The best yoga blocks for you will be determined by your needs, intensity and comfort level. Since yoga blocks need to support your full weight, stay clean and last long we’ve dug through and found the top 5 yoga blocks that do all that and more.
No matter what level of yoga practitioner you are, we’ve covered the best yoga blocks in each category: Foam, cork, bamboo and wood. All of the blocks here are great quality and you can’t go wrong no matter which you choose.
Lets have a look at the different options…
Quick Answer: The Best Yoga Blocks
- JBM Yoga Blocks 2 pack Plus Strap
- Hugger Mugger 3 in. Foam Yoga Block
- Hugger Mugger Bamboo Yoga Block
- ProSource Yoga Block
- Gaiam Foam Yoga Block
Best Yoga Blocks Reviewed
Below we cover the top yoga blocks in several categories and dive into why they’re the best options for each yoga practice.
1. JBM Yoga Blocks 2 pack Plus Strap
With the JBM Yoga Blocks you will have a set of cork blocks in the medium size of 4” x 6” x 9”. The surface area is of fine grain so a limited amount of friction is present and you will not slip off of them during your workout. This is a 2 block matching set with a strap to assist you in your workout.
Pros
- They are made of eco-friendly material from a renewable source
- Slip resistant
- Moisture resistant
- Light weight
- Each block weighs 0.38 lbs
- Easy to carry
- Long lasting
- Odor free
- Non-absorbent
- Bactria free when maintained properly
- ‘Stable foundation to help prevent slipping, falling or lose of balance when being used
- Contoured edges are ergonomically friendly
- Strong
- Your full weight can be applies and the block will hold up
- Great seat for meditation
- Preferred over foam blocks due to being more stability because they are give less when under stress
Cons
- Can be damaged if struck with a blunt force object
- Only water resistant and can be damaged if submerged in water for an extended period of time
- Requires storage in dry, well ventilated space to prevent bacterial and mold growth
- Some complaints about the strap being of low quality have been registered
2. Hugger Mugger 3 in. Foam Yoga Block
The Hugger Mugger 3” foam yoga block is made from environmentally friendly EVA foam that is latex free. For many this is the preferred foam yoga block due to its firmness as compared to what other manufacturers of foam yoga blocks are making. This makes it possible to feel more secure when placing weight on them. The textured surface helps in preventing slippage when in use. They are also simple to clean and maintain and easy to transport weighing only 0.8 lbs each.
Pros
- Denser foam than most other manufacturers that provides added stability preferred by many users
- Edges are beveled for more comfort when using them
- Made from recycled material and is environmentally friendly
- Long lasting
- Easier to clean, maintain and store than cork
- Textured surface for firm grip
- Odor free
- Moisture resistant
- Light weight (each block only weight 0.8 lbs)
- Added stability as compared to discount foam yoga blocks
- The block is recyclable
- Lower in cost than cork, bamboo and wood blocks
Cons
- More expensive than the average recycled foam yoga block
- Weighs more than cheaper less dense foam blocks and cork blocks
- Not as soft as other foam blocks when used for meditation
3. Hugger Mugger Bamboo Yoga Block
This bamboo yoga block made from an environmentally friendly plant and one of the fastest renewable sources on the planet. There is no give when pressure or weight is applied to this block unlike the foam and cork types that each gives just a little. This characteristic makes them feel very sturdy when in use in yoga exercises. They are easy to clean, maintain and store requiring only a dry place to store and a damp cloth to clean. They are toxic free and semi light weight being hollow in their construction.
Pros
- Extremely durable, sturdy and stable
- Slightly larger than the standard block for additional stability
- Easy to clean and maintain with a damp cloth and air or sun dry
- Edges are beveled for added comfort
- Made to last
- They look great
- Moisture resistant
- Odor resistant
- Slip resistant
Cons
- Heavier in weight that both cork and foam with each block weighing 2 ½ lbs
- Because they are hollow some people feel less secure using them
- More expensive than cork and foam blocks
- Heavy to transport
4. ProSource Yoga Block
The ProSouce Yoga blocks are sold as a pair. They are constructed of high density foam that has a solid core for additional stability. The edges are beveled for more comfort when in use. This yoga exercise block is available close to the medium size being 3 ¾” x 6” x 9”. The textured surface provides a non-slip reaction when gripped. The surface is also non-stick. They are easy to clean with a damp cloth and light weight so transporting them will not be a chore.
Pros
- Made of recycled foam which is environmentally friendly
- Light weight
- Each block weighs 0.7 lbs
- Solid construction
- Non-stick surface
- Slip resistant
- Beveled edges
- Oder free when maintained properly
- Easy to maintain
- Spot clean with mild detergent and towel or air dried
- Flexible material but maintains shape
- Great seat for meditation
- They come in a wide variety of colors
- Low in price
Cons
- Has more give when in use than the other foam yoga block listed above
- Not made for large people due to the flexibility of the block when under stress
- Slightly thinner than most medium yoga blocks
5. Gaiam Foam Yoga Block
The famous Gaiam yoga product company has made this light weight, low cost and sturdy foam block suitable to assist any beginner or experienced yoga practitioner. These are the medium size foam blocks that have both non-stick and non-slip surface area features so a safe workout will be enjoyed. They are very easy to clean and maintain and very light weight while also being long lasting.
Pros
- This is a lightweight yoga block with a single block weighing only 0.29 lbs
- Preferred by beginners because it is easier to use being softer
- Very low in cost
- Odor resistant
- Slip resistant
- Moisture restraint
- Easy to clean with mild detergent and towel dry
- Great for meditation
- Preferred blocks for laying down exercises and sitting stretching exercises
- Available in a wide variety of colors
Cons
- The exact type of foam used in this blocks constructed is not revealed by the manufacturer except that it is sturdy foam
- Softer and more flexible than most other yoga foam blocks
- Many feel less stability when using them from a standing position
Types of Yoga Blocks
The first yoga blocks were introduced over 30 years ago and were made of pine wood. Many people found them tough on their skin and difficult to transport because of their weight.
Today there are better options with the materials used to make yoga blocks. This includes recycled foam, bamboo and cork with a few of the older style of wood are still available.
Recycled Foam
The recycled foam yoga blocks are made as the name states – with recycled plastics that would otherwise take up space in a landfill. This is an environmentally sound material that is non-toxic, safe to use and is inexpensive while being readily available.
Most beginners start with this type of block. They’re more forgiving, but are damaged easier than bamboo, cork and wood.
Bamboo
Most people don’t know that bamboo is a tree like type of grass. This plant is fast growing with some varieties experiencing 14” of growth in a single day. There’s also a plentiful supply of it in the tropical regions of our world and it’s constantly replenishing itself. This material is as solid as wood while being lightweight, non-toxic and safe to use.
Cork
Cork is really the bark from the cork oak trees that grow in Europe and Africa. This material is lightweight because of the irregular air spaces it its interior. This makes cork buoyant, elastic, impermeable and fire resistant.
Because it’s the bark and the tree will continue to live and thrive after the harvesting of the bark, it is an eco-friendly and sustainable material to use.
Cork is also non-toxic and safe to use in yoga mats, wheels and many other yoga accessories. The surface area has a natural friction to it so while exercising, your hand will remain stable on its surface without slipping. This is the preferred type of material for use as a yoga block.
Wood
The best wood yoga blocks are made from pine and birch. Both are considered soft woods, but are sturdy enough to be used for this purpose. To help keep the weight down while not compromising the integrity of the block, the interior of the wood block is kept hollow.
These are the most expensive to purchase, require the most maintenance and weigh the most so they’re not the best option for most people.
Uses For Yoga Blocks
For many the primary reason for a yoga block is for assistance in stretching so their balance can be maintained. By using all three sides on a block, flexibility can be slowly increased. The size of the blocks also provides a stable base for the practitioner to use.
Another use of yoga blocks is during strength training. They are used between your legs and in your hands to add additions resistance when it is desired.
Size of Yoga Blocks
The right size of yoga block for you is dependent on the size of your body’s frame. As common sense dictates most people will use the medium size blocks with larger blocks for bigger people and smaller blocks for those with petite frames.
The Small Yoga Block
For those with a petite frame the use of a block with dimensions of 3” x 6” x 9” is recommended. You need to be comfortable while using the block between the thighs in the chair pose along when doing the mountain pose. Some average size practitioners who are not very flexible also use this size block. These are also the least expensive of yoga blocks.
The Medium Yoga Block
This is the best size for the average yogi. It has dimensions of 4” x 6” x 9”. These are the most common size yoga blocks that are in almost every yoga studio.
The Large Yoga Block
Large yoga blocks have dimensions of 5” x 12” x 6 ¾ “. These are designed to be used by people with larger body frames and those who are very flexible. Being the largest they are also the heaviest and most expensive blocks.
Conclusion
The JBM Yoga Blocks are the preferred choice by yoga practitioners and our favorite as well. For many, the use of cork is favored because it’s a renewable resource, naturally anti-microbial and durable.
Another positive feature is the block itself is light in weight while being extremely sturdy with very little flex in the surface when under stress.
The weight of the pair of blocks being only 0.76 lbs, they can easily be carried in a gym bag with very little added weight. They’re a great choice for any level of practitioner and our favorite overall.
