A little yoga background
Doing yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years. In the past, it was reserved mainly for the more New-Age types, preparing for or returning from their latest trip to Goa. Today, more and more people are realizing its importance - the connection between body and soul, the combination of breathing and physical exercise, improving flexibility and more. There are different types of yoga and you can practice in a studio or at home, alone or in a group.
Yoga is done with a mat and often with special yoga blocks (also known as yoga bricks). The mat is there to cushion the surface when doing yoga, instead of doing it directly on a hard floor. The blocks can be integrated in several ways. Sometimes, we use blocks to support different parts of the body in different positions, like the back or head. The blocks also help in positions that are difficult for us because of the distance to the floor. In this way, the blocks "bring" the floor closer to us and help with positions that may require a little more flexibility.
What does all of this have to do with cork? Both mat and blocks are made of different materials. Yoga mats are usually synthetic and made of different types of foam. Yoga blocks are often made of foam, but sometimes also made of wood. At Nature's Cork® we offer blocks and mats made of cork! Why cork? We're glad you asked :)
Why use cork products?
Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork tree, and naturally regenerates every 9 years or so. Therefore, cork is a particularly ecological material. Unlike wooden blocks, which are also made of a natural material, cork is harvested without cutting down the tree so there is no harm to the environment. When we understand the importance of the connection between mind and body, we need to remember the connection between ourselves and the natural world around us. Using cork products allows us to better ourselves without harming the world around us.
Cork has other benefits. Cork cells are filled with air, so cork products are especially light. When it comes to yoga blocks, lighter blocks are more convenient to practice with. And speaking of convenience - cork products have another advantage! The cork blocks are less rigid than the wooden blocks so making them more comfortable as well. The yoga mats are also particularly comfortable - whether it is the soft, smooth feel of a cork fabric mattress or the combination of cork and recycled rubber that allows for an extra grippy surface.
Cork is also odorless and hypoallergenic, so it's ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma, or is just sensitive to synthetics.
In addition to blocks, we also have cork rollers and yoga wedges, which are used for various exercises. All of our yoga products can be seen here.