There are many differences between a cork and a foam yoga block. Let’s compare them to find out which is best; cork vs. foam yoga block!
Yoga blocks are commonly used during yoga practice to help people get deeper into poses. Yoga blocks also help people who are less flexible to safely and comfortably practice yoga. Yoga blocks were initially created by BKS Iyengar, who aimed to make yoga easier and more enjoyable for people in the western world to practice. The first yoga mats were made from wood.
There are many yoga props on the market, including yoga blocks, straps, and eye masks for meditation. Yoga blocks are available in various materials, with foam and cork being the most popular. If you’re looking to buy some yoga blocks, you may be wondering whether to buy a cork vs. foam yoga block.
Cork vs. Foam Yoga Blocks
Cork and foam yoga blocks are both very popular. Foam blocks are popular as they are readily available and are very cheap. They come in a large selection of colors and can help you improve your yoga practice. In recent years cork yoga blocks have risen in popularity; although they are likely to cost more, they are long-lasting and eco-friendly.
Cork is made from sustainable materials that can be recycled or composted and will biodegrade. Foam, on the other hand, is made from plastic. Cork yoga blocks are made using cork taken from cork oak trees.
Cork Yoga Blocks
If you’re looking to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, you may like to choose cork yoga blocks as they are more sustainable. Cork is harvested from cork oak trees by stripping off the bark. This doesn’t kill the tree, and they will continue to grow and even produce more cork in the future. Most cork comes from Portugal.
The Benefits of cork yoga blocks
One of the main benefits of using cork yoga blocks is that it has natural anti-bacterial properties. Cork is also durable and long-lasting. It’s a light brown in color, which is neutral and will match any yoga mat and outfit.
Cork is a popular choice amongst yogis as it can help you stay safe. It’s a sturdy material with a surface that provides natural friction. This means you’ll feel confident that your cork yoga block will support you even when trying out more challenging poses.
The disadvantages of cork yoga blocks
While cork yoga blocks may seem like the perfect choice, there are a few disadvantages. Cork has a porous surface, which means it can absorb sweat and moisture. Over time your yoga block may develop a bad odor and will need to be cleaned; it can be challenging to remove the sweaty smell. That being said, yoga is a gentle form of exercise that doesn’t make people sweat as much as they would with other exercises. Unless you are practicing hot yoga, it’s likely your cork yoga block will remain clean for years to come.
A disadvantage for the budget-conscious is that cork yoga blocks generally cost more than their foam counterparts. However, cork is long-lasting, so, likely, you won’t need to replace your yoga blocks for years to come. Some cork yoga blocks are cheap, but these tend to be made from lower quality cork, which may chip or crack.
Cork yoga blocks are also very dense, which means that they are heavier to carry than foam blocks. This may be a consideration if you need to travel to a yoga class with your blocks.
If you think that cork yoga blocks are for you, we’ve written a great guide to the best cork yoga blocks.
Foam Yoga Blocks
Foam yoga blocks are often bought by people who are new to yoga as they are cheap and readily available. You may also find that as you improve at yoga, you’ll be able to do the asanas without blocks. Many yoga studios provide foam blocks to help beginners practice yoga safely and comfortably.
The benefits of foam yoga blocks
Foam yoga blocks are available in a wide selection of colors, which will add some fun to your yoga practice. They are also soft and comfortable to use. Foam yoga blocks are very easy to use can be used by beginners to adapt both standing and seated postures. Foam blocks are softer and more comfortable than cork yoga blocks. They are most commonly used in restorative yoga and Yin Yoga practices.
Foam yoga blocks are also very portable as they are lightweight. Dirt often shows up more easily on foam yoga blocks, but they are generally easy to clean with a little soap and water.
The disadvantages of foam yoga mats
Foam yoga blocks are often considered too soft and light, especially for poses that require you to put weight on the block. You may find that your wrists and joints feel tired or less supported with a foam yoga mat. As foam is soft, it can be prone to scratches and dents over time, and foam yoga blocks don’t usually last as long as cork blocks.
Another consideration is that foam is made from plastic and isn’t as eco-friendly as cork. Foam will also take 1000’s of years to biodegrade and can’t be recycled or composted.
If you think that foam yoga blocks are for you, we’ve written a great guide to the best foam yoga blocks.
Conclusion
It often comes down to personal choice where you choose to use a cork vs. foam yoga block. Foam is generally more widely available and commonly used. Foam yoga blocks are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use. They can also be cleaned easily but are less eco-friendly than cork.
Cork is a natural material that’s harvested from a cork oak tree. Cork yoga blocks are sustainable and generally last longer than foam blocks.
Abi Latham is a freelance writer who loves writing about pretty much anything. She’s also written a few books. If you have extra time, check one out, they’re really good.