I find the blocks you most commonly see in most studios (including mine) are the 3″ blocks. 

Once again, these will get the job done in most instances. 

But today, if I could order all over again, I would splurge for the 4″ blocks. 

You see, blocks can be used in 3 settings. Low, medium, and high. 

The high setting makes the block the tallest off the floor, but that also means it’s resting on its smallest surface. 

Since most blocks are made out of foam, that small surface suddenly becomes much more succeptible to squishing a little under pressure. 

In many scenarios, this isn’t an issue… 

But if you’re using the block on it’s highest setting to help you reach the ‘floor’ while you’re in some kind of balancing pose? Well… You’re probably going to be putting some weight into that hand and relying on the block to be a very stable surface. 

One workaround would be purchasing 3″ wooden or cork blocks. These will be less likely to ‘squish’ slightly, however, in other postures where they are supporting your knees or back, these may feel a little harsh against your body.

Here is a video where I demonstrate different ways you might use a block in your practice, and why a slightly softer foam block may be desirable most of the time, but a 4″ block (or harder 3″ one) may be necessary in other instances.