Believe it or not, but every professional yogi you admire has started from scratch. When we first get started with a new job, hobby or sport, it can often feel impossible to reach a certain level. Whilst it takes a lot of dedication and effort, everyone can become a yogi. But more importantly, yoga is about improving your physical and mental wellbeing. So we shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to others, it’s time to track our own progress. If you’re new to yoga - first of all, welcome! - then you may be wondering what essentials you need as a beginner. A yoga mat is essential (obviously!) , but how many yoga blocks or wheels do you need when you’re first getting started? 

What Is A Yoga Block And What Can It Be Used For?

Let’s start off by answering the most obvious (and frequently asked) questions: what is a yoga block? Or maybe more specifically: what can a yoga block be used for? 

It’s already in the name, but a yoga block is essentially a hard block that can be used to gain more flexibility or make some yoga poses more accessible. A  yoga block can be used in so many various ways, they can both be used by beginners and professional yogis. Considering you’re just starting out, we would recommend using the yoga block to practice stretches you’re still struggling with. Are you struggling to keep your legs straight with the Forward Fold or can you not reach the ground yet? No worries! By adding a yoga block on the floor, you’ll be able to stabilise your yoga pose without straining your hamstring. It would be a shame to start off your yoga journey with an injury. 

How Many Yoga Blocks Do I Need? 

The reason you have probably clicked on this blog post, is because you want to know how many yoga blocks you need as a beginner yogi. Don’t worry, we’re not here to sell more yoga blocks than you actually need. 

We’d say that, if you’ve just started practicing yoga, having two yoga blocks will be sufficient. These will keep you balanced when practicing your new poses and will gradually improve your flexibility, mobility and balance. After a while, you’ll probably only need one block to stay stable and eventually you can perform poses on your own. 

Does That Mean Yoga Blocks Cannot Be Used By Advanced Yogis? 

Wait! Don’t throw out those yoga blocks just yet. If you’ve passed the beginner phase and you’re slowly becoming more comfortable and confident with difficult yoga poses, there are still a lot of ways in which the yoga blocks can be used. What about deepening your stretches? Place yourself in a Child’s Pose, but place your hands on top of the yoga block which is on the ground. This allows you to get a deeper stretch into your shoulders and chest area. 

Our 3 Favourite Beginner Yoga Block Poses

1. Standing Forward Fold 

We have quickly touched on this pose already but the Standing Forward Fold is one of the best beginner yoga poses and you will notice that with this pose, your yoga block will come in really handy! If you’re not very flexible yet and are struggling to keep your legs straight while touching the floor with your hands, you can place a yoga block on the floor. Reach down and place your hands on top of the yoga block. You’ll still get a good stretch, without hurting yourself. 

Are you an advanced yogi? Try standing on top of the yoga block for this pose. It will deepen your stretch!

2. Downward Facing Dog

Another pose that is extremely popular and perfect for those who are starting out. To perform this pose, you start from the Standing Forward Fold position and from there, you slowly move your hands further away from your feet. Make sure you end up in a triangular position with your hips upwards. If this is too difficult at first, you can place a yoga block either below your hands or feet to make it easier for beginner yogis.

3. Crescent Lunge

Our third favourite beginner yoga pose is Crescent Lunge, which focuses on your hip flexors and helps to relieve tension in that area as well as improving flexibility. This pose can be difficult for beginners as it requires stability. If you need an extra hand with balance, you can use two yoga blocks - one on either side - to remain stable.