A Good Block Can Make Yoga A More Intense Abs Workout
A Good Block Can Make Yoga A More Intense Abs Workout
A mat may be the number one must-have for your next yoga flow, but it's not the only prop that can give your practice a boost. A good yoga block (or a set of 'em) comes in handy for so many reasons in various different types of yoga.
"Blocks can help you go deeper into a pose not only physically, but also mentally, because you know you have that additional support," says certified yoga teacher and trainer Suki Clements, CPT, RYT. "They aren't just for those new to an asana practice, either. I invite my students, whether in an absolute beginner class or an advanced class, to use props."
Not terribly comfortable sitting cross-legged during breathwork or meditation? Pop a yoga block underneath your seat. Can't quite reach your palms to the floor in a standing forward fold? A pair of blocks below your hands brings the floor up closer to you.
You can also use yoga blocks to check your form. "A block between the hands helps teach proper placement of the thumbs and forefingers in Adho Mukho Savasaha (a.k.a. Downward Facing Dog)," explains Lisa Burnett, certified Pranakriya prenatal yoga instructor and owner of My OM Yoga.
Oh, and if you want to turn up the heat during your next series of core-blasting poses, a block can do that, too. Say you're in boat pose, squeeze a block between your thighs, Burnett suggests.
The best yoga blocks for you, though, depend on your practice. If you're working on inversions or need stability through a challenging, strength-building flow, you'll need sturdy blocks, says Clements. In these cases, cork comes in clutch. However, if you need softer blocks to rest on during a restorative session, foam is the way to go.
Whatever your style on the mat, one of the following yoga blocks—all trusted favorites of yoga teachers themselves—will support you through every pose.
1) Manduka Premium High-Density Cork Yoga Block
Manduka
amazon.com
$20.00
"Manduka is my go-to for yoga gear and this block is my fave," says Nike Master Trainer Alex Silver-Fagan, CPT, RYT, creator of Flow Into Strong.
How come, you ask? "It’s sturdy and supportive to provide extra lift in poses like triangle and side angle," she explains. "It's also great for standing on to test your balance and to squeeze between your thighs to incorporate some core and glute work."
2) Hugger Mugger Foam Yoga Block
Hugger Mugger
amazon.com
$16.95
This block is more than just pretty (I mean, check out that pattern). "It's great because it's lightweight but still offers full support and stability," says Clements. "It's the perfect weight in my opinion!"
Clements loves its beveled edges, which makes it more comfortable during restorative or Yin yoga than a pick with sharper corners.
3) Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block
Manduka
amazon.com
$16.00
More than one of the teachers we tapped said this block tops their list. "It's the first block I've ever used and the block I personally own," says yoga teacher Angelica Wilson, RYT, Y7 Studio instructor. "Its feel is sturdy but not hard. For example, if you place this block under your low back for a supportive bridge, you won't feel like you're laying on a brick but also won't feel like you're crushing it into the ground. I enjoy using these so much that I own four of them!"
Dani Schenone, RYT, yoga teacher and Holistic Wellness Specialist at Mindbody, also says this is her go-to yoga block. "Not only is it sustainable, but it’s comfortable for gentler practices like restorative yoga and slip-resistant for more intense classes like hot yoga."
And Melanie Salvatore-August, RYT, a YogaWorks instructor, loves this blocks firm-but-light feel. "Using a block in between the thighs to help support the pelvic floor and spine is so helpful for so many women, but the wood and cork sometimes are just too heavy," she says. "I use this one everyday in my home studio."
4) Gaiam Soft Foam Yoga Block
Gaiam
amazon.com
$9.98
If you're just getting started with yoga or don't want to drop too much cash on props, this block is a perfect pick.
"Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s a great option for travel, as it is incredibly light," says Schenone. "I love its soft feel, and Gaiam offers many different colors to choose from." Like so many colors.
5) Everyday Yoga Cork Yoga Block
yogaoutlet.com
$13.98
"I enjoy this cork block because of its durability and use it for strength and support during my Vinyasa practice," says Y7 instructor Dre Drummond, RYT. Its harder feel and defined edges make it a less-than-ideal pic for restorative practices, though.
That said, Drummond also loves that the block is easy to clean and affordable.
6) Hello Fit Sunshine Yoga Blocks (10-Pack)
Hello Fit
amazon.com
$42.00
Whether you want to support your pals' home practices or want to gift sets to the whole fam so they don't have to share, this super economical pack of 10 blocks keeps the flow going.
"As a girl on a budget, I prefer foam blocks. I like these in black because they show the least amount of wear and tear," says Burnett.
7) TVLA Balance Block
TVLA
tvlashop.com
$26.00
"I love the TVLA Balance Block because it provides firm stability in an array of posture. Wherever it’s placed, the cork grip is slip-resistant," says Kada O’Connor, RYT, CorePower Yoga instructor.
Plus, TVLA puts its proceeds to work for good. "It donates a percentage of every purchase to support local animal shelters and rescues," she explains. "Not only do I feel aligned in my practice and form with this block, but I also feel aligned in my purpose by supporting a business with a cause."
8) Manduka unBLOK High-Density Recycled Foam Yoga Block
Manduka
amazon.com
$24.00
Funky yogis and anyone with cranky hands or wrists will love this out-of-the box (and totally ergonomic) Manduka yoga block.
"I love the unBLOK because it offers the stability of a normal rectangular block, but the curved edge provides more comfort, especially in supported postures," says yoga instructor Maya Magennis, RYT, teacher trainer for YogaWorks. "The block's unique shape makes it very versatile and perfect for experimenting with your practice at home!"
9) Gaiam Yoga Block + Yoga Strap Set
Gaiam
amazon.com
$14.98
"This set is great for the beginner yogi, Schenone says. "Both props will help modify or amplify common yoga poses, offering extra height, support and stability."
Here are some teacher faves to level up your flow.