Pop the cork - 10 Reasons You Should Get A Cork Mat!
A champagne pun to start the blog... it shows off my sparkling personality. Okay, done with the puns (at least for this blog). When I talk to people about Yogi Raw Life and our cork yoga mats I often get questions. Cork? Like, how does that even work? She doesn't even go here! Keep on reading so you can learn everything you need to know about the amazing cork yoga mat.
Everything You Need to Know About Cork Yoga Mats (but were afraid to ask)
We know what you might be thinking… “How on earth can cork be turned into a pliable yoga mat?” It’s amazing what is possible with a little innovation and creativity.
To obtain the cork, unlike regular deforestation, only the bark is stripped to harvest the cork, which creates far less greenhouse gases and other production fumes used in typical deforestation methods. The tree then continues to live and grow, much like bamboo product harvesting. Additionally, due to the collection process of cork, it is also easily recyclable (when compared to plastic), which makes it sustainable from start to finish.
Now that you know why cork is sustainable, let’s look at its specific benefits when used as eco-friendly yoga mats:
- Non-Slip Grip:
We’ve all held a cork in our hands, whether it came out of a wine bottle or slipped out of a glass toy with a ship inside. Cork is porous, pliable, and lightweight, with a grip that makes it perfect for yoga. Thanks to the natural friction that comes with the material, cork is an excellent base for bare-foot activities, helping you to plant yourself without falling, slipping, or twisting.
Additionally, cork performs even better when wet, which is a typical side effect of “hot yoga” and other sweaty yogi practices.
- Anti-Microbial:
When sweat and other materials can build up over-time, bacteria can grow and develop, turning into staph infections. Since cork is an anti-microbial product, like bamboo, it naturally eliminates bacteria, creating a safer yoga environment.
- Odor-Free:
When sweat and dirt are mitigated by anti-microbial properties, that also guarantees a better “smell” from start to finish. If bacteria can’t call the yoga mat home, then you won’t have to worry about those unpleasant gym odors either.
- Chemical-Free:
It’s entirely possible to live a life free from the chemicals we have all grown accustomed to today. One way is to use a cork yoga mat that comes with zero PVCs or latex. Now you don’t have to worry about exposure to harmful chemicals and preservatives that can harm your skin, or even worse, contribute to cancer.
- Minimalist Look:
Regardless of it we want to admit it or not, we all care about our presentation, even in a yoga class. We want to look sleek, fit, and appropriate, which is why a minimalist yoga mat design is the perfect solution. Sporting a thin, uniform cork-colored appearance with a black backing, this yoga mat will match any setting, outfit, or yoga requirement.
- Strong Cushioning:
Any yogi knows there can be intense yoga positions that require the knees, heels, and booty region to be in uncomfortable forms. If there’s one thing we all know about cork, it’s that the porous structure makes it lightweight with a soft cushioning that absorbs impact. As a result, you can count on comfortable support for your body, bones, and joints as you practice yoga with passion and grace.
- No Creasing:
Nothing is more frustrating than having to buy a new yoga mat after creases start to tear in the plastic. Throwing out the mat is detrimental to the planet, filling our landfills with even more plastic. Cork solves that problem as a naturally flexible material that won’t fold into creases after multiple uses. Cork is durably built to last, extracted directly from Mother Nature for your convenience.
- No Break-In Period:
Like any new pair of shoes, traditional yoga mats have a “break-in period” before they are fully pliable and ready for proper yoga practice. Cork yoga mats on the other hand are ready to go the moment you open them, thanks to their impact-absorption capability.
- Firm Support:
When you’re trying to balance your body on one foot as you bend it into various shapes and forms, you need a yoga mat that can support your balance and contribute to your yoga success. That’s why it’s so important to not only have a comfortable mat, but also a mat that is firm in its structure. Cork is a naturally firm compound that will keep your body aligned and in homeostasis.
- Lightweight:
Lastly, who wants to lug around a heavy yoga mat? Cork yoga mats are incredibly lightweight, which makes it easy to travel with them to/from the studio so you are more encouraged to wake up and do what you love to do.
Save the Planet, One Yoga Pose at a Time
With eco-friendly cork yoga mats, now you can have your cake, and eat it, too. Do what you love to do, on a supported yoga mat that was sustainably made and recyclable when you’re done. It’s a win-win for you and the planet, which is why we are encouraging you to consider the far-reaching benefits of a cork yoga mat today. Spread the word!