Yoga is one of the most popular workout trends right now, but did you know that it’s also becoming more and more environmentally friendly? In a world where we are constantly striving to be eco-conscious as possible, there has been an evolution in yoga mats.
Cork yoga mats have become incredibly popular due to their natural materials and sustainable production methods. If you’re looking into cork yoga mats for your own personal reasons or just want to help out with being green – this blog post will teach you how!
The surface of a cork yoga mat is both sophisticated and natural. It has a texture that will give you a sense of luxury as well as being eco-friendly. This makes it perfect for your home practice or studio sessions with friends.
A good mat can be an investment, but it’s worth the money. If you take care of them, cork yoga mats might last for quite some time. But a cork yoga mat doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here are several winners in all price ranges, from budget-friendly introductory options up through one that will stand out on your travels where space is tight, and weight matters more than ever before!
1. GURUS Sweat Proof Durable Cork Yoga Mat
The Gurus natural cork yoga mat is perfect for travelers and practitioners who are constantly on the go. The soft, nonporous surface of the mat has a sleek design that looks not only good but also provides great grip. Like most other cork mats, it too features sturdy construction with its blend of high-quality materials such as molded rubber to keep you grounded in your practice from start to finish.
Though this mat is a little less pricey than the others, its benefits make it worth more. It’s 72 x 25 inches size ensures that you’ll have enough room to do your daily yoga practice and be safe from any accidental spills on your hands or feet during hot poses. The density of these closed-cell mats keeps them odorless no matter how many times they’re used- so go ahead and put in some intense cardio.
This mat is perfect for your yoga practice, as it rolls up easily, and when you unroll it, the surface will straighten to give a good space. It’s also durable!
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Key Features:
Grippy Surface
Cork is, in many ways, the perfect material to make yoga mats. It has a natural grip that improves when wet, and it resists absorbing moisture so you can stay dry as well.
Eco-Friendly
Natural tree rubber is an awesome material for yoga mats. It’s not only soft and cozy, but it provides a lot of protection to your joints, too. The high density helps to absorb shock so that no one will get hurt.
Durable
When you find your perfect mat, it’s a bummer to have to part with it anytime soon. But the great news is that this 72×25-inch cork yoga mat won’t wear out quickly because of its naturally durable material and resilient construction! It can join in on all of your future sessions no matter how many years pass by.
- Unbeatable Grippy Surface: Our cork provides superior grip than other materials used to make yoga mats. The grip of cork mat improves when it is wet. The natural waxy substance in cork keeps it from absorbing moisture
- Eco-Friendly and Non Toxic: A pure and natural surface against your skin feels amazing compared to a heavy and toxic PVC mat. The high density of the natural tree rubber provides a great cushioning for the joints
- Naturally Beautiful: Natural, elegant and simplistic. The ideal for the minimalist. The eco friendly yoga mat blends well with any interior and natural bring serenity to your yoga space
- Durable and Resilient: When you have found your perfect mat, you’d like to keep it for as long as possible. As the 72x25-inch cork yoga mat is a naturally durable material. It is resilient and ready to join your yoga sessions over the years
- Yoga For All: A cork mat is not only kind to you and kind to the earth it also enhances your practice! As yogis, we care both about you and the earth! Lets live in a world that is chemical free
2. Luxury Cork Yoga Mat
You don’t need to be a yoga teacher for this mat. It is made with six times more cork material than other mats, and it will hold you in place no matter what pose you are doing – even when your sweat starts making the surface slippery! The backing does not slide either, so that if some of those poses make you lose balance, there is nothing to worry about as long as this mat has been placed flat on the ground first.
The luxury mat is the largest in the market. It was designed for all that do yoga and can be used by everyone from beginner to advanced level practitioners. It rolls easily, and when you unroll it, it straightens flat, giving you plenty of space for your practice on a durable surface.
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Key Features:
Premium Quality
Effortlessly find your inner peace with this corky mat. It’s six times more cork than other standard mats, so just roll it out and get comfortable as you practice yoga!
Made by expert yogis who have spent years teaching their craft to others, the perfect design will help keep you grounded while still providing a cushion for support during those tough poses that might’ve been painful on another surface.
And since there are no toxic glues or chemicals used in the production of these eco-friendly materials, clean-up is minimal, too – making this mat an all-around winner when looking for something gentle underfoot where movement matters most.
Very Thick
Extra thick cork padding is the key to this mat’s superior stability and premium support. And with so much extra, you’ll be able to lay on it in all kinds of poses without feeling any hard bumps beneath your hands or feet.
Slip-Resistant
Corks are the answer to a sweat-drenched problem. Who knew they were not only handy things for working on your wine bottle collection but also perfect helpers during yoga! T
he cork mat grips, and you won’t slip off no matter how intense it gets. It’s got all of those awesome qualities that make cork so great: Smoothness? Check! Soft texture?! You know it! Supporting grip power!? Of course!
3. GOGODUCKS Eco-Friendly Yoga mat
The eco-friendly mat is perfect for hot yoga practitioners. It’s made from all-natural materials and doesn’t contain any petrochemicals, making it safe to use by anyone who practices the activity. Not only are these mats environmentally friendly, but they also last longer than many other options on the market today.
You’ll never have to worry about your mat sliding around during a sweaty yoga session again. Not only is it made of natural rubber, but the material itself has wet absorbent qualities that will make sure you’re still able to use it even if there’s no water in sight! You can also rely on this towel since it’s easy to fold and stretchable when unfolded.
This mat is made of lightweight material, making it easy to carry around for your next yoga class. If you buy the mat, not only will you have a free strap with which to transport it, but also enough space on the floor (around 4 feet by 6 feet) so that everyone can move without bumping into one another during practice.
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Key Features:
Comfortable
The Repose yoga mat is an affordable, durable and comfortable option for people of all shapes and sizes! At 72″ x 24″ x 4mm thick with a weight of around 6lbs, this wide mat can provide comfort to your hips, knees, spine as well as elbows. The thickness at 4mm provides cushioning so that you don’t feel sore from the floor below or any sudden movements during poses.
Non-Toxic
Yoga mats are the perfect place to focus on your health. But what if they’re toxic? This mat is not only eco-friendly, but it’s also free of all PVCs and glues that could be harmful to you in both big ways (like making us fat) and little ones like headaches or stomach aches.
Very Grippy
The best part about this mat is that the more you sweat, the better your grip becomes! That’s not possible with those inferior yoga mats which need a towel to continue practicing on.
- NON TOXIC MATS – Made of organic cork and natural rubber,PVC,TPE free.
- NON SLIP SURFACES – The 5mm thick, natural cork and natural rubber padding offers you a smooth yet non-slip surface. Due to the variable nature of the cork material, slight dampening may be required. This natural rubber-bottomed mat lays flat without sliding around during your hot yoga sessions. No need for a towel when you use our mats.
- SUITABLE FOR ALL YOGIS AND ATHLETES – Measuring 72” x 24” x 5mm, our natural fitness yoga mat provides ample space for all types of exercises such as hot yoga, Bikram, aerobics, and pilates. Repose cork mats make a perfect gift for both beginning and experienced yoga practitioners.
- DURABLE AND PORTABLE– Repose natural cork yoga mats can be conveniently transported to a yoga fitness center using the FREE yoga mat strap included! Now you have no excuses not to practice yoga at home, the beach or on the go!
4. LUSH VALLEY LIFESTYLE Premium Cork Yoga Mat
The Lush Valley Cork Yoga Mat is the perfect yoga mat for anyone who wants a simple and elegant design. Made from 100% natural cork, these mats are durable as well as safe to use on any surface indoors or outdoors – even in water! With a superior grip that keeps you grounded during challenging poses like handstands, transitions between postures will never be an issue again with this amazing new product by Lush Valley.
This cork and rubber yoga mat is environmentally friendly but still has a bit of a smell that can’t be avoided. The Spanish corks are harvested from oak trees that grow in Spain’s Mediterranean climate. And the Malaysian rubber comes from Malaysian rubber trees which rely on rainwater for nourishment instead of fossil fuels like other types of plants do.”
Did you know that the mat was made with 100% natural rubber in order to provide your joints, knees, and feet ample support? It is also PVC free so not only will it never hurt or irritate you, but it won’t even release any harmful chemicals either.
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Key Features:
Knee protection
The Malaysian rubber backing of these mats will provide you with unparalleled cushion for your knees. They are perfect for hot yoga, bikram, pilates, or any other floor exercises where people need to kneel down and stretch out.
Plantable packaging
It’s easy to show your love for the environment with a Lush Valley mat that is wrapped in plantable wildflower paper. All you have to do is plant, water, and watch as those flowers grow up around you!
Superior grip
This cork yoga mat is the perfect solution for those slipping times when you’re doing your mat poses. Whether it’s in a hot room or after some sweaty moves – these mats have got you covered with their moisture-displacing technology, which means no more need to carry around pesky towels!
- UNRIVALLED YOGA EXPERIENCE: Our superior grip grounds you firmly in place and cradles your body through every transition & posture. The 100% natural thick rubber backing cushions & supports your every move. The result is a yoga mat with no slipping, durability, and cushion for your knees.
- NON SLIP WITH SUPERIOR GRIP: Our cork variety naturally displaces moisture, eliminating the slipping issue you have with other mats. Our cork yoga mats have even more grip and are non slip when wet. Say goodbye to your yoga towel!
- NON TOXIC & ODOR FREE: Our eco friendly cork & rubber is 100% natural & non toxic. Our cork is 100% natural, providing a healthy & odor free yoga experience.
- CUSHIONED KNEE PROTECTION: Our unique Malaysian rubber backing provides unparalleled cushion for your knees. Perfect for hot yoga, bikram, pilates, floor exercises, stretching and meditation.
- PLANTABLE PACKAGING: Every Lush Valley Lifestyle cork yoga mat is wrapped in love with a 100% plantable wildflower seed paper. So feel free to plant, water and watch the flowers grow!
5. Gaiam Cork Yoga Mat
The Gaiam yoga mat is one of the leading names in the industry, and its 5mm thickness makes it a durable product. This 68×24-inch cork yoga mat doesn’t skimp on quality, making this an investment worth considering.
The backing of this mat is made with natural rubber to make sure it stays put. What’s more, the reversible sides can be switched up based on your mood! It also has a lightweight design that makes transporting easy – perfect for an active yogi like you.
If you’re a beginner and want to get your hands on the best eco-friendly cork yoga mat but don’t know where to start or what exactly it is that you need. This Gaiam cork yoga mat will be perfect for both beginners and more advanced practitioners.
It provides superior support with its soft cushioning agents as well as optimal traction, so no matter how much of an expert yogi one maybe, they can maintain their balance during every session!
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Key Features:
Hot yoga mat
The cork yoga mat, a must-have for all types of yoga and especially heated or hot classes. As the temperatures rise and your sweat soaks into it, you’ll be able to grip it better than ever before.
Odorless
Cork can be used to guard against moisture, which means it won’t take on any funky smells or odors.
Non-toxic materials
The mat is made with natural and sustainable materials. It has a lightweight TPE rubber on the bottom for premium yoga mats that are durable, supportive, and won’t harm your environment.
Cork yoga mats – Buying Guide
Natural cork is a sustainable, renewable material making it great for yoga mats. It is many yogis’ preferred surface material because of its natural texture and grip. The eco-friendly aspect makes it perfect for everyone, from the green yogi to the tree hugger!
Cork Yoga Mats are also naturally antifungal, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic, which means they are easy on the skin. They are inherently soft but still supportive enough to make them comfortable. Cork soles are often used in dance shoes, too, since they provide support without restricting movement.
Material
Cork is a natural material that compresses and molds — it’s this quality that makes cork yoga mats so comfortable to practice on.
This mat won’t lose its shape as it ages, as some other mats often do. Cork has been used for footwear and flooring, the latter being known as a natural soundproofer.
It is also known for its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and hypoallergenic properties.
Eco-Friendly
You already know that cork is a sustainable material, but did you know it grows back on its own every 11 years? That’s right — it’s a renewable resource.
The tree’s bark is harvested without killing it and then typically replanted to continue the cork-producing process.
Cork production hurts no animals or insects while taking advantage of a natural process that happens in forests all over the world. It’s also non-toxic, so there’s nothing extra being added to your mat besides what nature-growing trees would put there themselves! Flexibility
Cork mats typically have more flexibility than rubber mats since they are softer and more porous. This makes them great for poses where your hands move around a lot, such as wheel or forearm stand.
They are also very comfortable and have a natural grip that makes it easy to hold on to your mat – even if you’re sweating!
Stylish
Cork yoga mats provide a beautiful texture and grip that compliments your personal style better than most yoga mats can – and they’re eco-friendly to boot! They come in a range of natural tones, so you can choose one that matches your practice or personality. And don’t forget about the stylish and sustainable bags and towels you can buy too!
Rollability & Storage
Cork mats typically roll up quite small for easy storage and transport. They can also be stored vertically like any other rolled-up yoga mat. Cork is naturally waterproof, so it won’t absorb sweat (and smell), making it an ideal hot yoga resource!
Although there are still some cork mats that may retain odor, this isn’t common with the use of washable natural cork fabric.
Putting It All Together
Cork Yoga Mats are the perfect combination of style, comfort, and sustainability. You can feel good about practicing yoga on one because you know you’re helping out the planet each time you step onto your new c
Comfort
Cork yoga mats are very comfortable! They provide a soft surface that won’t restrict your movements or distract you in class. The best part — they usually have great traction too! So you can focus on your poses and not worry about slipping and sliding around. The grip is natural and does not get in the way of executing your favorite poses.
Traction
Even in heated classes, you will find the cork grips well with just enough cushion to stay balanced but firm, so you can go through all of your poses without slipping or losing concentration. If it’s dry outside, you might need to add some extra moisture before practice, so the grip remains optimal.
Perfect for all levels
Whether you’re new to yoga or an advanced yogi, these mats are great for any skill level. The cushion they provide is just enough to help protect your bones and joints without getting in the way of your practice.
Most cork yoga mat brands also come in different thicknesses, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Make sure to check if there are color options since some cork mats only come in black while others offer a variety of bright colors too.
Thickness
Cork yoga mats come in different thicknesses, usually starting with the standard 1/4 inch mat and going up to 2 inches. Most yoga practitioners find that a 3/8 inch mat strikes the best balance between comfort and support. Thinner mats provide less cushion but allow you to feel the earth more, while thicker mats give a bit more substance and support. If you’re practicing intense inversions or need a lot of padding, then a thicker mat would be best for your practice.
Durability
These mats are long-lasting! And not only because they don’t wear down like rubber mats or even fabric ones. That makes them perfect if you practice every day! But cork is also resilient against physical damage like rips, tears, or deterioration from moisture.
There are some factors to keep in mind, though. If you have less space for your mat at home, the thicker it is, the harder it will be to transport or store. You might not want a 2-inch thick mat if you’re looking for portability.
Cleaning
Cork yoga mats require relatively little maintenance since the natural surface doesn’t tend to accumulate dust or grime as other materials can. Just wipe off excess moisture after class with a cotton towel or dry cloth. Weekly cleaning will keep your mat in the best condition.
Recommendation
If you prefer natural materials that are antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and gentle on the skin, then cork yoga mats are perfect for you! They are supportive enough while still providing exceptional grip when wet or dry. At first glance, these mats may appear pricey, but rest assured they are durable enough to last for years.
Price
Outfitting your home studio with cork yoga mats can be a little pricey, but it’s an investment that you are sure to get good use out of! These are well worth the money and will last years with proper care if you practice every day. The more demanding poses like inversions and arm balances require stronger support for your joints, which we love about cork.
If you’re new to yoga and just want a simple mat, try one of our best-selling beginner yoga mats so you can start off on the right foot! There are some great options at an affordable price if you want to try it without completely breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cork yoga mats good for hot yoga?
Yes! Cork is naturally antibacterial and stays cool to the touch. That makes it breathable as well as comfortable with any pose, whether you’re in a heated session or keeping your practice low-key.
What kind of mat do I need for my home studio?
This depends on your current skill level, weight, and how much room you have available. If you’re looking for something portable and easy to store away, then we suggest one of our best-selling beginner yoga mats. They come in different thicknesses so you can choose based on what is right for your needs.
What to look for in a cork yoga mat?
Beginners usually prefer to start with something thin that’s easy to move around. Then they graduate up to thicker mats so they can get more support out of each pose. The good part is you can choose whatever thickness feels best without sacrificing comfort or grip. And if you need extra padding, you can always layer your cork yoga mat over the top of another one!
What are the benefits of using cork yoga mats?
They have a great grip when wet or dry, is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and provide exceptional support for joints without being too stiff or bulky. If you get sweaty during class, then these mats breathe well, so the surface stays cool to the touch.
What is the difference between a cork and rubber yoga mat?
Cork creates an antibacterial, sweat-resistant surface that stays cool to the touch. It has a great grip when wet or dry and is very comfortable. It’s also hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, which makes it perfect for daily practice! Rubber mats can be slippery when wet but still provide good support with enough padding. And they are relatively long-lasting as well, especially if you layer them over top of another material like fabric or cotton.
Is the cork surface similar to a sticky yoga mat?
Some people do compare cork mats to stickier surfaces like those on Manduka PRO and Prana E.C.O. yoga mats. They all create excellent traction when you’re practicing hot or advanced poses that require extra grip and support.
How do I take care of a cork yoga mat?
The pads will need to be cleaned after every use and dried out fully before storing them away. If you have a large mat, you can wash it with soap and water or wipe it like YogaRat’s Organic Cotton Towel. For smaller rolls, you always have the option of machine washing on a gentle cycle. You can even dry them in the sun to naturally sanitize your mat! Just make sure you never leave a damp mat stored away for long periods.
Is a cork yoga mat better than a non-slip yoga mat?
In short – yes! They have great surface traction that creates extra support whether you’re practicing heated or cooler styles of yoga. On top of that, they are antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and provide protection from skin irritation caused by other materials.
How do I choose the right thickness for my cork yoga mat?
Beginners should start with a thinner mat that’s easy to move around. Then you can graduate up to thicker mats as you improve your stability and balance. Thickness is all about personal preference, but consider that the skinnier options are easier to carry while the bulkier ones provide more support during standing poses.
How do I know what size cork yoga mat I need?
If you require a lot of extra room, then go for a bigger size so you can lay down fully without feeling confined to one area or stretching off-center. If space is limited, consider going smaller because it will be lighter and easier to go from place to place without much hassle.
What is the difference between a roll-up and a block yoga mat?
Roll-up mats are simple and easy to set up – just unroll and go! Meanwhile, block yoga mats include 3 blocks so they can serve as assistive devices when doing poses where you need extra elevation and support. However, most people choose to use a block yoga mat as a regular cork yoga mat too.
Final Words
Cork yoga mats are usually expensive, but if you are devoted to the environment and serious about your practice of Yoga, then investing in one is always worth it. They provide ultimate balance with maximum stability for those who try their hardest to be healthy so that they can find inner peace through this wonderful activity.
A good yoga mat can be the difference between an enjoyable and fulfilling workout or a frustrating, painful experience. For this reason, it is crucial for you to have all of your bases covered when choosing one from among the various options available in stores today.
With the wide range of yoga mats available, you may not know where to start. We’ve compiled our list with some help from experts and hope that it helps in your search for a new mat! No matter which one you end up buying, make sure that it suits your needs.
I hope our list has helped guide you through choosing an excellent brand/mat combo so far. If not, then just keep looking until something catches your eye – there are many great options out there.
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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