What To Use Instead Of Yoga Blocks?

As a yoga beginner, you might be wondering what props you need for your at-home yoga practice. The two most common props are yoga mats and yoga blocks. While mats are pretty essential, blocks are not.

And if you don’t have blocks handy, you might be left feeling a little frustrated. After all, blocks can help with alignment and support your body in challenging poses.

But what if we told you that there are plenty of other things you can use instead of yoga blocks? Keep reading to find out what to use instead of yoga blocks the next time you’re in a pinch.

Read on to find out what to use instead of yoga blocks:

Books

use books as a yoga block alternatives

why you can use book as a yoga blocks and how should you use it

Using books as yoga blocks is a great way to get the support you need in challenging poses. Plus, they’re easy to find and often quite affordable. Here are a few tips for using books as yoga blocks:

– Make sure the books are sturdy and won’t easily bend or break.

– Place them in between your hands or feet in challenging poses for stability and support.

– If you’re using them for balance, try to find books that are about the same height as you.

Towels

why you can use towels as a yoga blocks and how should you use it

Using towels as yoga blocks is an inexpensive and resourceful way to get the extra support you need in your poses. Here are a few tips for using towels as yoga blocks:

– Use thicker towels if you’re placing them between your hands or feet for extra support.

– Fold the towels in half and roll them up to make a makeshift block that is easier to move around.

– Place them under your heels in poses like Downward Facing Dog for added comfort.

Sturdy Chairs

What To Use Instead Of Yoga Blocks

why you can use chairs as a yoga blocks and how should you use it

Using a sturdy chair as a yoga block is a great way to get extra support in challenging poses. Here are a few tips for using chairs as yoga blocks:

– Choose a chair that is sturdy, and make sure you can fit your hands or feet comfortably on either side of the seat.

– Place the chair next to the wall for extra stability.

– Use it for support in standing poses like Warrior II and Triangle Pose.

Couch Pillows

what to use if you do not have yoga blocks

why you can use couch pillows as a yoga blocks and how should you use it

Using couch pillows as yoga blocks is an easy and convenient way to get extra support during your practice. Here are a few tips for using couch pillows as yoga blocks:

– Place them under your hips or feet in poses such as Half Lord of the Fishes or Seated Forward Fold.

– Make sure the pillows are soft enough to be comfortable, but firm enough to provide support.

– Experiment with different sizes and shapes of pillows to find what works best for you.

Box

Using cardboard boxes as yoga blocks is an affordable and resourceful way to get extra support during your practice. Here are a few tips for using boxes as yoga blocks:

– Choose sturdy, thick boxes that won’t easily bend or break.

– Place them between your hands or feet for extra support in challenging poses.

– Stack two boxes together to create a taller block if you need it.

Milk carton

If you don’t have any other props handy, you can use a milk carton as a yoga block. Here are a few tips for using milk cartons as yoga blocks:

– Cut the top off the carton and discard it.

– Cut the sides of the carton so that it is about 6-8 inches tall.

– Tape the seams of the carton to keep it together.

– Use it for support in poses like Downward Facing Dog and Triangle Pose.

Paper rolls

Using paper rolls as yoga blocks is an affordable and creative way to get extra support during your practice. Here are a few tips for using paper rolls as yoga blocks:

Place the paper rolls on either side of your feet when you’re in poses like Warrior II or Triangle Pose to help with alignment and balance.

– Put the paper rolls under your feet in Downward-Facing Dog or other poses to relieve strain on your spine and lower back.

Bucket

Using a bucket as a yoga block is an interesting way to challenge yourself. You can use the bucket in poses like Chair or Warrior III to help with balance and stability.

os if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use a bucket as a yoga block. Here are a few tips for using a bucket as a yoga block:

– Fill the bucket with sand or water to make it heavier and more challenging to balance in poses like Chair or Warrior III.

– Use the bucket in place of a traditional yoga block to add extra challenge and intensity to your practice.

Do You Need Yoga Blocks and Why?

Do You Need Yoga Blocks and Why

When I first started practicing yoga, I saw people using all sorts of props – blankets, bolsters, belts, and blocks. Blocks specifically always mystified me.

Were they lazy? Didn’t they know how to stretch? As it turns out, blocks are actually really useful – and not just for people who are new to yoga.

Here’s a breakdown of when and why you might want to use a block in your practice.

When You Need a Little Extra Height

If you’re working on a pose that requires you to be in low lunge with your back foot up on your toes, for example, placing a block under your back hand can give you the extra height you need to make the pose more accessible.

This is especially helpful if you have tight hips and hamstrings – which, let’s be honest, most of us do. 

When You Need More Grounding

Have you ever been in standing poses like Warrior II or Triangle and felt like you were going to topple over?

Placing a block under your back hand (in Warrior II) or bottom hand (in Triangle) can help ground you and give you a sense of stability. If you’re feeling really wobbly, place two blocks side by side so that you have more surface area to press down into. 

When You Need pauses and transitions

Blocks can also be helpful in between poses as a way to ease your body into the next shape.

For example, if you’re moving from Downward Facing Dog into Camel Pose, placing a block under your sacrum (the flat area at the base of your spine) can help support your lower back as you arch it for Camel. 

Related post: How Many Yoga Blocks Do You Need?

Conclusion

Yoga blocks are somewhat of a necessity if you want to practice yoga at home—but they don’t have to be. There are plenty of things lying around your house that you can use instead ofblocks. So next time you can’t find your blocks, don’t sweat it—just grab one of these household items and get to practicing!