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What to use instead of yoga blocks

April 27, 2020 //  by Di Hickman//  18 Comments

Interesting times we are in right now huh? Many of us are adapting to a new normal. Settling into routines. Which hopefully means you’re staying active and doing yoga at home. However, doing yoga at home can often mean we’re lacking equipment and as Amazon is slow delivering right now sometimes we need to mimic WWII “make do” mindset. So here’s a quick rundown of what to use instead of yoga blocks in your home practice.

What to use instead of yoga blocks, quarantine yoga

Firstly we need to establish what you’re using the blocks for. Is it to bring the floor up to you? Perhaps it’s for body support. Maybe it’s to give you something to reach for or press into? There are many ways to use yoga blocks and each might need a different alternative when we think about what to use instead of yoga blocks.

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What to use instead of yoga blocks

Perhaps one the easiest ways to replace yoga blocks is with existing fitness equipment you already have. Got a medicine ball, kettle bell or dumbbell? Get creative and figure out ways to use those as yoga props. I’ve used a slam ball as an assist for yoga poses before.

Assisting in Standing Poses

When we think about using yoga blocks in standing poses typically the purpose is to bring the floor UP to us. For this a chair or low stool may do the trick. An upturned plant pot, big can of pasta sauce or small trashcan can also work wonders. If you have a stack of books nearby those can provide some support too!

Yoga teacher using sun lounger as a yoga block
Yoga teacher using fence as yoga prop

For poses requiring balance like Ardha Chandrasana (half moon) could you use the wall instead? Sometimes getting outside the box and changing things up can enable us to have a different somatic experience in the pose.

Supporting Floor Poses

In seated poses or those laying on the floor, blocks can often provide support. I’ve done a post about using them for baddha konasana (butterfly) or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (pigeon). This means anything firm like a bolster or rolled up blanket or two should offer similar support. Personally I prefer the bolster or blanket for many of the supported poses as they’re more comfortable.

yoga teacher using cushion for support under knees instead of yoga block

Cushions, blankets, and pillows can all make poses more comfortable. I’m a big fan of yoga blankets anyway but a thick beach towel provides the same comfort.

Make your own!

If you, or a friend/family member, is handy with tools you could make your own Yoga blocks! Traditional yogi’s still use wood blocks. The dimensions are approximately 4″x 6″ x 9″.

yoga teacher using laundry detergent bottle as a yoga block

One other way to get creative when thinking about what to use instead of yoga blocks is to go green and recycle! Empty laundry detergent bottles are sturdy enough to use in standing poses. But think about the boxes in your house. Fill ’em with sand/dirt or the white polystyrene foam (the stuff that gets packed around TV’s).

Yoga teacher using bucket as a yoga block in rotated triangle pose

Honestly now is the best time to get creative, and pinch the pennies. Re-use items you already have. Making your own yoga blocks by recycling or upcycling. And maybe once you’ve seen how useful they are you purchase a set of yoga blocks.

Questions

  • Are you a creative type of person?
  • Do you usually “make do” or “buy now”?
  • What items can you think of to use as yoga blocks?
Previous Post: « 5 tips for improving a yoga pose – You can do it!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pooja Sharma

    May 3, 2020 at 2:15 am

    wow!! this is interesting and creative. I would love to implement this while my yoga session. I love the ideas… one can save so much

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:51 pm

      Yes. We’re all feeling the economic pinch right now, so save those pennies

      Reply
  2. Kristine Nicole Alessandra

    April 28, 2020 at 10:29 pm

    Great suggestions! Although I don’t do yoga, I am really amazed at people who do. It would be such a challenge for me to get into those poses! Should I decide to start doing yoga again, I will make do with items I have at home first.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      no fancy equipment needed!

      Reply
  3. Khushboo

    April 28, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    These are some cool things to use while doing yoga. I will remember that. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      no problem!

      Reply
  4. Melanie williams

    April 28, 2020 at 9:58 am

    Now it is funny that you have said this, as I literally just was thinking this the other day…thanks for the tips x

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      you’re welcome!

      Reply
  5. Lyosha

    April 28, 2020 at 7:47 am

    i think it is super helpful! A lot of people started doing yoga at home and didn’t get a chance to get blocks. also I don’t see the reason to invest in blocks if you are not going to go on doing yoga at home, preferring studio. I have a block at home but it’s only because buying blocks and yoga mat I wanted combines was cheaper than getting only a mat

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      yep the combo deals are a steal!

      Reply
  6. Charlotte Petit Noble

    April 28, 2020 at 7:45 am

    Thanks, Di, for your creativity. I used to always look for perfection, and so the younger me would have bought blocks. But I guess almost anything in my house can do the job!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      Yep many of us are feeling the pinch right now so no need to spend uneccessarily!

      Reply
  7. Kemi

    April 28, 2020 at 2:50 am

    Interesting…my yoga positions are not that advanced that I require blocks yet but these are definitely great ideas to use what you have.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      Blocks are for making poses harder OR easier. Try them out next time you practice

      Reply
  8. Azubike Eze

    April 28, 2020 at 2:25 am

    Your ideas are quite innovative and creative. You make the poses look easy. I’m tempted to try one of them.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      no time like the present!

      Reply
  9. Bethan Taylor-Swaine

    April 28, 2020 at 2:11 am

    Oh I’ve been known to use so many random things in place of blocks at home! Thick textbooks are a favourite (my economics textbook from my master’s degree is exactly the right dimensions!) or a pile of towels!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      May 6, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      Hahaha I use a thick anatomy book!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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