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The best yoga blocks are those sturdy, versatile and often underestimated props, which can be used as your trusted companions on the mat. Whether you're a seasoned yoga or a newbie to the practice, finding the yoga block for you can help to elevate your practice to new heights of comfort and alignment.

### The best yoga blocks at a glance: {#h-the-best-yoga-blocks-at-a-glance}

**• Best overall yoga block:** Alo Yoga Uplifting Yoga Block - View now on :a[Aloyoga.com]{href='https://www.aloyoga.com/products/a0084u-uplifting-yoga-block-smoky-quartz-silver?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**• Best eco-friendly yoga block:** Gaiam Yoga Block - View now on :a[Amazon.co.uk]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gaiam-Unisexs-Yoga-Block-Cork/dp/B000VDZAJ2/?tag=wtbarticle1793-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best semicircle yoga blocks:** Bala Bangles Bala Block - View now on :a[Cultbeauty.co.uk]{href='https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/bala-bangles-bala-block-various-colours/13657769.html?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

### Do yoga blocks make a difference? {#h-do-yoga-blocks-make-a-difference}

Investing in the best yoga blocks can make a real difference in your yoga practice. These little blocks offer support, stability and alignment assistance, allowing you to perform poses, in your :a[socks]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/lifestyle/fitness/best-yoga-socks/' } or barefoot, more comfortably and effectively. So if you're a beginner working on flexibility, an intermediate practitioner aiming to refine your postures, or an advanced yogi seeking to deepen your stretches, yoga blocks can adapt to your individual needs.

They also help in assisting with proper alignment, prevent overstretching or straining, and enable you to hold poses for longer durations, enhancing flexibility and strength over time. With use over time, you can fine-tune your practice, explore new poses and find your balance, which makes them a great tool for yogis of all levels.

On that note, we've scoured the market to help you discover the best yoga blocks to add into your :a[gym bags]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/lifestyle/fitness/best-womens-gym-bag/' }. So wave goodbye to those awkward stretches, and welcome a more balanced, blissful practice.

## The best yoga blocks to buy right now: {#h-the-best-yoga-blocks-to-buy-right-now}

### Which is better, cork or foam yoga blocks? {#h-which-is-better-cork-or-foam-yoga-blocks}

The decision between a cork and foam yoga block depends on your personal needs, and the type of yoga you engage in.

#### Cork yoga blocks {#h-cork-yoga-blocks}

**Sturdy and durable:** Cork blocks are known for their durability, which makes them a great long-term investment for your yoga practice.

**Eco-friendly:** Cork is a sustainable material, which makes it a great option for the more sustainably-minded individuals.

**Traction:** Cork's natural textures offers a good grip, reducing the chances of slipping during practice.

#### Foam yoga blocks {#h-foam-yoga-blocks}

**Lightweight and portable:** Foam yoga blocks tend to be lightweight and easy to carry, which makes them ideal for individuals on the go, or those with limited storage spaces.

**Soft edges:** Compared to cork blocks, foam blocks tend to have softer and more comfortable edges, which are gentler on your body during certain poses.

**Affordability:** Foam blocks tend to be more affordable compared to cork blocks.

If you prioritise durability, stability, and a natural feel, cork blocks may be preferable. Alternatively, if you value affordability, portability and comfort, foam blocks are a good option. You could always invest in a combination of both types of yoga block, so you can select either one based on your different needs and types of yoga practice.

### How heavy should a yoga block be? {#h-how-heavy-should-a-yoga-block-be}

The ideal weight for a yoga block typically falls under 1kg. This weight means there's a balance between providing enough stability for your yoga poses, while remaining lightweight enough to easily move and transport to and from your practice. A yoga block should be heavy enough to stay in place and support your body weight, but not so heavy that it becomes bulky to use and move.

Ultimately, it's down to you. Some yoga-goers may prefer a slightly heavier block for added stability, while others might opt for lighter ones for ease of transport. The key is to find a weight that suits your specific needs and helps you achieve proper alignment and comfort in your yoga practice.

### Do you need one or two yoga blocks? {#h-do-you-need-one-or-two-yoga-blocks}

Your usual yoga practice will determine whether you need one or two yoga blocks. Many people find that having two yoga blocks is beneficial as it allows for a more balanced and versatile practice. Two blocks can provide better support in some poses, especially those requiring symmetry or when needing to adjust the height for different postures. However, individuals with limited space or beginners might start with just one block, until they add a second once they feel more confident in their poses.

**Gemma Lavers is a fitness writer for What's The Best. When she’s not travelling or writing, Gemma loves spending her weekend completing home workouts, or attending yoga, Pilates or Zumba classes.**

**Subscribe to the What’s The Best :a[Newsletter]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/' } to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.**

Pre-workout supplements have become increasingly popular in fitness and exercise, especially over the past five years. These :a[supplements]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/health/nutrition/best-supplements/' } promise to enhance your performance, increase energy levels, and improve overall workout results.

However, with a surplus of :a[pre-workout supplements]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/health/nutrition/best-pre-workouts/' } on the market, many wonder if they are worth the investment. In this article, we explore pre-workouts and compare their effectiveness with food. Additionally, we uncover the optimal method for warming up and maximising the effectiveness of your main workout. Let's delve into this topic together.

## Pre-workout supplements versus whole foods {#h-pre-workout-supplements-versus-whole-foods}

### The argument for taking pre-workout supplements:

Pre-workout supplements are known for their convenience. They come in a convenient powder or pill form, making them easy to consume before hitting the gym. On the other hand, preparing and consuming whole foods can be time-consuming and impractical for individuals with busy schedules.

Supplements are formulated to provide an immediate energy boost, often through ingredients like :a[caffeine]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/health/nutrition/best-caffeine-pills/' }, beta-alanine and :a[creatine]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/health/nutrition/best-creatine-powder/' }. While some whole foods can also provide energy, they may not do so as rapidly or efficiently.

Pre-workouts often contain ingredients like nitric oxide boosters that can promote a better 'muscle pump' during workouts. While some whole foods contain nitrate-rich vegetables like spinach and beets, they may not offer the same immediate effects.

Many pre-workout supplements also include nootropics or cognitive enhancers to improve focus and mental clarity during exercise. Foods, while providing essential nutrients, may not have the same targeted impact on mental acuity.

### The argument for choosing whole foods:

Whole foods are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They offer a wide range of health benefits beyond exercise performance. This contrasts with pre-workout supplements, which focus on specific performance-enhancing ingredients and may lack the diverse micronutrients you will find in whole foods.

Whole foods are generally easier to digest and can provide a sustained release of energy due to their complex composition. Pre-workout supplements, especially those high in caffeine, may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.

Consuming whole foods supports exercise performance and contributes to overall health. A balanced diet can prevent nutritional deficiencies and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, whereas supplements should be used with a healthy diet.

Finally, whole foods, especially locally and sustainably sourced, have a lower environmental impact than supplements' production and packaging.

Whole foods can be cost-effective when chosen wisely. Buying seasonal, locally sourced produce and lean proteins can be affordable. Pre-workout supplements can be relatively expensive, especially if you opt for high-end brands or specialised formulations.

Pre-workout supplements often come in predetermined serving sizes, making it easier to control costs. With whole foods, portions can vary, potentially leading to greater expenses if not managed carefully.

Food can be tailored to individual dietary preferences and restrictions, making it a versatile choice for various diets. Pre-workout supplements may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitivities or allergies to specific ingredients.

For those striving for maximal muscle hypertrophy, pre-workout nutrition begins before you enter the gym. Hypertrophy workouts rely heavily on glycogen for fuel, so ensuring your glycogen stores are fully stocked is crucial. However, this doesn't mean indulging in excessive carb consumption without consideration. To determine your ideal carbohydrate intake, consider your body weight, body fat percentage, training frequency and the number of working sets per session.

Pre-workout supplements are not a magic solution for motivation. They won't replace your commitment and effort. Instead, select supplements based on your training goals and how they synergise with your objectives.

For fat loss, consider supplements like caffeine and green tea extract, which can increase fat oxidation and metabolic rate. Strength-focused individuals can benefit from accessories like Alpha GPC, creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), essential amino acids, beta-alanine, and carbohydrate powders, depending on their goals and needs.

## Optimising your performance for the main workout

The general warm-up is crucial in increasing body temperature, blood flow and joint lubrication with synovial fluid. This reduces the risk of injury and improves overall performance. It doesn't have to be complex; a few minutes of light walking or biking can suffice. However, incorporating bodyweight and light resistance exercises can enhance mobility.

Following the general warm-up, prime your nervous system to enhance the recruitment of high-threshold motor units, crucial for strength, power and muscle development. You can achieve this through high-velocity exercises like jumps or throws and unstable movements like press-ups with hands on a Swiss ball or wobble board split squats.

The specific warm-up prepares you for your main exercises. Ensure your technique, tempo (speed of how fast you perform the rep) and rest intervals match those in your working sets. The heavier your work sets are relative to your one-rep max, the more warm-up sets you'll need. Reduce the reps as you approach your working weight to avoid fatigue.

Investing in pre-workout supplements or relying on whole foods ultimately depends on your individual goals, lifestyle, and preferences. While pre-workout supplements can offer a quick energy boost and specific performance enhancements, whole foods provide a broader spectrum of nutrients that promote overall health and sustainable energy.

Incorporating both approaches into your fitness routine can be beneficial.

Consider using pre-workout supplements when you need an extra push for intense workouts or on busy days. Meanwhile, prioritise a balanced diet rich in whole foods to support your long-term health and exercise performance. Balancing convenience with nutritional value is critical to achieving the best results in your fitness journey.

Ultimately, choosing foods and supplements should align with your personal fitness goals and dietary preferences.

**:a[Simon Diamond]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/whatsthebest/authors/simon-diamond/' } is a contributor to What’s The Best with over a decade of expertise in fitness, nutrition and wellbeing. A former bodybuilder and fitness model winner, Simon holds multiple World Records for muscular endurance and strength titles.**

**Subscribe to the What’s The Best :a[Newsletter]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.**

Are pre-workout supplements worth your money?

Majority, the Cambridge-based audio brand known for some of :a[the best speakers]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/tech/audio/best-speakers/' } inside compact audio systems, surprised some with its Majority Oakington. Why? Because it's an all-in-one music player that goes so far as to incorporate a CD player. Much like vinyl records, the humble CD is enjoying something of a renaissance right now, appealing to those who prefer to physically own their music in a lossless digital format. But, how well does this slightly ageing tech sit alongside mod-cons like Bluetooth and DAB?

Majority is carving out quite a reputation for kit that looks the part and delivers the goods. When we :a[reviewed the Fitzwilliam 3]{href='https://www.whatsthebest.co.uk/tech/audio/majority-fitzwilliam-3-internet-radio-review/' } internet radio recently, we found it to be a fine example of a player that balances price with function. It’s also a unit that looks fantastic in a stack of separates.

The Oakington, however, is clearly designed to make more of a statement as a standalone player. Essentially, it’s a Bluetooth and digital audio player inside a convincing wood-finish case with a CD slot on the front. But does this fusion really work? Tech Product Writer, Chris Duffill, has unearthed his CD collection, dusted down some MP3s, and tuned into FM to put the Majority Oakington to the test. But did it pass?

Proving to be one of the simplest devices I’ve ever unpacked, I had the Oakington up and running in minutes. In that regard, it’s a lot like the radio-cassette boomboxes of the 80s and 90s - you plug it in and it just starts working. However, there’s quite a bit more to explore here. The first thing I noticed was the reassuring weight of the thing, and also the depth of it. It’s obviously been designed with chunkier drivers and so on,  and I expected this extra depth and accompanying bass ports to deliver some earthy lower frequencies.

Plugging in, the display defaulted to DAB. A couple of button presses later and it had found the usual range of local channels. The aerial was fully extended to get there though, but that’s not totally unexpected for the DAB reception in my area. The time and date are set via the digital audio broadcasting signal too, so if you have poor reception you'll have to wait for it to appear. And really, that was it. The rest was down to exploring the control options. I cycled through the various input options and (at first) used the remote to explore settings and switch between DAB channels - but more on that remote later. Bluetooth mode provided simple pairing and reliable connections with both my iPhone and iPad too.

Having saved the best until last, I dug out a selection of CDs. I remember getting on board with CDs when they first launched. I still like music in physical format too and rarely see a new device with a CD player these days. So, I eagerly fed _The Best of Deep Purple_ into the slot. A few seconds later the CD had loaded and the display reported the number of tracks. So, with everything tuned in and ready to play, I started to really explore the Majority Oakington’s potential as an all-in-one compact stereo system.

It may have simply been a pleasant coincidence, or there may be some automatic level equalisation at play, but I found that switching between sources didn’t result in huge disparities in the volume. And the Oakington isn’t short of ways to listen either. I tested each one, starting with the CD, and then moving on to Bluetooth, DAB, FM, USB and auxiliary in turn.

In terms of the overall sound profile, the DAB radio and CD had the most in common. At times I even thought that the digital radio surpassed the CD player in terms of the soundstage. So, to test this theory I decided to start with my genre of preference. From the five EQ presets on offer, I set it to ‘ROCK’ and tuned the radio to Planet Rock. From there I was able to listen to a track I had on CD - the _Rolling Stones_ with ‘_Start Me Up_’. Switching between them, there’s a definite difference - most likely due to the compression rate of DAB (and DAB+, despite its superior codec). Bass was respectable - not earth-shaking, but good enough to enjoy.

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