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Best Yoga Blocks and Yoga Bricks Reviewed
When your hands fail to reach the floor you will spend more time trying to stabilize yourself to keep from toppling over than focusing on your breath. One of these bricks, however, can solve this problem by essentially bringing the floor up to meet your hands. In this guide, we have compiled a list of our favorite yoga blocks to ensure that you get the most out of your next class!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Yoga blocks are incredibly simple, so the materials used were one of the biggest things that we took into consideration.
There are two very distinct materials that are used when making yoga blocks and they serve very different purposes. We have broken down the two most popular materials that are used, and the reasons you may want to opt for one design over the other.
EVA foam: This is one of the most popular materials out there on the market, and it is because it is primarily used by beginners. This material is incredibly soft and is a great way to promote stability when you form is a little wobbly. When just starting out on your journey, you will find that holding even the most simple pose to be a little difficult due to the fact that you are using stabilizing muscles that don’t get used every day.
When you elect to use a yoga block that is made from foam, your hands will sink into the material a little bit. Not only is this materials comfortable on your hands, but it will actually offer quite a bit of assistance in stabilization to keep you from toppling over!
EVA foam is also great because it is a lot easier to care for. Most designs are treated with a moisture wicking material that will keep the product from becoming slippery. It also makes it a lot easier to clean as well.
Cork: The great thing about cork is that it is a material that is 100 percent natural and most designs elect to leave out any chemicals so you can feel good about using it every day. Due to the fact the cork has very little give and is pretty stiff, it is typically used for those that are a little more advanced.
If you have no problem with stabilization, but you struggle a little bit when it comes to your flexibility, cork is the way to go! The only downside to cork options is that they are difficult to clean. It isn't advised that you use any soap or detergent on them, and you will only be able to spot clean them with a wet rag.
It is important to note that yoga blocks in either material can be used by veterans or beginners alike. Sometimes, it just comes down to a matter of personal preference. While some like a product that is soft and sinks in when you add your weight to it, others prefer a design that is a little more rigid.
Comfort
You can use these products in a myriad of ways to achieve easy to advanced poses, so we wanted to make sure it is comfortable.
If it is just a simple brick, you ask, how can it possibly be comfortable? There were a few very simple design features we found that adds a little bit of comfort in those uncomfortable poses.
Beveled edges: This was one of the more important features that we considered. We made sure to select designs that had rounded edges that do not dig into your hands. This feature especially comes in handy when you are using these products for more than just your hands.
For instance, a great way to open up your chest so that you can take wonderfully deep breaths is to place the brick on the floor and lay down on top of it (placing the brick in the middle of your upper back and rolling back your shoulder blades). If the product has sharper edges, this pose will in incredibly awkward and uncomfortable!
Foam: We have talked about foam before, but it is worth mentioning again. For those that want something that feels soft on their hands or back, foam is the way to go. Even the advanced yogis like to use foam designs because it is something that is comfortable to sit on, and it can even be used as a pillow when you want to wind down at the end of a great class, or it can be used for stretching.
For optimal comfort, be sure that you select a level of EVA foam that is a little on the squishy side. There are some designs out there on the market that are made from foam, but it is tightly packed so that it almost feels like it is made from cork!
Stability
When we talk about stability, we are talking about how well it will stay in place even when you are applying a lot of pressure.
Stretching your body in ways it is not familiar with may be a little awkward and unsteady. There are a few key features that we looked out for to determine how well a yoga block would stay in place even when you are engaging in some pretty advanced poses.
Weight: Hands down, weight is one of the biggest factors when it comes to staying in place. The heavier a product is, the more it will stay in place as you apply pressure. The good news here is that these products don’t get incredibly heavy. The heavies design out there on the market max out at around 2 pounds, which is about as heavy as a can of soup. However, many users do not like designs that are heavy because it means that it will add extra weight to their gym bag, and it proves to be a little more difficult to shift between poses.
Lightweight designs that weigh under 1 pound will not give you the same level of stability as heavier designs, but a lot of users prefer lighter options because they can clutch them in their hands and shift between poses effortlessly. It just means that there is potential for it to become wobbly, especially when propped up on the long end.
Materials: If you are looking for ultimate stability, you need to select something that is made from strong and rigid materials. For some, wooden options are ideal because there is nothing more sturdy than a brick of wood! We don’t recommend wooden options, however, because they are often incredibly heavy, and they can get pretty slippery when you start to sweat.
In lieu of wood, we suggest that you opt for a design that is either made from 100 cork, or a very dense EVA foam option. These denser materials that will not budge when you add weight to them will be ideal for promoting stability.
Size
There are very subtle variances when it comes to the overall size of these products.
The standard size for almost every yoga block out there on the market measure to be 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. We have broken down all of the dimensions to give you an idea of how to best use these products, as well as the subtle variances that can actually make a big difference!
Length: Across the board, even the smaller designs measure in at 9 inches. You will be hard pressed to find a design that doesn’t measure in at 9 inches long. Even designs that are made to be slightly more compact are still 9 inches long. To put it into perspective, 9 inches is about the same size at 2 cans of soda (with about .6 inches difference). For those really hard poses, stand the brick up by the long end to create a 9-inch difference between your hand and the floor!
Width: Again, almost all of the designs out there measure to be 6 inches in width. There are a few exceptions, however, that measure to be just slightly smaller (5-5.5 inches). These smaller options make it just a little bit easier to pack it into a suitcase or a yoga bag. To put it into perspective, these products are about the width of two side-by-side credit cards.
Depth: The depth of these products is generally where the variances lie. While most options measure to be 4 inches deep, there are quite a few companies that give users the option to select from 4 or 3-inch models. While a single inch may not seem like a lot, conduct a little experiment.
Stand up and try and place your hands on the floor in front of you as far as they possibly can reach. Once you have reached your max, try and push it an inch farther. Suddenly, an inch seems like a lot, doesn’t it? That’s why we loved it when companies provided you with the option to select from 4-inch and 3-inch depths. For beginnings, 4 inches may be the way to go. However, if you are already pretty flexible but just need a little bit of help, 3 inches is the way to go!
Durability
These humble bricks hold up quite a bit of weight, so we wanted to make sure that they don’t crack (literally) under the pressure!
Different materials react to pressure in different ways, and we wanted to take a minute to talk about the durability shortcomings of various designs and materials.
Cork: While cork is incredibly sturdy and doesn’t bend or crack under weigh, there have been reports of them crumbling. Whenever cork gets a little on the dry side, you run the risk of it crumbling and becoming brittle. To help mitigate this possibility, it is important that you keep cork yoga blocks in a cool place and out of prolonged sun exposure. It is also beneficial to this material that you wipe it down with a wet cloth every so often to keep it from drying out as well as keeping it clean. There’s no need to worry about bacteria, however, because cork is an incredibly porous substance!
EVA foam: You won’t have to worry about foam crumbling on you like cork, but you need to keep a lookout for cracks and tears. EVA foam is a very durable material, but if it gets caught on a sharp edge it can scratch or even become torn. You won’t need to take any preventative measures with foam like to do with cork, but you will need to be careful. Hard blows to sharp edges will cause the material to tear, and once it tears it loses a lot of its durability.
To clean foam, simply wipe it down with a wet cloth. If there are odors or stains, add a little bit of gentle detergent or dish soap to your water mixture and wipe down the entire surface area and place it in a well-ventilated room to dry.
Our Top 10 Yoga Bricks
1. Gaiam Essentials
Odds are, you already have a piece of Gaiam gear somewhere in your closet or gym bag. What we like most about their yoga block is that it comes from an established company that knows a thing or two about this type of gear. And it uses high-quality materials that help will not let you down.
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it has beveled edges. They make it easier to grab onto and stabilize yourself. Plus, it means that there are no sharp edges or corners if you like to lay on them to help open up your chest. It is made from a firm EVA foam that is pretty stiff, and it also provides a non-slip grip when your hands start to get a little sweaty.
This yoga block is offered in a few cool earth tones that include black, purple, blue, and slate gray. Each unit measures 9 inches wide, 6 inches high, and 4 inches deep. These measurements allow you to raise or lower the space that you need between your hands and the floor.
For those that want a design that comes from a trusted brand that knows what yogis need from their products, you will not be disappointed with the performance and durability of this product.
2. Forty Two Birds
Do you want to feel good about the materials between your thoughtful hands and the earth? What we liked most about this yoga block from 42 Birds is that it is composed of 100 percent recycled materials, but it doesn’t skimp on the quality. You will feel good about the materials used to make this product while it helps you dig into some of the more difficult poses.
As we mentioned before, this design is made from 100 percent recycled cork. Cork is a really great material to use because it is a natural material that is derived from the earth, and it absorbs sweat from your hands so you won’t have to worry about slipping.
Previous users absolutely loved the weight of this yoga block. It is lightweight without being so light that you feel it will slip out from underneath you. It has smooth edges that are gentle on hands and are comfortable enough to sit on. Plus, this particular yoga block is endorsed by a previous American Ninja Warrior finalist!
If you need something that is made from natural materials that absorb sweat and feel great in your hands, this is a great choice. Plus, 1 percent of all sales from 42 Birds go to preserving forests and wildlife!
3. REEHUT
The great thing about REEHUT yoga foam block is that they give you a few choices in not only the color of their product but also in the size. Their yoga block is made from high-quality non-slip materials that feel sturdy and strong under your hands, and the design is made so that you feel comfortable sinking into some pretty difficult poses with the confidence that your device is planted firmly to the ground.
The very first thing that we noticed about this yoga block is that it is offered in two different depths. While the height and length remain the same for different sizes (9 inches long and 6 inches wide), users have the option to select from depths of 3 inches or 4 inches. While a 1-inch difference may not seem like a lot, it makes all the difference when you are working towards mastering a particularly difficult pose!
It is composed of a soft yet durable EVA foam that your hands will sink into just a little bit to ease the tension and give your joints a little bit of a break. Beveled edges are perfect for sitting on or placing between your shoulder blades to open up your chest, and the unit is coated with a moisture wicking material that won’t get slippery no matter how much your hands sweat.
Plus, it is offered in a lot of fun colors that include purple, blue, gray, pink, and brown. If you need a yoga block that provides a sturdy base for your poses and is made from high-quality materials to stabilize and support, this is a really great option.
4. Manduka
What we liked most about this yoga block from Manduka is that is is another company that uses cork for their material. While it isn’t offered in any fun colors, the materials used to provide users with incredible stability so you can dig into some difficult poses, and it will not slip around on you.
The cork used for this yoga block isn’t the coarse-grain material that you find in some of the other cork options out there on the market. This means that it offers a superior grip as well as added stability. Cork is great because it has natural moisture-wicking abilities to keep your hands from slipping, and it is a little more rigid than foam or plastic designs.
Manduka's cork yoga block measures 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, which is the standard size that you will find in almost all of the other designs for sale. It sports beveled edges for a comfortable grip that will not dig into your palms, and also makes it ideal for sitting or laying.
The downside to cork designs is that they aren’t offered in any fun colors. However, we feel that the quality of materials used is fantastic for digging into difficult poses, and this block is so sturdy that you will feel confident to try out some of the more difficult poses.
5. URBNFit
URBNFit's yoga block is made of incredibly soft EVA foam that your hands sink into as you lean into your various poses. Some users like their designs to be a little less rigid than others, and this option is one of the softer designs that we have seen out there on the market. Plus, it is a little more shallow than many of the standard sizes which makes it perfect for beginners.
While most standard yoga blocks measure in around 4 inches deep, this option from URBNFit measures in at 3 inches deep. It is important to note, however, that the height and length are the same as all of the other options out there on the market (9 inches long and 6 inches wide). This 1-inch difference makes this design more accessible for beginners, but the standard height and length make it a great option as your flexibility begins to improve.
This yoga block uses an incredibly soft EVA foam that you can see your hands sink into as you lean into your pose. Plus, the foam is coated with a moisture-wicking material so you will not have to contend with sweaty palms creating an unstable surface. You will be just as sturdy and confident at the end of your class as you were at the beginning!
Plus, it is offered in quite a few fun color options that include pink, purple, and seafoam. Weighing in at just 8 ounces, URBNFit's yoga block incredibly lightweight and easy to toss into your gym bag without adding any extra weight.
6. yogree
What we liked about this yoga block from Yogree is that it is made from a foam material that is more firm than most. While it feels soft to the touch, your hands will not sink into the material like some of the other foam options that we have seen. It is lightweight and easy to work with and it has just enough weight to provide a very stable surface to really dig into difficult poses.
The EVA foam that is used for Yogree's yoga block is coated with a moisture-wicking material that creates a confident and secure grip even as your hands begin to sweat. This material is incredibly easy to clean, and will not hold onto odors and bacteria. Plus, the beveled and soft edges make it ideal for sitting or laying on your shoulders to open up your chest.
The yoga block measures to be 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. These measurements are the standard size that you find in most other designs, making it a perfect pair for beginners as well as veterans. It weighs just over 11 ounces, which is slightly heavier than some of the other foam designs that we have seen. However, designs that are just a little bit heavier often provide a sturdier base than their lighter counterparts.
For those that want something that is firm and sturdy, the Yogree yoga block is a really great choice in our opinion. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of cool colors that include black, blue, purple, green, and gray.
7. Prosource Fit
The reason we added this yoga block from Prosource Fit to our list is that it is one of the lightest designs out there on the market. If you want something that is easy to move or take with you when you travel, this design is one of your best options. Plus, it is made from high-quality materials that provide a good deal of stability and comfort to really dig into those difficult poses.
This design is 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches tall- which is the standard size when compared to other options out there on the market. The great thing about this option from Prosource Fit is that one block only weighs 5.6 ounces, which is by far the lightest design that we have seen.
It is made from an incredibly durable high-density EVA foam. While the surface feels soft against your hands, your palms and fingertips will not sink into the material as much as some of the softer foam designs that we have seen. The firmness of this yoga block offers a very secure surface to dig into difficult poses.
Prosource Fit offers customers a few fun colors that include red, blue, black, and purple. For those that are on the go and need a yoga block that is easy to pack without adding any extra weight, we feel this is a great choice!
8. JBM
JBM's yoga block is made from 100 percent cork, which is a great material to use for these types of product. JBM also offers EVA foam options that users are quite fond of, but we are focusing on the cork design because it is the design that users liked the most. It is worth mentioning that this design also comes with a free strap that is another great tool for improving your flexibility.
This design is made from high-quality cork that has little to no give when you apply pressure. For some yogis, zero give is ideal for enhancing stability and support. Plus, the cork naturally wicks away moisture without the use of chemicals so that you won’t have to worry about your hands slipping at the end of your hot yoga class!
This yoga block has a standard measurement of 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. The edges aren’t as smooth as some of the other designs that we have seen. This means that if you like to lay back on it to open up your chest at the beginning of your class, it will be a little uncomfortable.
For those that are looking for a yoga block that will provide a good deal of stability, this design is one of your better choices. Users were quite impressed by the stability offered by this design and felt confident to really sink into some really complicated poses- even for beginners!
9. Da Vinci
For those that are a little more flexible than others, this yoga block from Da Vinci is worth a look. It is a tad shallower than your standard size, which means that you will be able to really dig into a pose deeper with a little added benefit of stability. It is made from high-quality materials that are soft to the touch and incredibly lightweight.
This design measures to be 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and just 3 inches deep. The standard size is typically 4 inches deep, so this model is a little more shallow. This design is ideal for those that are a little more flexible than newbies, but they still need a little help stabilizing their poses.
The yoga block is made from EVA foam that is a little more rigid than some of the other models. This design will not allow your hands to sink into the material, which is great for providing a really stable surface. It may not be as comfortable as some of the softer foam designs, but it is considered much more stable.
Da Vinci's yoga block has been used by newbies, veterans, and even teachers! It has a simple and basic design that gets the job done, and the quality of materials that were used to make this design are easy to clean and incredibly durable.
10. Hugger Mugger
Rounding out our list is this cork yoga block from Hugger Mugger. What we liked about this option is that it is just a little bit smaller all around when you compare it to the traditional sizes. The smaller frame makes it easier to take with you on the go, and it fits better in most gym and tote bags. It is also made from sturdy material to really help you dig into difficult poses.
While most yoga blocks measure to be 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, this design is just a little bit smaller. It measures 9 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep. This difference in size will not make much of an impact on your performance, but it will be just slightly easier to toss into a bag or take with you when you travel.
It is made from a solid cork that is incredibly sturdy. Your hands will not sink into the yoga block as you sink into a pose, and it is also great at wicking away moisture to provide an overall sturdy surface that you will feel confident using. It sports beveled and smooth edges so you can lay on top of it to open up your chest.
For those that want a yoga block that has very little give while still being incredibly comfortable and easy to use, this design from Hugger Mugger is a really great choice! Plus, the smaller frame makes it the perfect companion to take with you on the road.