Which Is Better: A Foam Block or A Cork Block?

So in my previous post, I’ve said that I wanted to show you some blocks and what they’re good for.

Basically there are just two types of blocks at the moment. And I’m just going to combine them together in this review.

It’s not a contest. One is not better than the other, there are just different uses that you might find them helpful for.

Foam vs. Cork

So the two types of blocks there are at the moment are cork and foam blocks.

As you already might have figured out, they’re both completely made out of different materials. And because of that material, they’re going to be very different in usage.

This is information I didn’t find on the internet when I was looking for some props myself. So I hope it’s going to be helpful for other people out there that are discovering the wonders of yoga just now, or even just for people who’ve been on the mat for a while already.

So here it goes.

via GIPHY

Foam

When I first started my practice, or better said, when my practice was getting deeper, I asked for a foam block to a friend of mine for my birthday.

I went with one from Gaiam, but there are many different brands of course.

However, the same with mats, I wanted some quality and not quantity. I didn’t want to buy a new block after a while, so I decided to spend just a little more money to buy something from good quality.

And the foam blocks aren’t even that expensive, to be honest.

With that said, I loved having that block, and I think it might still lie around somewhere, I just don’t use it so often anymore. Not because I don’t want to, it’s just that my yoga practice has developed in such a way that I’m using my cork blocks (yes I own two of them) more often.

The good thing about the foam blocks is that it’s soft and light. So it’s easy to take with you and you don’t have to worry that you accidentally hit someone with a massive cork block on the way to your yoga class.

Because of the foam, you also have the option to buy them in different kinds of colors, which can be nice if that’s what you’re looking for.

The usage of them is quite limited I have to say. They’re really nice to use for the meditation part of yoga, so in the beginning or in the end, if your butt cheeks aren’t used to sit on a hard floor yet.

It’s much more comfortable to sit on and it also makes that your hips can shift more easily to straighten your spine. So for this purpose, I would definitely prefer a foam block over a meditation pillow (which is also heavier and is quite big, so not really something you could take with you).

Another purpose to use them is that you can put your arms on it as a support during some yoga poses. The foam will be much softer to use and it won’t hurt your arms as a cork block might do.

Cork

Then comes the cork block.

Man, how much I love a good solid cork block. Not that I think that the cork blocks are better, I just prefer something sturdier myself.

I mentioned it in my previous article that I learned to go into crow pose with the help of a cork block. It would elevate my feet so it would be easier to but them right above my elbows and then I would bend forward.

After a couple of weeks, I managed to go into the pose. Because the cork is more massive than the foam it’s easier to keep your balance, when that’s necessary.

When you’re doing balancing posing when you’re using a foam block it already doesn’t feel that safe as the foam isn’t that stable to lean on.

While a cork block is more of an extension of the floor you’re doing your yoga practice on. It’s a little bit pricier, but not even that expensive.

It is a bit heavier and they come in different sizes (the foam does as well), I prefer a bigger block myself as I often stand on them for some poses, and then it’s just nice to have something larger to put both your feet on properly instead of tiptoeing on it.

Because of their weight, it’s unfortunately not always easy to carry them with you. I used to take two of them with me to the yoga studio where I was teaching and that together with an oversized yoga mat, man, that was a challenge on its own already.

But Which One Is Better?!

Well, if you’ve read the complete article, you know by now that one is not better than the other. They’re just a bit different and you need to see for yourself which one is suitable for you.

Just to sum up a couple of things that might help you making this very hard decision:

• Traveling yogi: Go for Foam! There is nothing worse than needing to take a massive cork block with you wherever you go. They can become quite heavy and if you are using public transport often, it might not be so easy to carry with you.
• At-Home-Yogi: Go for Cork! If you don’t want to buy both types of blocks, you might want to buy a cork one. If you’d like to lift your hips at home, you’ll probably have something laying around anyway to make this happen. A pillow or a blanket are very suitable.
• Teaching Yogi: Well, as a teacher it’s always good to have some props. And it’s probably best to even have all of them! You need to show your class how to use their props, and there’s only one way how to do this.
• The Balancing Yogi: Go for Cork! When you are in balancing poses, it’s always good to have the support you need. Foam blocks might bend a little, which you don’t want while you are relying on it to keep you right up.

via GIPHY

Conclusion

I hope this article was helpful for you, as always, if you need more advice or if you have more questions about your personal practice or just in general, feel free to leave a comment below!

Nama-stay wonderful everyone!