Product test
Yoga mats: a balancing act between health and planet
by Anna Höke
Yoga products made of cork are cool
3.7.2020
Translation: Eva Francis
Is it corked? Yes, it’s corked. Not your glass of wine but your yoga block. There’s a large selection of yoga products made from this sustainable material. My conclusion? Cork is cool.
The cork mat
What Daniela likes about this mat is that it smells nice and, compared to many competing products, has a good look and a good feel. According to Daniela, the cork mat is very light, which is great if you’re walking or cycling to your yoga class, and it’s easy to clean. Would she recommend it? Absolutely.
The cork roll
The cork yoga wheel
According to the manufacturer, this wheel is ideal to support your movements and to lead you into the desired pose. It helps to stretch the whole body and develop flexibility. The cork design makes this yoga wheel sturdy. What does the yoga teacher think about it? «The outer edges press too hard into the back, which is uncomfortable. In terms of size, the wheel is just right for me and is great to stretch the spine.»
What’s Daniela’s opinion? «This tool looks fun. My first thought was: what is it for? For me, this wheel is too big and bulky. It might be for those who are more advanced. I don't need it.»
The cork ball
Pascal says: «The cork ball is very good for releasing tensions in the body. The good thing about this ball is that it’s hard to squeeze, so it releases blocked energy.» Daniela considers the material is a huge advantage. Compared to other massage balls, cork feels good and is neither too hard not too soft.
The cork block
This block allows you to challenge yourself to perform some of the more difficult poses and movements in your yoga sessions. It features a non-slip surface, is easy to grip and very resistant thanks to the cork design – according to Sveltus’s marketing department. Daniela’s opinion? Just like the ball, she likes the natural material better than the plastic many other products are made of. Pascal only uses cork products in his classes.
First impressions
All in all these are good products, which definitely meet the requirements of a yoga teacher. Cork feels better than plastic. On top of this, many other yoga products contain PVC, which isn’t environmentally friendly and is bad for your health. Using cork yoga accessories is definitely a step in the right direction. In a nutshell? Cork is cool.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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