Help Center - Yoga Props

Yoga Props Guide

Yoga props aren’t just accessories they’re powerful tools that can completely transform your practice. By exploring and experimenting with props, you open yourself up to new movements, deeper sensations, and greater awareness of your body and mind.

We’re here to take the mystery out of yoga props and show you how they can support you, no matter where you are on your yoga journey. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or have been practicing for years, this guide will help you understand what’s available and how each prop can elevate your experience.

Discover how yoga props can enhance your practice read our guide to learn more!

Yoga Blocks Guide

Yoga blocks are one of the most versatile and essential props in any yoga practice. They can support, challenge, and deepen your poses helping you find better alignment, stability, and ease in every movement.

By bringing the ground closer to you, blocks allow your body to stay aligned and your breath to remain steady. For example, placing your hand on a block in Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) can transform the experience from feeling strained to feeling open, spacious, and grounded.

At its heart, yoga is about steadiness, awareness, and ease. Using blocks helps cultivate exactly that supporting you in finding balance between effort and release, strength and softness.

No matter your level of experience, yoga blocks are a valuable foundation for every yogi.

To support all practitioners, we’ve created a full range of Manduka Yoga Blocks available in different shapes, sizes, and materials to suit your unique practice.

Explore our complete guide: Yoga Blocks The Foundation of Every Practice

Care

Cleaning Your Yoga Equipment During COVID-19

There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has changed the way we live and the way we practice. With greater awareness around hygiene, it’s more important than ever to keep your yoga mat and props clean and cared for.

To help you practice safely and confidently, we’ve teamed up with scientists and studio partners to create simple, effective guidelines for cleaning your yoga equipment the right way.

Learn how to keep your mat and props fresh, protected, and ready for every practice read our full guide to caring for your yoga equipment here.

How Often Should I Clean My Mat and Props?

In most cases, you only need to give your yoga equipment a deep clean when it’s been exposed to germs. If you practice at home and everyone in your household is healthy, there’s no need to disinfect your gear too often.

That said, with the potential for asymptomatic spread of COVID-19, giving your mat and props a thorough clean about once a week is a good habit.

If you’re practicing in a studio or shared space, it’s best to clean your mat and accessories after every class to keep your practice safe and fresh.

Recycled Foam Blocks

How Do I Clean My Recycled Foam Yoga Block?

Simply wipe your block clean with a damp cloth after practice. Allow it to air dry completely before storing it away.

What Makes the Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block Special?

Manduka’s Recycled Foam Yoga Block sets a new standard for quality and sustainability. Each block is made with 50%-75% recycled EVA foam, combining post-industrial and post-consumer materials all without compromising on durability, density, or performance.

Strong, supportive, and environmentally conscious this block truly embodies balance, both on and off the mat.

Learn more in our full guide: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

What’s the Difference Between Cork Blocks and Foam Blocks?

Both our cork and foam blocks provide excellent support and stability in your practice.

If you prefer something lightweight with a softer feel, the foam block is a great choice easy to handle and gentle to the touch.

If you’re drawn to a more grounded, sturdy feel, the cork block offers natural texture, a solid grip, and a bit more weight for added stability. Plus, it’s made from sustainable, renewable cork, making it an eco-friendly favorite.

Discover more in our full guide: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

Recycled Foam Yoga Mini Blocks

What’s the Difference Between the Standard Foam Blocks and the Mini Foam Blocks?

Manduka’s Recycled Foam Yoga Mini Block combines sustainability, comfort, and convenience in one compact design. Made with over 50% recycled EVA foam, it’s lightweight yet firm, offering the same reliable support and premium feel as our standard-sized block.

Weighing just 200 grams and measuring 10cm x 11.5cm x 15cm, the Mini Block is a smaller, more portable version perfect for yogis on the go, or anyone looking to save space at home.

Despite its size, the Mini Block delivers the same stability and support for balancing poses, stretching, and gentle backbends helping you move deeper into your practice with confidence and ease.

Explore more in our full guide: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

How Do I Care for the Mini Blocks?

Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth after practice, then allow to air dry before storing.

How Much Do the Mini Blocks Weigh?

The Mini Block weighs just 200 grams, with dimensions of 10cm x 11.5cm x 15cm compared to the standard foam block, which weighs approximately 0.45 kg and measures 23cm x 15cm x 10cm.

Learn more about how to choose the right block for your practice: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

unBLOK

Why Does the unBLOK Have a Curved Side?

Meet the Recycled Foam unBLOK a fresh take on the traditional yoga block, designed to help you explore new depths in your practice. Created by Manduka founder Peter Sterios, this innovative block combines sleek design, functional curves, and eco-friendly materials to truly unblock your body and movement.

The unBLOK’s gentle contours are thoughtfully shaped to support your body more naturally, offering ergonomic comfort that’s kind to your joints and muscles. When placed curved side down, it also adds an optional balance challenge for those who want to play with stability and engagement.

Why Is It Called the unBLOK?

The name says it all this block helps you unblock tension, stiffness, and limits in your practice. Its unique dual-curved design provides unparalleled support and comfort, especially in chest openers and passive backbends.

It’s also ideal for anyone who spends long hours at a desk or behind the wheel, gently releasing those tight spots in the upper back and shoulders. And, as one of our favorite reviewers put it. it’s simply fun to say!

unBLOK: a new way to move, open, and explore.

Want to dive deeper? Explore our blog posts “Revisiting the Beauty and Functionality of the unBLOK” and “Unwinding with the unBLOK.”

Read more in our complete guide: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

What Makes the unBLOK Special?

The Recycled Foam unBLOK is designed to take your yoga practice to the next level. With its sleek, functional design and high-quality eco-friendly materials, this innovative block helps you unblock tension, deepen poses, and move with greater ease. Designed by Manduka founder Peter Sterios, it combines style, comfort, and thoughtful ergonomics.

Its contoured, ergonomic shape makes it gentler on the body, while the curved side can be used to add an optional balance challenge. This block is perfect for anyone who spends long hours at a desk or behind the wheel, helping to gently release “gnarly” tension in the upper back and shoulders.

The name unBLOK celebrates its unique departure from the traditional yoga block the dual-curved profile provides unmatched support for chest openers, passive backbends, and restorative postures. And, as one happy reviewer put it (and we completely agree) it’s just plain fun to say!

How Do I Clean the unBLOK?
Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth after practice.

Learn more in our full guide: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

Cork Blocks

How Do the Different Blocks Compare in Weight and Size?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right block for your practice:

• Cork Yoga Block: 1.1 kg; 23 cm × 15 cm × 10 cm

• Lean Cork Yoga Block: 0.45 kg; 22 cm × 7 cm × 11 cm

• Recycled Foam Yoga Block: 0.41 kg; 23 cm × 15 cm × 10 cm

• Recycled Foam Yoga Mini Block: 200 g; 10 cm × 11.5 cm × 15 cm

• unBLOK Recycled Foam Yoga Block: 0.38 kg; 10 cm × 15 cm × 23 cm

What’s the Difference Between the Cork Block and the Lean Cork Block?

Both blocks are made from sustainable cork and offer firm, reliable support for your practice.

The Manduka Cork Yoga Block is full-sized, providing a generous and stable base.

The Lean Cork Yoga Block is slimmer and more compact, making it comfortable to hold, travel-friendly, and perfect for those who prefer a narrower width without sacrificing stability or support.

Sizes for reference:

• Cork Block: 23 cm × 15 cm × 10 cm

• Lean Cork Block: 22 cm × 7 cm × 11 cm

Learn more in our full guide: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

Are Manduka Cork Blocks Sustainable?

Yes! Manduka cork blocks are made from cork, a renewable and sustainable material harvested from the bark of the Cork Oak Tree. No trees are harmed in the process, and our manufacturing avoids toxic chemicals, making these blocks both eco-friendly and safe for your practice.

How Do I Clean My Cork Block?

For everyday care, simply wipe your block with a damp cloth.

To give your block a deeper clean and keep it smelling fresh, use Manduka’s Botanical Mat Cleaner or Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh. For more detailed cleaning tips, check out our Mat Care Guide.

What Is a Block Used For?

Blocks are versatile tools that provide extra support in any yoga practice. They can help you:

• Find stability in balancing poses

• Stretch more comfortably

• Support chest openers and backbends

Using a block allows you to reach further, move deeper, and practice safely, no matter your level.

Learn more in our full guide: Yoga Blocks – The Foundation of Every Practice

How Do You Recommend Cleaning Cork Blocks?

To keep your cork block fresh, clean, and ready for practice, we recommend using Manduka’s Yoga Mat Wash & Refresh. For a deeper clean, try Manduka’s Botanical Mat Cleaner. it’s gentle, effective, and perfect for removing sweat and buildup.

For more detailed tips and guidance, check out our Mat Care Guide.

Bolsters

What Do I Use a Bolster For?

Yoga bolsters are versatile props, commonly used in restorative yoga, prenatal classes, and Iyengar practice, but they can enhance any style of yoga. They provide extra support for postures that encourage relaxation, meditation, and rest.

Many yogis enjoy placing a bolster under the knees or back during Savasana for added comfort. Bolsters can also help gently open the chest, making it easier to focus on your breath and mindfulness.

How Do I Clean My Manduka Bolster?

1. Remove the outer microfiber cover from the inner pillow.

2. Machine wash the cover in cold water with like colors.

3. Hang dry or tumble dry on low tumble drying on low is recommended.

4. Avoid dryer sheets and scented detergents to keep the cover fresh and long-lasting.

What’s the Difference Between the Round, Rectangular, and Lean Bolster?

The enlight™ Round Yoga Bolster

The Round Yoga Bolster is a classic, lightweight option, perfect for supporting your knees, back, or chest openers. Filled with 30% recycled fiber-fill, it offers soft cushioning with medium support, helping you sink deeper into stretches while staying comfortable. Its traditional round shape makes it versatile for many restorative poses.

The enlight™ Rectangular Bolster

The Rectangular Bolster is space-saving and highly versatile. Also filled with 30% recycled fiber-fill, it provides soft cushioning with light support. Equipped with a sturdy handle, this bolster is easy to carry and perfect for building your bolster practice, offering reliable support and comfort for a wide range of postures.

The enlight™ Lean Bolster

The Lean Bolster is a slim, lightweight rectangular bolster, also filled with resilient recycled fiber-fill for soft cushioning and light support. Its compact size makes it ideal for targeted stretches, and it can easily be combined with other props or bolsters for customizable support. The handle makes it easy to move and integrate into your practice anywhere.

What Makes Manduka Bolsters Different?

Manduka enlight™ Bolsters are designed to combine comfort, support, and sustainability.

• They feature 30% recycled fiber-fill surrounded by soft cotton, giving you light to medium support with a pleasant, cushioned feel.
• They are lighter than traditional dense bolsters, making them easy to move, reposition, and carry during your practice.
• The combination of cotton and recycled fiber-fill provides good rebound, helping the bolster maintain its shape over time.

These thoughtfully designed bolsters make restorative, prenatal, and everyday yoga practice more accessible and comfortable, wherever you choose to practice.

Yoga Straps

How Do I Care for My Manduka Yoga Strap?

To keep your strap clean and in good condition, simply hand wash and hang to dry.

What Are Straps Used For?

Yoga straps are a versatile tool that can enhance any practice. They provide extra length to help you reach further, stretch deeper, and maintain proper alignment.

• For tighter stretches, a shorter strap can help you safely extend your reach.
• For restorative practices, a longer strap gives you more options and flexibility to support your body.

Straps are helpful for yogis of all levels, making challenging poses more accessible and comfortable.

What’s the Difference Between the AligN and UnfoLD Straps?

• AligN Strap: Inspired by the classic B.K.S. Iyengar design, the AligN strap is made from unbleached natural cotton webbing and features an innovative interlocking buckle for secure adjustments. It’s ideal for supporting and enhancing your practice.
• UnfoLD Strap: Also made from unbleached natural cotton, the UnfoLD strap has a double square ring buckle. Slightly narrower and lighter than the AligN strap, it’s perfect for travel or on-the-go practice.

Recycled Wool Blanket

What Do I Use a Wool Blanket For?

Wool blankets are a versatile yoga prop, commonly used in restorative yoga, prenatal classes, and Iyengar practice. They can also serve as a comfortable substitute for a bolster. Many yogis like placing a blanket under their knees or back during Savasana, or using it to support meditation and relaxation postures.

Will the Wool Blanket Shed or Stretch?

Each wool blanket is carefully combed to minimize shedding and pilling. Like all wool products, some fibers may naturally come loose over time. Thanks to its dense weave, the wool blanket is resistant to stretching, super warm, and designed to last.

How Do I Care for My Wool Blanket?

• Dry cleaning is recommended for the best long-term care.

• If washing at home, hand wash or use a delicate machine cycle with mild detergents.

• Do not tumble dry always hang dry.

• You may also iron the blanket if needed.

What’s the Difference Between the Wool and Cotton Blanket?

• Recycled Wool Yoga Blanket: Made from 75% recycled wool and 25% recycled synthetic fibers, this blanket is moldable and foldable, offering warmth, comfort, and support for both restorative and dynamic yoga poses.

• Recycled Cotton Yoga Blanket: Slightly larger, made from 52.5% recycled cotton, 35% recycled acrylic, and 12.5% polyester, this blanket is versatile and supportive, perfect for folding, rolling, or stacking to enhance any pose. Its luxe, rustic fabric moves naturally with your body.

Where Is the Wool Blanket Made?

Our recycled wool blankets are thoughtfully crafted in India, combining traditional weaving techniques with sustainable practices.

What Makes the Recycled Wool Blanket Sustainable?

The blanket is made from 75% recycled wool fibers and 25% recycled synthetic fibers. Waste textile cuttings that would normally be discarded are collected, converted into fiber, and spun into new yarn, which is then woven into the blanket. This process helps reduce waste and gives textile scraps a new life, making your yoga practice more eco-conscious.

Cotton Blanket

How Do I Care for My New Cotton Blanket?

To keep your cotton blanket looking and feeling its best:

• Machine wash cold on a gentle cotton cycle, separately from other items.

• Remove promptly after washing.

• Do not bleach.

• Line dry and, if needed, warm iron or opt for dry cleaning.

What Do I Use a Cotton Blanket For?

Cotton blankets are versatile yoga props, commonly used in restorative yoga, prenatal classes, and Iyengar practice. They can also serve as a comfortable substitute for a bolster.

Many yogis place a blanket under their knees or back during Savasana or use it to support meditation and restorative postures, adding extra comfort and alignment.

What’s the Difference Between the Cotton and Wool Blanket?

• Recycled Wool Yoga Blanket: Made from 75% recycled wool and 25% recycled synthetic fibers, this blanket is moldable, foldable, and super warm, offering support for both restorative and dynamic poses.
• Recycled Cotton Yoga Blanket: Slightly larger and made from 52.5% recycled cotton, 35% recycled acrylic, and 12.5% polyester, this blanket is versatile, durable, and soft, perfect for folding, rolling, or stacking to support your practice. Its luxe, rustic fabric moves naturally with your body.