The best yoga blocks

If you are looking for your first yoga blocks to help your practice, I recommend these two blocks. One is made of cork, which is a strong and durable material, while the other is a softer, foam block. I personally use a cork block for all my exercises, as I prefer more firm blocks, but if you want a softer yoga block, then you should choose foam.

The Best Cork Block - Yoga tile with good grip and durability

I have used these cork blocks for many years now, and they are still like new. I use them for many asanas, but also sometimes as a seat for meditation, as the cork block easily carries person's weight without losing the shape. Right now I can share you also a 15% discount code - with code sinimalism you get these durable Manduka blocks discounted here.

best firm cork yoga block

Name Manduka Cork Block

Material Cork

Dimensions 23cm x 15cm x 10cm

Weight 0.92kg

Price €24 with the SINIMALISM discount code €20


Check the product (+use 15% discount code sinimalism)

What do others say about the Manduka Cork Blocks

Personally I love these blocks already after many years of use, yet I want you to read also other users' opinions so you can make more informed decision.


The cork blocks have some weight to them and are very sturdy which helps me feel secure while using them

I purchased them because they are made of natural biodegradable material. But I actually like them better that the other blocks I’ve used because the are sturdier and provide excellent grip. My palms sweat profusely, but don’t slip on these blocks. Great product — Bravo!

Broken. Tried to reach you.


Response from EMEA & Asia Pacific Customer Care:

Dear Rikard We are sorry to see you received a damaged block. A replacement order was juts prepared for you and it will be shipped on Monday. For further support don't hesitate to reach out at yogisupport@manduka.com, we are happy to help!

Maybe a bit too thick for some poses but it helps tremendously since I am a beginner.

Incredibly comfortable!

The Best Foam Yoga Block - Soft and Light Yoga Block

If you prefer softer yoga blocks, rather than cork ones, I recommend these ones from Manduka. Some poor quality foam block loose its shape quickly, but these remain good. The grip of these ones are great and with the light weight you can easily take them anywhere with you for practice.

best foam yoga block

Name Manduka Recycled Foam Block
Material High Densite Eva-foam
Dimensions 23cm x 15cm x 10cm
Weght 0,45kg
Price 24 €, with SINIMALISM discount code 20€

Check the product (+use 15% discount code sinimalism)

Read how to use Manduka discount code

What do others say about the Manduka Foam Blocks

Once again you should not leave this only for me to judge, but read other user reviews of the foam blocks as well before deciding are they for you. I have concluded some main points people say about the foam blocks, but you can read more here.

Lightweight, good grip, great softness

I really like the Manduka foam blocks - they're lightweight, have a good grip and provide a stable platform, are very versatile for various forms of yoga and soft enough to rest on. I have bought two pairs so far - for myself and my partner. I've had mine for around 3 years now and they're still in great shape.

These blocks are fantastic! They aren't too light and hold my body up well without a wobble. Very secure and sturdy- I love them!

Very nice, what you would expect. However I ordered two of the same color and they arrived looking different, not a complete match, they have different finishes.

These are very firm, I would’ve liked a little more give, but maybe they’ll got softer over time. Also not worth the money unfortunately I just wanted my things to match.

Yoga block materials and size - what are yoga blocks made of?

Yoga blocks are made of several different materials and in several different sizes.

However, the standard size of yoga blocks that works for many movements is 22cm x 11cm x 7cm.

On these three sides of different heights you will find help for many different asanas.


In terms of material, yoga blocks are usually either foam, cork or bamboo.

Foam as yoga blocks material

Foam yoga blocks are light, soft and usually quite affordable. The soft material may be pleasing to many, and even these yoga blocks provide quite good support for movements. However, the material weakens and changes its shape during long-term use.

Foam as yoga blocks material

Foam yoga blocks are light, soft and usually quite affordable. The soft material may be pleasing to many, and even these yoga tiles provide quite good support for movements. However, the material weakens and changes its shape during long-term use.

Cork as yoga block material

Yoga blocks made of cork are slightly heavier, but also more durable and stronger. You can put your entire body weight on these without worry and the cork blocks will not wear out even after several years of use. (I personally recommend and use cork blocks because of their good grip, strength, durability and environmental friendliness.)

Bamboo as yoga block material

Yoga blocks made of bamboo are ecological and wooden. These blocks are quite heavy and strong, but they do not have as good a grip as plastic and cork blocks and therefore are not as common.

Which is a better yoga block material – cork or foam?

Cork is better if you want more support and strength from a yoga block. The cork is therefore better in asanas where you put weight on the block, for example when sitting on a yoga block or in bridge asana, if you place the yoga block under the lower back for support.


The foam block, on the other hand, is softer and can therefore be more comfortable, for example, in the assisted fish position, where you place the block under the upper back. Foam blocks are also good for all-round basic training, but cork blocks have a slightly longer lifespan due to their strong material.

How to use a yoga block?

The yoga block is a handy tool for many yoga positions, or asanas.


For a beginner, they are especially handy for asanas that require a lot of balance and body control.


You can also sit on the yoga blocks during meditation and it makes it easier to straighten the spine and sit more upright, especially at the beginning, when you are not yet used to sitting cross-legged.


Yoga blocks can be used in yoga for four purposes:

how to use yoga block
  • 1. As an aid in finding a better alignment in asana

    The use of yoga blocks began with the Iyengar style of yoga, which uses a variety of aids to help yoga find the right alignments. This is how you ensure the correct movement paths and avoid injuries. A good asana example for this is the inverted triangle, which requires mobility from the thoracic spine, hips and hamstrings without aids.
  • 2. As a support to facilitate movements that require balance

    Yoga blocks are also a handy aid for balancing. For beginners, the yoga block can be used, for example, in the supported Warrior 3 asana or Crescent asana. However, even for slightly more advanced yogis, yoga blocks may be necessary in balance, such as standing splits.
  • 3. As a help in yoga poses that require mobility

    At the beginning of yoga, many asanas can seem awkward because of the mobility required for them. Yoga blocks are an excellent tool for this, and you can use them, for example, in forward bending while sitting and reaching for the yoga blocks instead of your toes. Also in triangle asana, you can bring your hand over the yoga block instead of your leg or ankle.
  • 4. Variation of familiar movements

    In addition to aids, yoga blocks can be used as an aid to vary movements. You'll notice how different muscles are activated and the nervous system gets a little new stimulus when you do the movements of the stick a little differently. For example, try downward facing dog with hands on yoga blocks, or in sun salutation, straighten the back in forward bend with hands on yoga tiles.

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Yoga style asanas – 7 asanas you can do with yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are a particularly handy aid for balance asanas, such as crescent moon and warrior 3.


Yoga blocks can also be used to facilitate poses that require quite a lot of mobility, such as triangle, standing forward bend or vertical splits. In this case, you can place your hands on the yoga blocks instead of the platform.

Half moon

Warior 3

Extended Side Angle

Pystyspagaatti

Supported Bridge

Fish pose

Yoga tile as a seat for easy pose

Yoga tile as a seat for easy pose

What are the benefits of using yoga blocks?

Using yoga blocks has surprisingly many benefits, especially for beginners, and you can read more tips on how to use yoga blocks in the section above, how to use yoga blocks.


Benefits of yoga tiles:

  • Finding the right alignment and thus avoiding injuries
  • Ease of balance
  • Relief for movements that require mobility
  • Variation for many movements

The Best Cork Block

best firm cork yoga block

Name Manduka Cork Block

Material Cork

Dimensions 23cm x 15cm x 10cm

Weight 0.92kg

Price €24 with the SINIMALISM discount code €20


Check the product (+use 15% discount code sinimalism)

The Best Foam Yoga Block

best foam yoga block

Name Manduka Recycled Foam Block
Material High Densite Eva-foam
Dimensions 23cm x 15cm x 10cm
Weght 0,45kg
Price 24 €, with SINIMALISM discount code 20€

Check the product (+use 15% discount code sinimalism)

The best yoga tiles - questions and answers

What is a yoga blocks used for?

Yoga tiles are most commonly used to facilitate challenging yoga asanas that would otherwise require good balance or mobility. They are

a handy aid for beginners to many familiar yoga asanas. Above are example words as pictures.


Do I need yoga tiles for home yoga practice?

In a home yoga class, it can be nice to use a yoga tile to facilitate the practice and bring support. They can also be used as a meditation seat.


Is a yoga blocks useful for a beginner?

Yoga blocks are especially good for beginners, and I highly recommend getting yoga tiles immediately after a yoga mat.


What material is good for a yoga block?

I recommend a cork material as a yoga block, if you especially want support and durability from a yoga block. This cork block from Manduka is really good. If you want a softer block, I recommend a foam block. Manduka also has good foam blocks, like this one. Get 15% off from both at Manduka with the code SINIMALISM.


Which is a better yoga block material – cork or foam?

Cork is better if you want more support and strength from a yoga block. The cork is therefore better in asanas where you put weight on the block, for example when sitting on a yoga block or in bridge asana, if you place the yoga block under the lower back for support.


The foam block, on the other hand, is softer and can therefore be more comfortable, for example, in the assisted fish position, where you place the block under the upper back. Foam blocks are also good for all-round basic training, but cork blocks have a slightly longer lifespan due to their strong material.


How many yoga blocks do I need?

I recommend buying two yoga blocks so that you can support the body or balance on both sides in different asanas. Of course, one yoga block is enough for many asanas, such as for balancing in half-moon asana, but it is good to buy two yoga blocks at the same time so that they are the same height and the same material.


What yoga positions can I do with yoga blocks?

You can find examples of balance asanas and other asanas here. Examples of asanas include half moon, supported bridge, vertical split and triangle.

WRITTEN BY

Sini Hietaharju

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Sini Hietaharju

I'm Sini, RYT-500 Yoga Teacher and Writer.

I am constantly willing to learn more about yoga, wellness and personal development.


I review and read hundreds of yoga and wellness sites and conclude best products reviewed based on my own experience and many trusted websites online.

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