Before their first class, right after the clothing question, I usually hear: “Do I need to buy yoga blocks?” The short answer is not required — but after years of teaching, I’d argue the fuller answer is more interesting. In my experience, blocks are the most misunderstood prop in yoga: beginners assume they’re for “bad practitioners,” while my advanced students treat theirs like a best friend. Here’s what they are, when they genuinely help, and how to choose one if you decide to buy.
What Are Yoga Blocks?
A yoga block is a rectangular block — usually around 23 x 15 x 7–10 cm — used to support, elevate and extend your reach in poses. You can rest your hands on it instead of the floor, sit on it to raise your hips, or place it under your back or head for support in restorative poses. Most blocks offer three heights depending on how you set them (upright, on the side, flat), so one block covers many situations.
Who Really Needs Yoga Blocks?
- Beginners — when the body isn’t flexible enough to reach the floor safely, blocks let you hold correct form without straining or holding your breath.
- Tight hips or sore backs — sitting on a block raises the hips above the knees, keeping the spine naturally tall in seated postures.
- People who meditate seated for longer — this is the use I value most in Kundalini: a block under the hips makes 10–20 minutes of seated meditation dramatically more comfortable, knees no longer floating, back no longer rounding.
- Advanced practitioners — blocks make entering and exiting poses safer and keep alignment precise.
In other words: a block is not a sign of weakness — it’s a tool of precision.
Which Material: Foam, Cork or Wood?
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam | Light, cheap, soft, many colors | Compresses over time, less stable under load | Beginners, low budget, back/head support |
| Cork | Stable, durable, grippy, eco-friendly | Heavier than foam, pricier | Meditation seat, weight-bearing poses, long-term use |
| Wood | Extremely stable, most durable | Heavy, hard, zero cushion | Balance poses needing a rigid base |
If you’re buying just one and aren’t sure you’ll use it much, foam is a sensible start (usually the price of a group coffee outing). If you plan to meditate daily, cork is worth it — stable and it won’t compress.
Using Blocks in a Few Familiar Poses
- Standing Forward Fold: rest both hands on blocks instead of forcing your toes — the back releases, knees can stay soft.
- Triangle and Warrior poses: the lower hand on a block opens the chest instead of collapsing forward.
- Seated meditation (Easy Pose): sit on the edge of the block, both sit bones fully on top — the spine straightens by itself.
- Supported Bridge: a block under the sacrum lets the lower back relax.
Not Ready to Buy: Substitutes
A thick folded blanket or firm pillow works well as a meditation seat; a stack of large books wrapped in a towel can stand in for standing poses. When you notice yourself reaching for the substitute every session — that’s when a real block earns its place.
Start With Minimal Equipment
I always tell my students: a mat, a quiet space and consistency matter more than any prop. For more on your home setup, read How to Practice Yoga at Home and How to Clean a Yoga Mat. And if you want someone adjusting your posture session after session — with or without blocks — book a free trial class via Zoom and I’ll see you in class.
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