Cork Mats and Why We're Obsessed

If you've walked into a yoga studio in the last couple of years, you may have noticed an increasing number of some very "earthy" looking yoga mats among your fellow yogis. As opposed to their brightly colored counterparts, these mats feature warm browns and muted earth tones. Besides that, they seem to cultivate almost a cult-like devotion among the yogis who use them. That's right, I'm talking about cork yoga mats. So, what's the big deal about cork mats anyway? And why do they inspire such a passionate devotion from the yogis who use them?

I myself am one of these cork devotees. I made the switch a couple years ago (scroll to bottom for a discount code for our favorite brand!). My boyfriend, now husband, had made such a convincing argument in favor of cork, that I just had to give it a go. Two years later, I can honestly say it's my favorite yoga mat to date. Our excitement over cork mats has undoubtedly come out in our practice and some of our students have even "converted to cork." Here are a few reasons myself and the fellow yogis in my circle took the plunge on a cork yoga mat:

1. Grip

I would consider myself a sweaty person when it comes to physical activity. This coupled with a love of heated yoga led to the constant frustration during practice of feeling like I was on a slip n' slide more than a yoga mat. One of my favorite aspects of cork mats is the grip. The natural texture of cork is magic to the palms. I personally own a cork and sustainable rubber composite mat. It's one of the only mats I have ever been able to practice with without needing a yoga mat towel for additional grip. The really cool thing about cork is that the grip increases with moisture. That's right....the sweatier the better! You might see some cork mat yogis even spray or wet their mats before practice. This is to activate that optimal cork grip. Cork contains a waxy substance called suberin. For the cork tree, suberin makes the bark resistant to decay and water. For the yogi, this same moisture resistance creates a grippy friction from sweat or moisture during practice.

2. Environmentally conscious

I'm all about form and function. While I love the look and feel of cork mats....there are some really cool designs out there now!

I also love the renewable aspect of this product. Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees which are primarily cultivated in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. Unlike harvesting timber, cork can be harvested without killing the tree. In a sustainable operation, a single cork oak tree can be harvested for bark repeatedly. Cork is the outer bark and mature trees are stripped of this bark and regenerate it every 9-12 years. Considering the trees themselves can live for 200 years, that's around 16 harvests!

During this regenerative period, a cork oak absorbs up to five times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Because cork is a natural material, cork mats have no chemical smell or odor. They are also naturally latex free. Many brands feature dye-free options and promote themselves as plasticizer and PVC-free. Definitely do your research on the source of cork a company uses and how they make their mats, particularly what they use to line the bottom of the mat. That's the most common component of a cork mat which might not be entirely sustainable. But real cork mats are a biodegradable, eco-friendly, and sustainable option that won't end up in a landfill for centuries to come.

3. Hygiene

Remember that water-resistant substance in cork called suberin? Well, this same component of cork stops absorption of moisture into the cork cells. Think for a moment of wine bottle corks. The wine cannot escape because the cork does not get saturated with it. This means in comparison to other common yoga mat materials, cork soaks up less water and sweat. This natural barrier prevents odor build up and that yoga mat "funk" we all dread. Cork is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to both mold and bacteria growth. In fact, studies have shown cork to resist growth of both Staphylococcus aureus and E. Coli (see study here). Great news for yogis!

4. Just enough support

I love the feel of cork under my hands and feet. Maybe it's because I love practicing outside anyway, and my cork mat lets me take the woods into the studio with me. Compared to plastic-based mats, cork just feels natural under the palms. Cork cells have a honeycomb-like structure with hollow middles and waxy, suberin walls. This structure makes cork less dense and lighter than a solid material of similar thickness. It also gives it natural cushion thanks to the air-filled honeycombs. Basically when compressed by body weight, cork gives and when released it springs back into shape. This same compression element comes into play in wine corks. Notice how the cork expands once a wine bottle is opened and has to be compressed back to recork the bottle. Once in the neck of the bottle, the cork expands to maximum capacity creating that air tight seal.

Cork mats can be purchased in different thicknesses for customized cushion. Usually the weight of a cork mat comes from the backing, not the cork. Sustainably harvested or recycled rubber is a common material for backing cork mats which adds weight, but some companies have started using plant-based foams. Just watch out for Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) it's a plastic-derived material sometimes used in cork mat backings which undermines the sustainability element.

How to Make Your Cork Mat Last

One of the main complaints I hear about cork mats is related to longevity. It's true the price point for cork mats is higher than some non-cork alternatives. You're not gonna snag these from a bargain bin. However, there are several things you can do to extend the life of your cork mat.

1. Cleaning

Cork is a natural product. It follows simple logic then that natural products should be used to clean a cork yoga mat. Using harsh chemicals like bleach-based cleansers or wipes can definitely increase the break down of your mat over time. As we've said above, cork has some of its own antibacterial properties which reduce the risk of yoga mat "funk." But, that doesn't mean you are without options for some extra support and cleansing to keep your mat looking like new. In fact, keeping cork mats clean of debris or dirt build up preserves grip over time. There are many organic, natural yoga mat sprays on the market now which are excellent alternatives. They are healthier and more gentle on both your mat and skin. Any cleanser which relies on naturally antibacterial ingredients like vinegar, witch hazel, or essential oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint and orange oils are great options. You can also DIY your own yoga mat spray! Below is a simple recipe for a great yoga mat (or body spray). Put it into a reusable spray bottle and use after every practice if you like. Spritz and air dry.

Yoga Mat Spray (Cork Friendly)

• Equal parts of the following for your liquid base:

• Unscented, alcohol-free witch hazel (antibacterial)

• Organic rose water (pH balance and good for your skin. I suggest ordering in bulk online)

• 2 drops lavender oil per ounce liquid base (scent and antibacterial)

• 1-2 drops eucalyptus oil per ounce liquid base (scent and antibacterial)

2. Storing

Often our yoga mats get tossed around the car, home, closet, and studio. We roll them, strap them, and then throw them in a corner until the next practice. This works well when mats are made of a plastic-based materials which won't decompose for an eon, but with cork mats, you'll see cracks and breakage begin with such abuse. This is probably the main complaint from recent cork converts leading them to think cork mats are fragile. Cork is actually quite a durable material, it's even used for flooring! But when it comes to yoga mats, it's most durable when flat. If you're main goal is to find the perfect travel mat that can fold up and fit in a backpack of suitcase, I would not recommend cork for that purpose. Cork mats are ideal for everyday practice use. And I do take my cork mat on the road for camping and outside practice and it performs great! Just be mindful of how you store your mat.

Cork mats should not be stored rolled up, but rather laid flat and rolled just for convenience of transport to and from home and studio. Similarly, if you're a yogi who is used to folding your mat over to create extra padding during practice, you will notice cork does not perform well when repeatedly folded over in the same place. It will lead to cracking over time. The alternative here is most cork brands offer strips of cork mat designed for knees, elbows, and wrists to lay over or under your cork mat for that extra cushion. We have two yogis who love these pads and bring them to every class. Personally, I store my cork mat under one of our rugs at home. Bonus! It acts as a rug pad and keeps that rug in place. If I take my mat on the road, sometimes I unroll it in the car, hotel, or campsite if we're on a multi-day trip...chances are, I'll be using it anyway.

Go Cork!

If I've sparked your fancy about "going cork," check out Yoloha Yoga (@yolohayoga) for some awesome cork yoga products from mats to props and more! I personally love their blocks. They're so solid and the perfect size. Use our discount code GOCORK for 10% off any purchase!

Namaste!