International Yoga Day is here, so what better time to roll out your sustainable yoga mat and discover the combination of physical flow and mental awareness that has hooked many people around the globe.
Whatever be your age or level of fitness, you can start practicing yoga and experience its benefits in calming the mind and strengthening the body. Pretty much all you need is your own body and a yoga mat — Valka Yoga — We see you! And a willingness to tune in and vibe out, whether it be in a slow, relaxing routine or a quick all-out sweat session.
Let’s be honest, yoga can be done anywhere. But to reap the full benefits, try to find a flat surface in a quiet place with minimal distractions. Setting a timer, going through your own flow or tuning into a virtual class are all great ways to practice yoga. With regular practice, yoga can increase flexibility, build strength, improve posture, keep joints healthy, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and lower blood pressure.
Where to begin : A Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
You can start by streaming a yoga class online. There are all sorts of classes available online these days, ranging from beginners to advanced. There are subscription services and also several free videos on websites like Youtube. So getting your mindful yoga flow on is easier now than ever.
When it comes to yoga mats, we recommend starting with a sustainably made one, such as the cork yoga mat made by Valka Yoga. Their cork yoga mats feature a dense natural rubber base to provide additional support and comfort when practicing (no sore knees or wrists here). Designed in New Zealand, the cork yoga mat is built to last from two sustainable materials – organic cork and natural rubber. Thanks to the naturally antimicrobial cork surface, you don’t have to worry if you start to sweat. The yoga mat naturally wicks away moisture making it perfect for Bikram and hot yoga or if you like to really work up a sweat during your yoga session.
Use the discount code “CAVIARFEELING” to get 10% off on all products.
Why a sustainable yoga mat?
Unfortunately, for the most part, even the ‘best’ yoga mats available are made with cheap plastics made to feel like rubber that are dyed with heavy metal inks to cut costs. These yoga mats are unable to be recycled, and during the 500+ years it will take to break down, the inks can leach into the soil and surrounding rubbish, further harming wildlife and the environment.
To counteract the negativity within the yoga manufacturing industry, Valka Yoga make their mats and blocks from recycled and sustainably sourced cork bonded to natural rubber with heat to avoid chemical laden glues. They have partnered with ethical plantations, artisans and manufacturers and travel to all sites annually to ensure fair treatment and high quality. Additionally, Valka Yoga ship all their products plastic free.
The goal of Valka Yoga, according to Danny Garg, the founder, is to make the planet a better place, one yoga mat at a time. And what better way to do that than to plant a tree for every yoga mat ordered. Valka Yoga have planted 5000 native trees so far. And they plan to have planted 10,000 trees by this time next year.
Find support
Yoga blocks are great for making difficult poses more accessible and providing you the support and alignment you need in even the most basic poses. We love Valka Yoga’s cork yoga blocks. They are made from sustainable Portuguese cork using beautiful fine grain cork that is lighter than the coarse grain cork typically used in other yoga blocks.
Also, these cork yoga blocks feature an easy to grip, non-slip surface and are specially designed for supporting backbends and select standing and sitting poses. Whether you are a beginner learning new postures or challenging headstand crunches, you will love these cork yoga blocks. They come engraved with Valka Yoga’s signature Elephant mandala design.
Get a stretch assist
We can all use a little help to get deeper into specific stretches during our yoga practice. Whether you’re here for a full on yoga stretch session or just performing specific stretches, the 100% organic cotton yoga strap allows you to reach limbs more easily, holding poses for longer and ultimately improving flexibility.
6 Benefits of Yoga
1. Increases your flexibility
2. Builds strength
3. Improves your posture
4. Helps you to make healthier life choices
5. Keeps your joints healthy
6. Helps to reduces stress.
The takeaway
A regular yoga practice could be an excellent new habit to cultivate if you suffer from stress, bad posture, or just want to find a more balanced lifestyle.
Yoga is a powerful way to adjust higher-level functions, orienting us towards steadiness, connection, and a spirit of compassion towards ourselves and others around us.
This is brought to you by Valka Yoga
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