There are many types of yoga blocks in many shapes, materials, and colors. How do you know which is right for you?
Yoga blocks are one of the most effective yoga practice aids, especially for beginners. You can use them for space creation and deep stretching, which enhances stability, balance, and posture. These blocks also greatly assist yogis in performing restorative yoga movements and meditation, allowing the practitioner to completely relax and achieve a peaceful state. What is the difference?
1. CORK YOGA BLOCK
The product is manufactured from natural cork wood, an ecological and environmentally friendly material.
It is extremely durable, does not deform or lose shape easily, and is heavier than EVA blocks.
The cork wood block has an anti-slip surface and is very sturdy and stable, so it is especially suitable for locations that require high stability. However, this mass is often heavier and harder, which can cause discomfort during relaxing yoga poses.
The material is porous, so it absorbs sweat and moisture well.
2. FOAM YOGA BLOCK
The product is made from EVA foam, a light and flexible material.
EVA blocks usually have a soft surface that is easy to grip and comfortable to use for different yoga positions. They also have many colors to choose from but get dirty easily. However, the durability may not be as good as the cork block.
3. HIGH-QUALITY SYNTHETIC POWDER YOGA BLOCK
It’s soft and lightweight, made from recycled EVA foam material, just like traditional foam blocks.
Creative designs may have curved edges. The curved side provides extra support for the back, making it easy to forget about it.
Positions that require comfort and flexibility: With a special design, this exercise block is very suitable for positions that require placing weight on the block while still ensuring ease, such as bending or bending positions and fish poses.
Poses that require correction and enhancement: These blocks can be useful aids in correcting posture and enhancing flexibility, especially in advanced yoga classes.
4. SMALL FOAM YOGA BLOCK
Although smaller in size than the blocks above, exercisers still enjoy the same comfort, style, and support as the larger version.
This cube is perfect for traveling and storing in small spaces.
It’s simple to grasp and keep your wrists straight while holding a plank position.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE CORK BLOCK?
Increase muscle engagement: Move to the cork block when you feel strong enough to move to the lighter foam block.
The cork block is useful for poses that require stability and lack of slipping, such as the tree pose or warrior II pose.
This block can provide great support for inversion movements or positions that require weight on the block, such as head poses or handstands.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE FOAM BLOCK?
This yoga block is great for restorative exercises, such as lying on your back (chest opening).
Relaxation and stretching positions: The EVA block is suitable for positions that require comfort and minimal pressure on the body, such as the baby pose or meditation pose.
Lightweight Balance Pose: This EVA Block supports balancing poses like Warrior III that don’t require a lot of weight.
Seated position and forward bend: bring the block up to the soles of the feet and add length.
Increase muscle engagement: place block between thighs
Combining these types of blocks will help you optimize your yoga practice, ensure safety, and achieve the best results.