped, but a few, like the Manduka unBLOK, are contoured with rounded edges.
Weve put together a guide to finding the best foam yoga blocks and picking the one thats right for your own particular needs.
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Gaiam Be Inspired Yoga Block
Gaiam is one of the most popular makers of yoga accessories and have a number of highly reviewed items, and the Gaiam Be Inspired Yoga Block doesnt disappoint. It features the high quality materials and performance youve come to expect from Gaiam.
What makes this one unique is the addition of inspirational words and quotes, which can help improve your practice and inspire you. The functional, inspirational yoga block is made from durable, supportive foam and is large enough to sit on comfortably. You can easily spot clean this with a mild detergent and air dry.
And those are our recommendations for the best yoga blocks. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread’s Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!
Standing Forward Fold With A Block Support:
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New In: Yogamatters X Bespoke Binny
Our latest collaboration is here! Together with London-based print homeware maker, Natalie Manima, founder of Bespoke Binny, we have created the Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny African Print Collection: a range of modern African print bolsters that not only make a perfect yoga prop but also look beautiful in your home.
- Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny Blue Record Bolster
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- Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny Turquoise Waves Bolster
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- Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny Red Waves Bolster
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- Yogamatters x Bespoke Binny Red Record Bolster
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How To Do Block
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Top 10 Best Yoga Blocks For Beginners
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Image: freepik
Searching for the best yoga blocks for beginners? This list of the top 10 yoga blocks on the market has got you covered!
Yogis rely on yoga blocks and yoga bolsters to make poses more comfortable, improve their flexibility, and generally take their yoga practice to the next level.
Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for years, a pair of yoga blocks is an important part of your workout for safety, comfort, and advancing your skill level.
Physical Therapy And Rehabilitation
If youve ever been a physical therapy patient, then you know how creative the exercises can be. Given their simple yet versatile design, yoga blocks are utilized by therapists in countless ways, including in conjunction with other therapeutic devices.
Yoga blocks are used for stacking to help those with dexterity or neurological issues develop grip strength. Patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery need to redevelop flexibility and range of motion. Post-surgical therapy programs often include stretching exercises that use yoga blocks to inch deeper into the stretch.
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Yoga Blocks Make Yoga Poses More Accessible To Beginners
So why do you need a yoga block? Yoga blocks can make new poses safer, more comfortable, and more accessible to beginners. Take a simple Forward Fold , for example. If you cant yet reach your toes, dont worry.
Many yogis have tight hamstrings and significant low back or knee pain. It is a bad idea to collapse the back while forcing the hands to the floor. Using a yoga block in Standing Forward Fold helps shift weight into the hands and relieve any stress on the lower back. It also increases the range of motion in your hips over time while keeping the strain off your spine.
Why Use A Yoga Block
Yoga blocks are a great accompaniment to your practice, no matter what stage youre in. Beginners can benefit from the extra support and stability, while advanced individuals can use blocks to challenge their flexibility. Everyone benefits from the options that yoga blocks provide.
In my opinion, yoga blocks are not only used to assist your practice but to elevate and sustain it. Ive seen many students get discouraged from practicing yoga, simply because our bodies do not all look and feel the same, so its important to offer variations. Using blocks and other props can make the arms longer, the floor closer, and even deepen the stretch of a yoga pose,” says Bridget.
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