There are a lot of different types of yoga mats available for you to choose from today which is why it’s so challenging to choose the right one. As you make this decision one of the most important things to look at is what material the mat is made from. One material that many people really like to use today is cork. This is because a cork yoga mat is natural and has a lot of other great benefits as well.
Cork is Environmentally Friendly
Cork comes from cork oak trees which aren’t harvested until they’re 25 – 30 years old. Unlike other trees that are cut down, cork oak bark is carefully shaved off of a tree and then the tree is left alone to regenerate for another 9 years. This is a process that can be repeated until a tree is 200 years old.
After harvesting the bark it’s air-dried for 6 months before being sent to a factory. Once it arrives it’s boiled so it becomes clean and soft. Now they can easily be cut to size. The excess chippings and pieces that result from the cutting process are ground up to create agglomerate cork which is used for creating things like bulletin boards. There are also chemical components that are removed at this time to be used in creating things like a hard wax. Even the powder that results from the grinding process is used for fuel.
Cork is Built to Last
Unfortunately, yoga mats are expensive – especially when you need to buy a new one frequently. However, when you buy a yoga mat that’s made from cork it’ll be built to last. This is because cork’s cell composition is very durable and flexible. Cork is also moisture resistant. These factors are the reason why when cork is used to make a yoga mat the mat itself can last for years.
It’s a good thing that many people find these mats quite enjoyable with their smooth feel and grippy texture. Not only will you stay in one place but since they’re made with about 50% air you’ll find they’re lightweight and easy to transport.
The Bottom Line
With all the different types of yoga mats that are available to choose from, hopefully, you can now see why a cork yoga mat makes such an ideal choice for your practice today. There really are a lot of great benefits to using a mat that’s made from this material.