How Many Yoga Blocks Do You Need? Discover What’s Best.

So, how many yoga blocks do you need for your practice? For most people, starting with one or two yoga blocks is usually enough to explore many poses and get the most out of them. Are yoga blocks necessary for everyone? Not always for simple stretches, but they are very helpful tools, especially for beginners or those with tight muscles. Do beginners need yoga blocks? Yes, blocks can make many poses easier and safer for people just starting yoga. They are among the best yoga props for beginners.

Image Source: yogarove.com

The Point of Yoga Blocks

Yoga blocks are simple tools. They are firm blocks made of foam, cork, or wood. They come in different sizes, but most are about 9 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches tall.

People use yoga blocks to help them in different yoga poses. They can bring the floor closer to you. They can give you support. They can help you stretch deeper. They can make poses more comfortable. Think of them as helpful hands that support you.

Why Blocks Are Useful

Using yoga blocks can make your yoga practice much better. They are not just for people who find yoga hard. Even people who have done yoga for a long time use blocks. They help you find better body position in poses. They help you feel the stretch in the right place.

The Benefits of Using Yoga Blocks

Let’s look at the good things about using these simple blocks.

• Reach the Floor: In poses like standing forward fold or triangle pose, your hands might not touch the floor. Putting blocks under your hands brings the floor up to you. This lets you keep your back straight.
• Add Height: In seated poses or hip openers, sitting on a block lifts your hips. This makes it easier to sit with a straight back. It takes pressure off your hips and lower back.
• Get Support: In balancing poses or inversions, blocks can offer a steady base. This helps you feel safer and more stable.
• Help with Stretching: You can use blocks to add a deeper stretch. For example, you can place a block under your upper back in a chest-opening pose. This helps open your chest more.
• Correct Position: Blocks can help you learn the correct way to do a pose. They show you where your body should be. This helps build good habits.
• Lessen Strain: If a pose feels too hard or hurts, blocks can make it softer. They let you do the pose without straining your muscles too much.
• Explore Poses: With blocks, you can try poses you couldn’t do before. They make harder poses possible by offering support.

So, blocks do many good things. They help you reach, support, stretch, learn, ease strain, and explore.

Yoga Block Uses Explained

People use blocks in many creative ways during yoga. They are not just for one or two poses. Their yoga block uses are wide and varied.

Here are some common ways people use them:

• Under Hands: This is maybe the most common use. In poses where your hands go towards the floor (like standing forward fold, triangle pose, half moon pose), you put blocks under your hands. You can use them at different heights. This helps keep your back straight and hamstrings safe.
• Under Hips: In seated poses (like simple cross-legged sitting, bound angle pose, or pigeon pose), sitting on a block lifts your hips higher than your knees. This helps your spine lengthen and makes sitting much more comfortable for longer times. It also helps in poses where you want to feel a stretch in the hips.
• Under Knees: In poses like savasana (final resting pose), you can put a block under your knees. This helps release tension in your lower back.
• Under Shoulders/Back: In gentle backbends or chest openers, you can place a block under your upper back or between your shoulder blades. This helps open the front of the body. In poses like bridge pose, a block under the sacrum gives support and makes the pose restful.
• Between Legs/Hands: You can squeeze a block between your thighs or shins to help activate those muscles. This teaches you to hug towards the center line of your body. You can also hold a block between your hands to feel connection in your upper body.

These are just a few examples. Once you start using blocks, you will find even more ways they can help you.

Deciphering the Purpose of Blocks

Blocks fill in the gaps. They offer support where your body needs it. They make shapes possible that your body might not be ready for yet. They help your body relax into a pose instead of fighting to get there.

Think of a pose where you are reaching for your toes but can’t reach. Without a block, you might round your back and strain. With a block under your hands, you can keep your back straight and feel the stretch in your legs, not your back. This is safer and more effective.

Are Yoga Blocks Necessary for Everyone?

This is a fair question. Do you have to have yoga blocks to do yoga? The simple answer is no, you don’t need them for every single yoga movement. You can do many simple stretches and flows without any props.

However, saying they aren’t necessary doesn’t mean they aren’t useful or highly recommended, especially in certain cases.

When Blocks Are Especially Helpful

• If you are new to yoga: Blocks can make the poses much easier to learn and do correctly. This is why they are considered key yoga props for beginners.
• If you have tight muscles: Blocks help you get into poses without forcing your body. They let you slowly gain flexibility.
• If you have injuries or physical limits: Blocks can adapt poses to fit your body’s needs. They offer support and safety.
• If you want to hold poses longer: With proper support from blocks, you can relax into a pose and stay there longer, getting more benefit.
• If you want to explore deeper versions of poses: Blocks can sometimes help you go further in a pose once you have the basic shape down.

So, while not strictly necessary for every yoga movement, blocks are necessary if you want to:

• Practice safely.
• Learn poses the right way.
• Make poses fit your body.
• Progress in your practice.

For these reasons, they are a very important tool for most people doing yoga regularly.

Do Beginners Need Yoga Blocks?

Absolutely. Do beginners need yoga blocks? Yes, they are one of the most important tools a beginner can use. Starting yoga can feel hard. Your body might be stiff. Some poses might seem impossible. Blocks help close that gap.

Why Blocks are Great for New Yoga Students

• They build confidence: When you can do a pose with the help of a block, it feels good. It makes you feel capable and want to keep practicing.
• They prevent bad habits: Trying to force your body into a pose without the needed flexibility often leads to rounding your back or using the wrong muscles. Blocks help you find the correct body lines from the start.
• They make yoga feel good: Yoga should not hurt. If a pose is painful because you can’t reach or support yourself, a block can change that. It makes the pose feel better, so you enjoy practicing more.
• They teach body awareness: Using blocks helps you feel where your body needs support. It teaches you about your own body’s limits and possibilities.

Think about Triangle Pose (Trikonasana). Many beginners can’t reach their hand to the floor while keeping both legs straight and torso long. Without a block, they might bend the front knee or round their back. With a block under their front hand, they can keep everything straight and feel the stretch in the right places. This is a much better way to learn the pose.

Blocks are essential yoga props for beginners. They are like training wheels for certain poses. They help you learn the shape and feeling of a pose safely until your body becomes more flexible and strong.

How Many Blocks Do You Need? One vs. A Pair

Now we get to the main question. How many blocks are best? The choice is usually between using one yoga block or having a pair of yoga blocks.

Using One Yoga Block

Is one block enough? Yes, you can do a lot with just one block.

• Seated Poses: One block is perfect for sitting on. It lifts your hips.
• Supported Backbends: One block under your sacrum (lower back) in Bridge Pose is a common and restful use.
• Under One Hand: In poses like Triangle Pose or Half Moon Pose, you often only need a block under one hand.
• Between Legs: You can squeeze one block between your thighs or shins.

If you are on a tight budget or space is small, starting with one block is a good option. You can still get many of the benefits of using yoga blocks.

However, having only one block limits you in some poses.

Using A Pair of Yoga Blocks

Having two blocks, a pair of yoga blocks, is more versatile. It opens up more possibilities in your practice.

• Support for Both Hands: In poses like Downward-Facing Dog, Standing Forward Fold, or Plank, you might want blocks under both hands to bring the floor closer evenly.
• Supported Chest Openers: You might use two blocks side-by-side under your back for a supported reclined pose.
• Under Both Knees/Shins: In poses like Child’s Pose or Pigeon Prep, you might want blocks under both knees or shins for support.
• Between Both Thighs/Ankles: You can place a block between both thighs or ankles in certain poses to engage muscles more effectively.
• Balancing Support: In poses like Handstand prep or certain arm balances, you might use a block under each hand.

For a fuller practice, especially if you are exploring a range of poses, having a pair of blocks is better. It gives you more options for support and alignment.

So, What’s Best?

For most people, starting with a pair of yoga blocks is the most practical choice. It gives you the flexibility to use one or two depending on the pose. You won’t find yourself wishing you had a second block as often.

If you absolutely can only get one, it’s still worth getting one! You will still find many uses for it. But if you can, aim for two.

Need Level	Recommendation	Why?
Budget/Space Low	Start with One Block	Still very useful for sitting, one-hand support, supported backbends.
General Practice	A Pair of Blocks	Most versatile. Supports both hands/feet, wider range of poses.
Deeper Practice	A Pair of Blocks	Allows for more supported poses, inversions prep, deeper stretches.

So, generally, a pair of yoga blocks is recommended for the most helpful and complete experience with blocks.

Learning How to Use Yoga Blocks Simply

You have your blocks, maybe one, hopefully two. Now, how to use yoga blocks? It’s easier than you think. The main idea is to place the block where you need length, support, or height.

Blocks usually have three different heights. You can place them flat on their widest side (lowest height), on their middle side (medium height), or on their narrowest side (tallest height). This lets you choose the level of support or reach you need.

Basic Steps for Using a Block

1. Look at the Pose: See where your hands or other body parts are supposed to go, or where you feel strain.
2. Find the Gap: Where is the floor too far away? Where do you need more space or lift?
3. Place the Block: Put the block under the hand, hip, shoulder, or other body part.
4. Choose the Height: Pick the height that allows your body to feel supported and correctly aligned without straining. You might try different heights to see what feels best.
5. Settle In: Once the block is placed, ease into the pose using the block for support. Let the block hold you.

It’s about using the block to make the pose feel better and be more effective for your body today.

Example: Using Blocks in a Standing Forward Fold

Imagine you are standing, folding forward towards your feet. Your back rounds because your hands can’t reach the floor.

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart.
2. Place a block (or two, side-by-side) on the floor in front of your feet.
3. Choose a height: Maybe the tallest or medium height first.
4. Fold forward, placing your hands flat on the block(s).
5. Straighten your back as much as you can. Feel the stretch in the back of your legs. Your hands are supported, allowing your spine to lengthen instead of round.
6. As your flexibility grows, you might use a lower height or eventually not need the blocks for this pose.

This simple example shows how blocks help you find the right shape and feel the stretch where you should.

Exploring Yoga Poses with Blocks

Many yoga poses with blocks become more accessible, safer, or deeper. Here are a few key examples:

H3: Supported Standing Poses

• Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): Place a block outside your front foot. Put your lower hand on the block instead of the floor. This helps keep both legs straight and your chest open. Use one block.
• Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): Similar to Triangle, a block under your bottom hand makes this balancing pose much more stable and helps lift your top leg higher. Use one block.
• Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana): As shown before, blocks under your hands allow you to lengthen your spine. Use one or a pair of yoga blocks.

H3: Supported Seated Poses

• Simple Sitting (Sukhasana): Sitting on one block lifts your hips above your knees, making it easy to sit upright. Use one block.
• Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana): Sitting on a block helps release tension in the hips and lower back. You can also place blocks under your knees if they are far from the floor. Use one block to sit on, maybe two more under knees.
• Staff Pose (Dandasana): Sitting on a block helps you find a straight spine with legs extended. Use one block.

H3: Supported Restorative Poses

• Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Place one block under your sacrum (the flat part at the base of your spine, not the soft lower back). This makes the pose restful and allows gravity to open your chest. Use one block.
• Supported Supine Twist: Place a block under your knee or between your knees in a gentle lying twist. Use one or two blocks.
• Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana): Place one block lengthwise under your upper back (between shoulder blades) and another block under your head for a gentle chest opener. Use a pair of yoga blocks.

H3: Supported Inversions and Arm Balances

• Handstand Prep at Wall: Place a block between your hands at the wall to set the correct width and press into them. Use one block.
• L-Shape Handstand at Wall: You can place a block between your feet pressed against the wall to keep your legs active and parallel to the floor. Use one block.

These are just a few examples. As you practice more, you will discover many more yoga poses with blocks that help you.

Yoga Props for Beginners Beyond Blocks

While blocks are top-tier yoga props for beginners, they are not the only helpful tools. Other props can also make starting yoga easier and more effective.

H4: Common Beginner Props

• Yoga Strap: A strap is like a longer arm. It helps you reach parts of your body you can’t touch yet, like your feet in seated forward folds. It also helps deepen stretches safely.
• Yoga Blanket: A folded blanket can cushion your knees in poses done on hands and knees. It can also be folded to sit on, just like a block, offering a softer seat. In savasana, a blanket keeps you warm.
• Yoga Bolster: A bolster is a firm pillow. It’s great for supported, restful poses. You can lie over it for gentle backbends or put it under your knees. Bolsters are common in Yin and Restorative yoga.

Blocks, straps, and blankets are the most basic and useful props for new students. They help make yoga poses accessible and comfortable. Do beginners need yoga blocks? Yes, they are arguably the most important one, but the others are also very helpful.

What About Yoga Block Alternatives?

Maybe you don’t have yoga blocks right now. Are there things you can use instead? Yes! You can often find items around your house that can act as yoga block alternatives.

H4: Things to Use Instead of Blocks

• Thick Books: Large, firm books, like dictionaries or textbooks, stacked together can act like a block under your hands or for sitting on. Make sure they are sturdy and won’t slide.
• Small, Firm Box: A strong, empty box can provide height and support.
• Folded Blankets or Towels: While not as firm as blocks, tightly folded blankets or towels can offer some lift for sitting on or cushioning for knees. They are less suitable for supporting body weight under hands in standing poses.
• Couch Cushions: Firm couch cushions can be used for sitting on, but they are usually too soft for hand support in standing poses.
• Small Stool or Chair: For standing poses where you’d use a block under your hand, a low stool or the seat of a chair can serve a similar purpose, bringing the floor closer.

These alternatives can work in a pinch, but they are often not as stable, firm, or the right size as real yoga blocks. Real blocks are designed for yoga use and are usually the safest and most effective option.

If you are serious about starting yoga or using blocks regularly, investing in one or a pair of yoga blocks is a good idea. They are relatively cheap and last a long time.

Choosing Your Yoga Blocks

If you decide to get blocks, what should you look for?

H4: Material Options

• Foam: These are the most common. They are lightweight, soft to the touch, and affordable. They offer good grip.
• Cork: Cork blocks are heavier and firmer than foam. They offer great stability and are eco-friendly. They can be a bit rougher.
• Wood: Wooden blocks are the heaviest and firmest. They provide the most stable support but can be hard on the hands. They are very durable.

Foam is a great choice for beginners because it’s soft and light. Cork is a good middle ground. Wood is for those who want maximum firmness and durability.

H4: Size and Shape

Most blocks are a standard size (around 9″ x 6″ x 4″). This size works well for most people. Some blocks have rounded edges, which can be more comfortable to grip. Check the measurements to make sure they feel right for your hand size and typical needs. The standard size is versatile for its three different heights.

Putting it Together: When to Use How Many Blocks

Let’s sum up the question of how many blocks you need.

• Zero Blocks: Possible for very simple seated poses or basic stretches, but you miss out on many benefits and support.
• One Block: Good for sitting, supported backbends (under sacrum), squeezing between thighs/ankles, or supporting one hand in poses like Triangle or Half Moon. Useful, but limited.
• A Pair of Blocks: Best for supporting both hands in standing poses (Forward Fold, Downward Dog), supporting both sides of the body, supported restorative poses requiring two blocks, and offering maximum versatility.

For most people who want to use blocks to truly support and improve their practice, having a pair of yoga blocks is the ideal setup. It allows you to use them in the widest range of poses and situations.

Beyond Beginners: Blocks for Everyone

Blocks aren’t just for new students. Even very flexible and strong yogis use blocks.

H4: How Blocks Help Experienced Practitioners

• Refine Alignment: Blocks can help experienced people find even better body lines and feel deeper connections in familiar poses.
• Explore Advanced Poses: Blocks can be used for safety and support in challenging poses like arm balances and inversions. They can help build strength and confidence needed for these poses.
• Restorative Practice: Many experienced yogis enjoy supported, restful poses using blocks and other props to fully release tension.

So, whether you are just starting or have practiced for years, blocks are valuable tools for making your yoga practice safer, more effective, and more enjoyable.

Wrapping Up: The Value of Blocks

We’ve looked at what yoga blocks are, their many yoga block uses, why they are helpful, and answered if are yoga blocks necessary (mostly yes, for a full, safe practice) and if do beginners need yoga blocks (definitely yes!). We discussed using one yoga block versus having a pair of yoga blocks and why two is usually better. We touched on yoga poses with blocks, other yoga props for beginners, and yoga block alternatives. We also covered how to use yoga blocks.

In short, yoga blocks are simple, yet powerful tools. They help bridge the gap between where your body is now and the full shape of a pose. They offer support, stability, and help you find proper body position. For anyone looking to practice yoga safely, comfortably, and effectively, especially beginners, blocks are highly recommended. Starting with a pair gives you the most flexibility.

Don’t see blocks as a sign that you aren behind. See them as smart tools that help you get the most out of every movement. They are there to support you on your yoga path.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

H3: What are yoga blocks made of?

Yoga blocks are commonly made from foam, cork, or wood. Foam is soft and light. Cork is firmer and heavier. Wood is the most firm and heavy.

H3: How do I know which block height to use?

Start with a height that allows you to get into the pose without strain while keeping good body position. If your hands don’t reach the floor easily in a forward fold, use a height that lets you put your hands down and straighten your back. If sitting feels slouched, use a height that lets your hips be higher than your knees. Experiment to see what feels supportive and right for each pose.

H3: Can I use other things if I don’t have blocks?

Yes, you can use sturdy, thick books, firm boxes, or tightly folded blankets as yoga block alternatives. However, proper yoga blocks are designed for stability and safety and are generally the best option.

H3: Is one yoga block enough for a beginner?

You can start using one yoga block and find it helpful for many poses like sitting or supported bridge. But having a pair of yoga blocks is much more versatile and lets you use them for supporting both hands in standing poses or for supported restorative poses. A pair is usually recommended if possible.

H3: How do blocks help if I am already flexible?

Even if you are flexible, blocks can help refine your alignment in poses, provide support for longer holds in restorative practices, or assist in exploring more advanced poses safely. They help you work smarter, not just harder.

H3: Are yoga blocks expensive?

No, foam yoga blocks are usually very affordable. Cork and wood blocks cost a bit more but are still a small investment for the benefit they provide to your practice.

H3: How do I clean yoga blocks?

Foam and cork blocks can usually be wiped clean with a damp cloth, sometimes with a mild soap. Check the specific care instructions for your blocks.