Best Pilates Blocks (2026): 9 Picks for Mat and Reformer Work
By The Pilates Verdict Team · October 16, 2026 · 18 min read
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The best Pilates blocks for most people are firm, 3-inch foam blocks that fit between your knees. Merrithew's Foam Cushion B is the studio version. A firm foam yoga block, especially a 3-inch one, will handle most mat Pilates.
Pilates blocks are mostly positioning props. Pilates brands sell them to support your head when you lie on your back, to squeeze between your knees, and to raise you when you sit. Studio blocks are thinner than yoga blocks, so thickness is the first thing to check.
How we chose: We compared the published sizes, materials and weights of each block from Merrithew, Balanced Body, Gaiam, Manduka and Bala. We cross-checked them against yoga block reviews from OutdoorGearLab, Yahoo Health and NBC Select, and against Pilates Anytime's guide to mat props. We don't test products in-house. Where a spec couldn't be confirmed, we say so.
Our Top Picks
- Check price on Amazon
Best Overall
Merrithew Foam Cushion B (9 x 6 x 3 in)
Studio-grade 3-inch foam block, sized for between the knees or ankles.
- Check price on Amazon
Best Budget
Trideer Yoga Blocks (2-Pack, 9 x 6 x 3 in)
Two 3-inch EVA blocks in the $10–20 tier, Yahoo Health's best on Amazon; the right height for knee squeezes.
- Check price on Amazon
Best for Alignment
Balanced Body The Aligner
Narrow foam block that keeps your feet or knees parallel.
- Check price on Amazon
Best for Yoga and Pilates
Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block
High-density recycled EVA foam in the standard 4-inch yoga size.
Quick comparison
Merrithew Foam Cushion B
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 3 in
- Material
- Closed-cell PE foam
- Best for
- Knees, ankles
- Price tier
- $20–40
Trideer Yoga Blocks (2-pack)
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 3 in
- Material
- EVA foam
- Best for
- Knees, budget pair
- Price tier
- $10–20 (set)
Balanced Body The Aligner
- Size
- 11 x 5 x 3.75 in
- Material
- Dense foam
- Best for
- Leg alignment
- Price tier
- $20–40
Manduka Recycled Foam Block
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 4 in
- Material
- Recycled EVA foam
- Best for
- Yoga and Pilates
- Price tier
- $20–40
Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 4 in
- Material
- EVA foam
- Best for
- Seat, hands
- Price tier
- $10–20
Merrithew Foam Cushion A
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 1 in
- Material
- Closed-cell PE foam
- Best for
- Head support
- Price tier
- $20–40
Balanced Body Foam Block
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 3 in
- Material
- EVA foam
- Best for
- Seat, positioning
- Price tier
- Not confirmed
Manduka Cork Yoga Block
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 4 in
- Material
- Cork
- Best for
- Standing, hands
- Price tier
- $20–40
Bala Balance Blocks (pair)
- Size
- 11 3/8 x 4 1/2 x 6 in
- Material
- Dense EVA foam
- Best for
- Mixed workouts
- Price tier
- $40–60 (pair)
| Product | Size | Material | Best for | Price tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrithew Foam Cushion B | 9 x 6 x 3 in | Closed-cell PE foam | Knees, ankles | $20–40 | View |
| Trideer Yoga Blocks (2-pack) | 9 x 6 x 3 in | EVA foam | Knees, budget pair | $10–20 (set) | View |
| Balanced Body The Aligner | 11 x 5 x 3.75 in | Dense foam | Leg alignment | $20–40 | View |
| Manduka Recycled Foam Block | 9 x 6 x 4 in | Recycled EVA foam | Yoga and Pilates | $20–40 | View |
| Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block | 9 x 6 x 4 in | EVA foam | Seat, hands | $10–20 | View |
| Merrithew Foam Cushion A | 9 x 6 x 1 in | Closed-cell PE foam | Head support | $20–40 | View |
| Balanced Body Foam Block | 9 x 6 x 3 in | EVA foam | Seat, positioning | Not confirmed | View |
| Manduka Cork Yoga Block | 9 x 6 x 4 in | Cork | Standing, hands | $20–40 | View |
| Bala Balance Blocks (pair) | 11 3/8 x 4 1/2 x 6 in | Dense EVA foam | Mixed workouts | $40–60 (pair) | View |
The best Pilates blocks
Best Overall
1. Merrithew Foam Cushion B (9 x 6 x 3 in)
Merrithew (the maker of STOTT Pilates equipment) calls its blocks Foam Cushions, and size B is the one Merrithew sizes for between the knees or ankles and for side-lying head support on the reformer. Merrithew says it can be used between the knees and/or ankles "to help maintain activation of the hip adductors," and to help ensure "proper alignment of the legs and hips." It can also support your head when you lie on your side on the reformer.
According to Merrithew:
- Size: 9 x 6 x 3 in (23 x 15 x 7.6 cm)
- Weight: 2 lb
- Material: high-density, closed-cell polyethylene foam
We couldn't confirm an Amazon listing for size B, so the button searches for it.
Pros
- ✓ Studio Pilates brand, made for knee and ankle work
- ✓ 3-inch height suits squeezes and side-lying head support
- ✓ Dense closed-cell foam
Cons
- ✗ Costs more than a yoga block
- ✗ Size B Amazon listing not confirmed
Best Budget
2. Trideer Yoga Blocks (2-Pack, 9 x 6 x 3 in)
The Trideer 2-pack is Yahoo Health's "Best on Amazon" yoga block. Its 3-inch height is close to Merrithew's Cushion B and Balanced Body's Foam Block, which makes it a budget way to get two Pilates-height blocks.
According to Yahoo Health:
- Size: 9 x 6 x 3 in each
- Weight: 0.3 lb each
- Material: EVA foam
Yahoo praised the low price, light weight and decent grip, but said it may not last as long as sturdier blocks. Trideer sells many color versions on Amazon and some are unavailable, so check that the listing says 3 in before you buy.
Pros
- ✓ Two 3-inch blocks in one low price tier
- ✓ Light
- ✓ Decent grip, per Yahoo Health
Cons
- ✗ Durability concerns, per Yahoo Health
- ✗ Many listings, some unavailable
Best for Alignment
3. Balanced Body The Aligner
The Aligner is a different shape from a standard block. Balanced Body designed it to go between your feet or knees to help develop "parallel foot and leg alignment" and to give you feedback during equipment and mat work. You can stand it on end or lay it flat.
According to Balanced Body:
- Size: 5 W x 11 L x 3.75 H in
- Weight: 0.60 lb
- Material: dense, lightweight foam, made in the USA
Balanced Body's own page asks you to contact a local representative for pricing; our price tier comes from Balanced Body's Contrology store listing. We didn't find an independent review of the Aligner, so everything else here comes from Balanced Body.
Pros
- ✓ Made by a Pilates equipment brand for leg alignment
- ✓ Works upright or flat
- ✓ Very light
Cons
- ✗ No independent reviews found
- ✗ Narrow shape is less useful as a seat
Best for Yoga and Pilates
4. Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block
If you do both yoga and Pilates, a standard 4-inch block covers more yoga poses than a 3-inch one. Manduka's Recycled Foam Yoga Block is made of "high-density EVA foam," which matters for squeezing: OutdoorGearLab found that soft blocks let your fingers sink in, while denser foam performed better.
According to Manduka:
- Size: 9 x 6 x 4 in
- Weight: 1 lb
- Material: recycled high-density EVA foam (Manduka doesn't state the recycled percentage)
- Care: damp cloth and mild detergent; don't submerge
- Colors: Midnight, Thunder, Linen, Sage, plus limited editions
Manduka's site shows a 5/5 rating from 256 reviews (a brand claim). We didn't find an independent review of this exact block. OutdoorGearLab reviewed Manduka's curved unBLOK, which is a different model.
Pros
- ✓ High-density foam for firm squeezes
- ✓ Standard yoga size works for both practices
- ✓ Recycled material
Cons
- ✗ No independent review of this model found
- ✗ 4 in is thicker than studio Pilates blocks
Best Budget Yoga Block
5. Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block
The Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block is a standard 4-inch foam yoga block. OutdoorGearLab gave it its "Best Bang for the Buck" award and called it "super comfortable." Yahoo Health named it its best budget pick, and NBC Select lists it among its recommended yoga props.
According to Gaiam:
- Size: 9 x 6 x 4 in
- Weight: 4.6 oz (OutdoorGearLab measured 5.8 oz)
- Material: EVA foam with a non-slip surface and beveled edges
- Care: spot clean
The trade-offs: OutdoorGearLab found it less resilient than many cork blocks (it showed scuffs), wished it were heavier for arm balances, and found it "noticeably slicker when wet." Yahoo Health flagged a strong chemical smell at first that takes a couple of weeks to fade, and listed "less sturdy than others" as a con. Gaiam sells it as a single block in about 14 colors, and Yahoo Health notes a 2-pack option.
At 4 in, it's thicker than ideal between the knees, so it suits you best if you also do yoga.
Pros
- ✓ Lowest price tier
- ✓ Light and comfortable, per OutdoorGearLab
- ✓ Many colors
Cons
- ✗ Slick when wet
- ✗ Initial chemical smell, per Yahoo Health
- ✗ Less resilient than cork, per OutdoorGearLab
- ✗ 4 in is thick for knee squeezes
Best Head Block
6. Merrithew Foam Cushion A (9 x 6 x 1 in)
Merrithew's 1-inch Cushion A is the slim block you see under heads in Pilates classes. Merrithew says it's "often used for head support in a supine position," which Merrithew says may help keep your neck from overextending.
According to Merrithew, it's 9 x 6 x 1 in and made from the same high-density, closed-cell polyethylene foam as Cushion B. Merrithew doesn't list its weight.
A 1-inch block is too thin for knee squeezes or sitting, so pair it with a thicker block if you want both.
Pros
- ✓ Right height for head support lying on your back
- ✓ Same studio foam as Cushion B
Cons
- ✗ Too thin for knee or seated work
- ✗ Weight not published
Best Balanced Body Block
7. Balanced Body Foam Block (3 x 6 x 9 in)
Balanced Body's Foam Block is a 3 x 6 x 9 in blue EVA block that the brand describes as "smooth on surface and rigid for support." Balanced Body says it can raise "a seated client who has short hamstrings," and that you can stand or sit on it or use it as a positioning tool. Balanced Body also says it's HSA/FSA eligible.
Balanced Body's page doesn't show a price (it asks you to contact a local representative), so we haven't listed a price tier. We couldn't confirm Amazon availability, so the button runs a search.
Pros
- ✓ 3-inch Pilates height
- ✓ Rigid support for sitting and standing, per Balanced Body
- ✓ HSA/FSA eligible, per Balanced Body
Cons
- ✗ Price not published
- ✗ Amazon stock uncertain
Best Cork Block
8. Manduka Cork Yoga Block
Cork's stability (OutdoorGearLab scored this block 10/10 for stability, and Yahoo Health calls cork "a favorite for stability") makes it the better pick if you'll put weight on the block: hands under you in a plank or Leg Pull Back, or standing work. OutdoorGearLab named the Manduka Cork block its best overall yoga block (88/100), calling it "stable in every orientation" and grippy wet or dry. NBC Select also includes it in its yoga props guide.
According to Manduka:
- Size: 9 x 6 x 4 in
- Weight: 2.2 lb (OutdoorGearLab measured 32.7 oz)
- Material: solid cork with beveled, rounded edges
- Care: damp cloth, mild soap or a 50/50 water-vinegar mix; don't submerge
- Warranty: lifetime guarantee
The downside for Pilates: OutdoorGearLab found it heavier than foam and "less comfortable than foam" during long contact with the body. That makes it a weaker choice for lying on or squeezing between your knees.
Pros
- ✓ OutdoorGearLab's top-rated yoga block
- ✓ Grippy when wet
- ✓ Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- ✗ Heavy
- ✗ Less comfortable than foam against the body
Most Versatile Shape
9. Bala Balance Blocks (Set of 2)
Bala's Balance Blocks are a pair of half-round blocks made of dense EVA foam. Yahoo Health named them its "most versatile" pick and said they suit yoga, Pilates and strength work. NBC Select also picked them as its best yoga blocks. Bala itself markets them for yoga, stretching and rehab and doesn't mention Pilates.
According to Bala, each block is 11 3/8 x 4 1/2 x 6 in, and the pair comes in six colors. Bala's site shows 4.9/5 from 64 reviews (a brand claim).
Yahoo Health says they can be hard for small hands to grip and are shorter than standard blocks.
Pros
- ✓ Picked by both Yahoo Health and NBC Select
- ✓ Sold as a pair
- ✓ Dense foam
Cons
- ✗ Highest price tier here
- ✗ Hard for small hands to grip, per Yahoo Health
- ✗ Not marketed for Pilates
Also considered
- Alo Uplifting Yoga Block: Yahoo Health's best overall yoga block, a 4 x 6 x 9 in EVA block praised for grip when sweaty. It's priced well above the others and sold on Alo's site. We couldn't confirm Amazon availability.
- JadeYoga Small cork block: Yahoo Health's best compact pick at 3 x 4.75 x 9 in. Yahoo notes the edges aren't beveled.
- Other Amazon 2-packs: We didn't find enough independent detail to rank other generic yoga block 2-packs. See buying Pilates blocks on Amazon for what to check in a listing.
What are Pilates blocks used for?
Pilates brands sell blocks mainly as positioning props. Merrithew sizes each of its Foam Cushions for one job, and Pilates Anytime instructor Alison Manheim lists more ways to use firm foam blocks in mat classes.
- Head support lying on your back: Merrithew's 1-inch Cushion A, which Merrithew says may help keep your neck from overextending.
- Between the knees or ankles: Merrithew's 3-inch Cushion B helps keep the inner thighs (hip adductors) working.
- Sitting taller: Merrithew's 13 x 10 x 2.5 in Cushion C is meant for seated work. Merrithew says it helps people with tight lower backs, hips or knees find a better sitting position. Balanced Body says its 3-inch Foam Block raises seated clients with short hamstrings.
- Under the sacrum or hands: Pilates Anytime suggests a block under the sacrum in Shoulder Bridge, blocks under the hands to make Leg Pull Back more accessible, and lightly hugging a block between the hands in Single Leg Kick.
- Modifying exercises: The Pilates Journal describes blocks under the hands or between the knees in a modified Roll-Up, and a block under the hands in Swan Dive prep.
- In place of a ring or ball: in mat classes, "firm but not rigid foam blocks can take the place of a Magic Circle or an Overball," according to Pilates Anytime. (See our Pilates ring exercises for moves that translate.)
Align-Pilates describes the same uses for its 1 x 6 x 9 in block: "a head block, between the knees or to help with correcting a pelvic tilt."
Don't confuse loose blocks with the shoulder blocks on a reformer, which are built into the machine.
Tap the diagram to enlarge
Pilates block vs. yoga block
The main difference is thickness. Comparing published specs:
Tap the diagram to enlarge
| Block | Thickness | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Merrithew Cushion A | 1 in | Head |
| Merrithew B, Balanced Body | 3 in | Knees, seat |
| Standard yoga block | 4 in | Seat, hands |
Merrithew's Foam Cushions and Balanced Body's Foam Block are 1–3 in thick (the Aligner is a narrower 3.75-in shape), while standard yoga blocks from Gaiam and Manduka are 4 x 6 x 9 in. Many budget yoga 2-packs, like the Trideer, are 3 in thick, which puts them close to the studio blocks. That's our comparison of published specs, not an industry definition.
So yes, you can use a yoga block for Pilates. A 3-inch foam block works best for knee squeezes. A 4-inch block is fine for sitting and hand support, but thicker than ideal between the knees.
How to choose a Pilates block (or yoga block for Pilates)
Thickness
- 1 in if you mainly want head support lying on your back.
- 3 in for knee and ankle squeezes. This is the most useful single size for Pilates.
- 4 in if you also do yoga and want one block for both.
Firmness
For squeezing, aim for "firm but not rigid," Pilates Anytime's description. OutdoorGearLab found that blocks that are too soft let your fingers sink in and waste effort on stability, while denser foam held up better.
Foam vs. cork Pilates blocks
Yoga teacher Mandy Enright told Yahoo Health that "foam blocks are my recommended all-around block to invest in." Yahoo adds that foam blocks are generally lighter and more comfortable than wood or cork. OutdoorGearLab rates cork highly for stability and wet grip, but found it less comfortable than foam during long contact with the body. Our reading: foam is likely the better fit for lying on a block or squeezing it between your knees, and cork suits weight-bearing work. That's a reasoned opinion, not a tested result.
Grip changes when you sweat. OutdoorGearLab found the Gaiam foam block "noticeably slicker when wet" and said wood blocks "are slippery when wet," while cork got "more grippy when sopping wet."
Buying Pilates blocks on Amazon
Many Amazon listings are generic yoga blocks with sizes and materials that vary by color or seller. Before you buy, check that:
- The listing states the size as 9 x 6 x 3 in (the height of Merrithew's Cushion B and Balanced Body's Foam Block).
- It says high-density EVA foam, since OutdoorGearLab found denser foam held up better than soft blocks.
- It's clear whether you're getting a single block or a 2-pack.
One block or two?
"If you're only going to invest in one yoga prop, make it a yoga block," instructor Ansley Davis told NBC Select. NBC says two blocks are ideal but one is enough, and Yahoo Health agrees one is fine to start. For Pilates, a second block mostly helps with under-the-hands work.
The verdict
For most Pilates at home, get a firm 3-inch foam block.
- Studio-grade knee and ankle block: Merrithew Foam Cushion B.
- Lowest cost: the Trideer 2-pack for two 3-inch blocks that are better for knee squeezes. Choose the 4-inch Gaiam if you also do yoga.
- Leg alignment work: Balanced Body The Aligner.
- Best yoga block for Pilates: a 3-inch foam yoga block like the Trideer 2-pack, because it matches the height of Merrithew's and Balanced Body's 3-inch studio blocks.
- One block for yoga and Pilates: Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block, or the Manduka Cork block if you'll lean on it more than lie on it.
- Head support only: Merrithew Foam Cushion A.
Want the studio block?
Check price on AmazonOn a budget? Get two 3-inch blocks:
Check price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What are Pilates blocks used for?
Mostly positioning. Merrithew sells a 1-inch cushion for head support when you lie on your back, a 3-inch cushion for between the knees or ankles, and a 2.5-inch cushion for sitting taller. Balanced Body says its foam block raises seated clients with short hamstrings. In mat classes, Pilates Anytime says a firm foam block can also take the place of a magic circle.
Can I use a yoga block for Pilates?
Yes. Pilates Anytime says firm foam blocks work in mat classes: under the sacrum in Shoulder Bridge, as a seat, and between the hands. A 3-inch foam yoga block, like the Trideer 2-pack, is close in size to Balanced Body's and Merrithew's 3-inch blocks.
What's the difference between a Pilates block and a yoga block?
Merrithew's Foam Cushions and Balanced Body's Foam Block are 1–3 inches thick, while the standard yoga block is 4 x 6 x 9 inches. Pilates brands describe their blocks as positioning props for the head, knees and seat.
Foam or cork for Pilates?
Most people should pick foam. Yoga teacher Mandy Enright told Yahoo Health foam is her recommended all-around block, and Yahoo says foam is generally lighter and more comfortable than cork or wood. OutdoorGearLab found cork firmer and grippier when wet, but heavier and less comfortable during long contact with the body.
What size Pilates block should I get?
For most mat Pilates, 9 x 6 x 3 inches. That's the size of Merrithew's Foam Cushion B and Balanced Body's Foam Block for knee and ankle work. Merrithew's 1-inch Cushion A is for head support, and a standard 4 x 6 x 9 inch yoga block works if you also do yoga.
Do I need one block or two?
One is enough to start, according to both NBC Select and Yahoo Health. A second block helps with work that puts both hands on blocks.
A block pairs well with other small props. See our picks for the best Pilates rings and best Pilates balls, see our Pilates gift ideas, or start with Pilates equipment for beginners. Browse more in the accessories category.
Sources
- Merrithew: Foam Cushion A (9 x 6 x 1 in)
- Merrithew: Foam Cushion B (9 x 6 x 3 in)
- Merrithew: Foam Cushion C (13 x 10 x 2.5 in)
- Merrithew: Cushions, pads and blocks
- Balanced Body: Foam Block
- Balanced Body: The Aligner
- Align-Pilates: 1 x 6 x 9 Pilates block
- Gaiam: Yoga Essentials Block
- Manduka: Recycled Foam Yoga Block
- Manduka: Cork Yoga Block
- Bala: Balance Blocks
- Pilates Anytime: Top 10 Pilates props for mat classes
- OutdoorGearLab: The best yoga blocks
- Yahoo Health: The best yoga blocks
- NBC Select: The best yoga props
- Contrology (Balanced Body): The Aligner
- The Pilates Journal: Yoga blocks, a versatile prop for a wide range of Pilates clients
Update history
- : Published.
Found an error? See how we research and correct guides in our editorial policy.
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