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 run down of what to use instead of yoga blocks in your home practice.
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.
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!
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.
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″.
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).
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?
5 tips for improving a yoga pose
Pooja Sharma
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
Di Hickman
Yes. We’re all feeling the economic pinch right now, so save those pennies
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
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.
Di Hickman
no fancy equipment needed!
Khushboo
These are some cool things to use while doing yoga. I will remember that. Thanks for sharing.
Di Hickman
no problem!
Melanie williams
Now it is funny that you have said this, as I literally just was thinking this the other day…thanks for the tips x
Di Hickman
you’re welcome!
Lyosha
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
Di Hickman
yep the combo deals are a steal!
Charlotte Petit Noble
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!
Di Hickman
Yep many of us are feeling the pinch right now so no need to spend uneccessarily!
Kemi
Interesting…my yoga positions are not that advanced that I require blocks yet but these are definitely great ideas to use what you have.
Di Hickman
Blocks are for making poses harder OR easier. Try them out next time you practice
Azubike Eze
Your ideas are quite innovative and creative. You make the poses look easy. I’m tempted to try one of them.
Di Hickman
no time like the present!
Bethan Taylor-Swaine
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!
Di Hickman
Hahaha I use a thick anatomy book!