Why All Yogis Should Be Practicing On a Cork Yoga Mat

Cork – when you hear the word, the first thing that may come to mind is the cork in a wine bottle (mmmmm wine…), or maybe a cork board for hanging things. Now, cork is gaining a broader reputation for being a sustainable, environmentally friendly material, and you may have noticed it is making a serious splash in the yoga world, and for good reason.
 
At this point you’ve probably seen someone practicing on a cork yoga mat or using cork yoga blocks. Sure they look really cool, but there are some UNDENIABLE reasons cork makes for superior yoga products.
 
 

Here Are 4 Reasons Cork Is the Perfect Yoga Mat Material:

There are many compelling reasons for using cork in your yoga practice. This article explores what these reasons are and why cork is such a perfect fit for your yoga lifestyle.
 

1. Cork is Eco-Friendly

Cork is made from the Cork Oak Tree (which is indigenous to the Mediterranean area), and cork comes from the outer layer of the tree’s bark. But the best part is that the Cork Oak Tree regenerates its stripped bark, thus making cork renewable and environmentally safe.
 

 
The cork that Yoloha uses for their yoga mats is obtained through an environmentally friendly harvesting technique that doesn’t hurt the Cork Oak Trees. Every part of the bark is utilized so nothing goes to waste, and interestingly enough, harvested trees absorb five times more carbon dioxide than their non-harvested counterparts!
 

Cork is a sustainable, eco-friendly material that’s also completely safe to practice on.

 
What many people don’t realize is that many yoga mats are made with PVCs and other harsh and harmful chemicals. Yikes! Since we spend so much time on our yoga mats, it’s important to practice on a mat made with materials that are safe for us and the planet.
 
 

2. Cork is Antimicrobial

More good news about cork – it’s naturally antimicrobial. That means that using a cork yoga mat drastically cuts down on the amount of ickies that are living on your yoga mat. As gross it may sound, yoga mats can carry a ton of bacteria, germs, and odor which is why it’s important to use a mat that’s antimicrobial.
 
If you want to get really grossed out (or just appreciate why an antimicrobial mat is so important), then check out What’s Living On Your Yoga Mat?
 
The antimicrobial properties naturally found in cork kill germs and bacteria, and also prevent odors. All yogis can rejoice knowing this will give you peace of mind when you practice, and will also cut down on how often you need to clean your mat.
 

@yogielena practicing on Yoloha’s cork yoga mat

3. Cork is Lightweight

We all love a nice, sturdy mat, but when it comes to lugging it to and from the yoga studio, we all appreciate having a lightweight mat too. With a cork yoga mat, you get the best of both worlds.
 
Cork is sturdy and high-density – it’s obvious to the touch and apparent after performing a few yoga poses on a cork mat. Yet the added benefit of a cork yoga mat is that it’s also lightweight. Cork yoga mats are much lighter than your typical rubber mat. This makes cork mats terrific travel companions whether you’re flying around the world or riding your bike across town.
 
 

4. Serious Performance

We can care about the environment and also having a mat that’s antimicrobial and lightweight. But frankly, if the mat isn’t great for yoga, none of the other qualities matter because we won’t want to practice on it!
 
That’s why the last argument for using a cork yoga mat is a big one: performance. Cork is extremely durable, and it also offers a lot of traction. Wet or dry, it has plenty of grip and traction (hot yogis will love it).
 
Cork creates the perfect balance of cushion and traction (ideal for any form of yoga) so you can practice with ease on any surface. In short – cork creates a high-performance yoga mat that’s durable and also a joy to practice on.
 
 

The Final Word on Cork Yoga Mats

In a world full of synthetic this and chemical that, it’s becoming more of a challenge to find products that align with our healthy, natural yogic lifestyles. And in a sea full of yoga mat options, it can be hard to determine what’s quality and what’s not.
 
Cork yoga mats are a great choice for any yogi. Cork is a material that’s safe to use, environmentally friendly, and also perfect for your yoga practice for its lightweight, antimicrobial, and high-performance qualities.
 
For all these reasons, cork yoga mats are a yogi’s best friend. Namaste!
 

@buddhiyogalj practicing on Yoloha’s cork yoga mat

Yoloha

Unity Cork Yoga Mat ($149)

This mat has no break-in period and is non-slip wet or dry. It is offered in standard size (72" x 26") or extra long (80 x 26) and comes with a shoulder strap. Shop this mat

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