20/02/2020
The yoga gods have finally answered my prayers and delivered the perfect yoga mat. Oh my. I am impressed. This is first time I have ever promoted yoga gear - its a big deal! And this particular cork mat is very different from the versions I have seen over the last few years, especially the very first iterations coming out of Portugal that I road-tested in Hawaii way back in 2011. Cork Space have very generously offered 30% discount off the standard price of £65 down to £45. The only catch is that I have to buy a bulk batch of these bad boys. So I’m asking students to let me know if you want one. Let me know as soon as possible, preferably via text or WhatsApp 07906639433. Just to let you know: I am not affiliated with this company, sponsored or endorsed by them. Nor am I creaming any money off this deal; in fact I paid the full £65 for my mat! But I would gladly pay double for such an awesome bit of kit. I just want people to benefit and have a vision of the yoga room being 100% cork at some point in the future! YOU get the full 30% discount, as if you were buying wholesale directly. Oh the perks of being a student at House of Ashtanga!
www.corkspace.co.uk
Please find my review ’10 Reasons to buy this mat’ below. You need to check into Facebook to read the full thing as Instagram runs out of word-allowance….
1. Transparency. You don't notice the mat is there, and it just fades into the background. Your mat becomes quite boringly “just the floor”, but its your favourite piece of floor that you can carry around with you. This way you can drop more deeply into what yoga is really about, a transcendent practice with no distractions.
2. Honesty. The mat is uncompromisingly truthful about your practice. It rewards you by creating a sense of solidity and confidence where your competence lies, as well as highlighting areas of your practice that need attention.
3. Environmentally friendly and sustainable. It is 100% biodegradable, recyclable and renewable. The cork trees live on and as they grow more cork they actually absorb 3 times as much C02 from the air so it works against global warming! Also, they plant 10 new trees for every mat sold.
4. Hygienic. These cork mats are anti-microbial, and kill bacteria and fungus. I like to be on a clean surface, especially one that I spend so much time on. It doesn’t hold smells and dirt like rubber mats, but actually repels bad odour and has a woody scent.
5. Zero slip. Passed the two main tests easily (2nd series kneeling backbends, and 3rd series vasishthasana). Extra sweat helps the grip too! Keeps things minimal, so no rugs needed, which is also good for travel.
6. Size. Not many people have mentioned this, but it is more narrow than normal size mats, and much more narrower compared to recent popular ultra-wide mats currently being sold. Extra width is not a bonus. In fact it is a hindrance. Most people do not need ultra-wide mats and most people could easily shave off a few inches either side of their current rubber mat. The 2nd best mat I ever practiced on was my first ever mat and one that I eventually gave to my dad - super narrow, super-awesome practice. They stopped making them! With the correct size mat there is no leniency and it keeps you in check. Now, after all these years, I finally have those original dimensions in my life again!
7. Colour. Again, not mentioned by anyone yet, but the brightness of the mat is really beneficial for your eyes. Most mats are deep colours and too dark to look at. A lighter tone keeps your eyes active and ‘alive’ and it is generally a more pleasant experience, as well as brightening up your room. It is a singularly attractive item of furniture in itself.
8. Weight. It is heavier than the average mat. This is good as it doesn’t move around on the floor, especially with vigorous jumping in ashtanga yoga. Heavier weight also feels just so much more substantial. Travel isn’t an option coz you’re a strong yogi, right?!
9. Warmth. Feels nice and warm to touch, especially in a hot room.
10. Its just beautiful! Simplicity, minimalist, perfect.
