What to use instead of yoga blocks

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.

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.

If you can’t view the embedded video above, you can view the video on YouTube. Maybe add it to a playlist? Above all, remember to subscribe to my channel. New videos are uploaded every Tuesday and Friday. However, for exclusive longer format videos sign up for my Patreon community. Patrons also get early access to all my videos, along with lots of other benefits.

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?