I’m Kayla, and I used to side-eye yoga blocks. I thought they were only for beginners. Cute, right? Turns out I'd bought into a myth; the full story of how I ate my words is in this confession. Then I started using them in real classes and at home. Now I keep two near my mat, like coffee and water. I grab them every time.
Not convinced? Here’s a concise rundown of how blocks bolster support, stability, and alignment for yogis at every level—learn why yoga blocks are essential tools.
Here’s what I’ve used, what worked, and what bugged me a little. Real talk.
If you're curious about how props can level-up every part of your practice, check out Its All About Yoga for more block-smart guidance.
My Block Lineup
- Gaiam Foam Yoga Block (9 x 6 x 4, bright purple). Light and soft.
- Manduka Cork Yoga Block (9 x 6 x 4, natural cork). Heavy and grippy.
- I’ve also used the Lululemon Lift and Lengthen block at a studio. It’s foam, with nice rounded edges.
You know what? I don’t pick one. I switch based on the day.
How I Actually Use Them (Real Moments)
- Triangle pose: On stiff mornings, I set the cork block outside my front foot. My hand lands higher. My chest opens. No wobble. No struggle.
- Half Moon: I place the foam block on the tall side beneath my front hand. It feels like my floor moved up to meet me. I can breathe there.
- Supported Bridge: I slide the cork block under my low back (the medium height). After a long run, it feels steady and kind of… kind. I stay for 2 minutes.
- Pigeon: Hip won’t drop? I tuck the foam block under my front thigh. It stops the pinch. My jaw unclenches.
- Crow practice: I stand on the block to get my knees high on my arms. It’s a cheat that trains the feeling. Then I step down and try again.
- Hero pose: Knees forward, block between heels, sit on it. My feet don’t fall asleep. My knees say thanks.
I used the foam block in a hot vinyasa class at CorePower. It got a bit slick with sweat. Not horrible, but I had to towel it off. The cork block? It darkened with sweat marks but didn’t slip. It felt like a dry rock—solid and calm.
Foam vs. Cork (The Short Story)
- Foam: Light, soft, quiet when it drops. Gentle on wrists. Can get slick if you sweat a lot. Mine has little dents and a bite mark (thanks, Moose the dog).
- Cork: Heavier, very stable, great grip. Smells a bit earthy at first; I like it. Edges can chip if you slam it on tile. It also looks nicer in my living room. Silly, but true.
If your hands run warm or you do hot classes, cork wins. If you have sensitive wrists, foam feels kinder.
For an even deeper dive into the nuances—weight, texture, longevity, and price—check out this thorough comparison of cork and foam yoga blocks.
What I Loved
- The height options. Low, medium, tall—one block gives three levels.
- The confidence bump. My form got cleaner. My breath smoothed out.
- Restorative nights. Two blocks, a pillow, and a blanket? Heaven.
- The little details: beveled edges on the Lululemon block, super even shape on the Manduka cork.
What Bugged Me (A Little)
- Foam dents. Mine still works, but it looks tired after a year.
- Cork chips if you drop it on hard floors. I did. Oops.
- Foam can squeak on some mats. Not loud, just… squeak.
None of these are deal breakers. Just stuff I noticed.
Cleaning and Care
- Foam: I wipe with a tiny bit of dish soap and water. Then air dry. That’s it.
- Cork: I spray a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. Wipe. Let it dry in shade. Don’t soak it. It can crumble if it drinks too much.
My cork block has dark spots from sweaty days. It’s like a little map of past classes. I don’t mind.
Size and Feel in Hand
Standard blocks are 9 x 6 x 4. I also have a thinner foam block (3 inches thick) for small-hand days. It’s easier to grip in Half Moon. If you’re unsure, start with the standard size. It’s the most useful.
Odd Little Uses (That I Swear By)
- Foot rest under my desk during long Zoom calls.
- Bookend for cookbooks that keep falling.
- Camera stand for filming practice.
- Doorstop during a breezy spring afternoon. Not kidding.
- Plant boost for my fern. She looks happy up there.
Do these count as yoga? Maybe not. Do they help? Yep.
Price and Value
- Gaiam foam: I paid about $10–12 per block.
- Manduka cork: I paid about $20–25 per block.
- Lululemon foam: I’ve used it a bunch in studio; it runs around the high teens.
Are they “worth it”? For me, yes. My hamstrings say yes. My lower back says yes. Two blocks feel like a full kit.
Before we move on, here’s a fun parallel: just as yoga blocks give structural support on the mat, finding the right off-the-mat support system can make life flow more smoothly too. If you’re curious about relationship platforms and how they work, this thorough Sudy review breaks down features, safety tips, and insider pros / cons so you can decide faster and date smarter.
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Thinking ahead to holidays or birthdays? After trying piles of straps, mats, and props, I rounded up yoga gift ideas I’ve actually used and loved—blocks are only the beginning. And if you want rigorously vetted picks, here are the 12 yoga gifts I’d gladly give again.
Who Should Get Them
- New to yoga? Blocks help you reach the floor and keep good form.
- Runners and lifters? Hips and calves love the support.
- Short arms, taller poses? Blocks bring the ground to you.
- Restorative fans? Two blocks change everything.
I thought blocks were for other people. I was wrong—but also a tiny bit right. They do help new folks. And they help me, a not-new person, every single week.
My Final Take
Get one cork block and one foam block if you can. Use them a lot. Use them when you’re stiff, when you’re strong, and when you’re tired. On tough days, the blocks meet you where you are. On good days, they help you go a touch deeper—without pushing your luck.
I keep mine by the front door now. Strange spot, I know. But I see them, I practice, and then my whole day goes smoother. Funny how two simple blocks can do that.