Yoga Foam Blocks: Types, Uses & Benefits

What are yoga foam blocks?

Yoga foam blocks are often seen in dance studios, yoga classes, gyms, and such like. You may have purchased one or two in the past, and now it’s just stuffed into the corner of your workout room because you aren’t sure what to do with it.

Yoga blocks, or gym bricks as they are sometimes known, can be beneficial for a number of reasons. They aren’t only useful when improving your flexibility, though that is their primary use.

Why should you use yoga foam blocks?

Both products – yoga blocks and gym bricks – are relatively interchangeable. However, there is a key difference - Gym bricks are taller and have more height than yoga blocks, which have more surface area. This is because gym bricks are designed to be used in strength exercises, while yoga blocks are used to stabilise your body while you’re improving your yoga poses. As we just mentioned, you can use foam yoga blocks to stabilise yourself while performing yoga stances or moves. Additionally, these foam blocks can help you align your body into the correct position or help you ease your body into stretches that you might not be completely ready to do.

Key benefits of yoga foam blocks

The aim of using a yoga block should be to improve your personal flexibility. You can use them to modify yoga poses and stretches, allowing you to perform a stance that you may not have been able to do otherwise. You do this by simply using the yoga block to distance part of your body from the floor.

By giving your body a stable base during a yoga move, you are reducing the strain that you are putting on your body when trying more challenging poses.

How many yoga foam blocks do I need?

You’ll want to buy at least two foam blocks for yoga. Depending on the yoga poses you are performing, you will either use one or two foam blocks to reach your pose.

For example, if you were doing the triangle pose (a pose where you have both feet and one hand on the floor, with your other hand reaching upwards), having one foam block would allow you to complete the pose even if you can’t comfortably reach the floor with your hand yet. The block, in this case, becomes an extension of your hand.

Two foam blocks are often used in leg flexibility training, for moves like the splits. But they can also be used to help with back and hip stretches.

What type of foam block do I need?

Foam blocks are available in many versions. There’s closed-cell foam blocks and open-cell foam blocks. A closed-cell foam block will have a smooth surface and is more rigid. It will be ever-so-slightly bouncy to the touch, but still solid enough to provide support without changing shape at all.

Open cell, on the other hand, has a spongy texture and is better for providing cushioned support.

Can I order a custom size yoga foam block?

Yes, you can indeed. Please use our cut to size tool or contact our team to discuss.

Easyfoam can supply both open-cell and closed-cell foams suitable for yoga blocks. If you need any advice on choosing the right yoga block for your needs, contact our friendly team today.