Why use cork yoga mats?

The first thought which comes to our mind when we hear about cork is of wine bottle stoppers. Cork has been used as bottle stoppers for more than 400 years. You also might have seen people practicing on cork yoga mats or using cork blocks for their yoga practice. They do not just look good but there are a few qualities of cork which make it suitable to be used for yoga and align with the healthy natural yogic lifestyle.

• Cork is biodegradable and eco-friendly – The cork oak tree is the only tree that can regenerate its bark after every harvest making it a sustainable solution. The harvested trees absorb five times more carbon dioxide than their non-harvested counterparts! This makes cork products 100% Eco-friendly. The cork that Ida Yog uses for their yoga mats is obtained through an environmentally friendly harvesting technique that doesn’t hurt the Cork Oak Trees. What many people don’t realize is that most of the yoga mats are made with PVCs and other harsh and harmful chemicals. 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.
• Cork is water-resistant and anti-slip – Cork doesn’t actually absorb water, Instead, when the material gets wet, it releases a waxy substance called suberin that gives the material its non-slip quality. And most importantly, it won’t let you fall flat on your face during crow pose. You can seamlessly hop into handstand without begrudging your sweaty palms; to hold plank without your hands betraying you; to bend your limbs into a pretzel without worry that your mat doesn’t have your back. The cork mat will support you like a kind, non-slip friend.
• Cork is antimicrobial and anti-bacterial – Keeping your mat clean is a lot easier than a regular yoga mat. Cork doesn’t absorb sweat or water, it actually wicks away and dries super quick! As gross it may sound, yoga mats can carry tons of bacteria, germs, and odor which is why it’s important to use a mat that’s antimicrobial. The antimicrobial properties naturally found in cork kill germs and bacteria and also prevent odors.
• Super Performance – We can care about the environment and also have a mat that’s antimicrobial and ant slip. But if the mat isn’t great for yoga, none of the other qualities matter because we won’t be practicing on it! That’s why the most important argument for using a cork yoga mat is 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.

In a world full of synthetic and chemicals it’s becoming more of a challenge to find products that align with our yogic lifestyles. And in a sea full of yoga mat options, it can be hard to determine what quality is 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 antimicrobial, and high-performance qualities. For all these reasons, cork yoga mats are a yogi’s best friend.

Namaste!