What's That Block For? How to Use a Yoga Block

Updated July 02, 2015.

A yoga block is an incredibly useful and versatile prop to have on hand. I always grab one as soon as I enter a yoga room, just in case I want to use it during the course of a class. If you do a lot of your yoga at home, it’s probably a worthwhile investment to get at least one block, possibly two depending on how you find yourself using it. This guide will go over the primary ways that a yoga block can enhance your practice.

What’s a Block?

A block, sometimes also called brick, is a solid form made out of a supportive material such as dense foam, cork, or wood. Sizes vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but 9″ x 6″ x 4″ is a rough standard. Prices are also variable, but can start as low as around $10 for a foam block and rising from there for more natural materials. If you find yourself without a block at home, you can hack it with a book. Most blocks are rectangular, but more ergonomic ovoid versions are also available. 

Why Use a Block?

As you’ll see here, blocks can be used to good effect in many types of yoga poses. Their most basic function is to raise the floor to meet your hands so that you can do more poses with better alignment. This will increase the benefits you feel from your practice, help establish good alignments habits, and reduce your risk of injury. Sometimes you may only need to use the block until your body becomes open enough to do the pose without it, but advanced practitioners also continue to find blocks useful and supportive in many ways.