Frequently Asked Questions
🧘♀️ About the Yoga Mats
1. What makes your yoga mats different from standard yoga mats?
Our yoga mats are made from natural rubber and are designed to be extra grippy, extra long, and extra wide. This gives you more space and better stability compared to standard-sized mats.
2. Who are your yoga mats designed for?
These mats are designed for anyone who wants more grip and more room to move, including beginners, taller people, and those who practise yoga regularly at home or in a studio.
3. Are these yoga mats suitable for daily use?
Yes, the mats are designed for daily practice and can handle regular use when cared for properly.
4. Are your yoga mats good for home practice?
Yes, they are ideal for home practice because they stay stable on common indoor floors and provide enough space for full movements.
5. What types of yoga are these mats suitable for?
The mats work well for vinyasa, hatha, power yoga, slow flow, and general stretching or mobility work.
🧲 Grip & Performance
1. Is this yoga mat good if my hands get sweaty?
Yes, the natural rubber surface stays grippy even when your hands or feet are sweaty, helping reduce slipping during practice.
2. Are natural rubber yoga mats good for hot yoga?
Yes. Natural rubber yoga mats are well suited to hot yoga because the material maintains grip when exposed to heat and moisture. As sweat builds, the rubber surface continues to provide traction, helping reduce slipping during poses and transitions.
3. Does the grip improve with use?
Natural rubber grip activates with pressure, so the mat often feels grippier as you apply weight through your hands or feet.
4. Will the mat slip on wooden or tiled floors?
The mat is designed to stay stable on most indoor surfaces, including wood, laminate, and tile flooring.
5. Does the mat lose grip over time?
With regular cleaning and proper care, the grip remains consistent and does not rely on artificial coatings.
📏 Sizing & Comfort
1. Is this yoga mat suitable for tall people?
Yes, the mat is extra long, making it suitable for taller people who feel restricted on standard mats.
2. How is this mat wider than a normal yoga mat?
The extra width gives you more room for wider stances, transitions, and full-body stretches without stepping off the mat.
3. Is the mat comfortable for knees and joints?
The mat provides a supportive surface that helps cushion knees, wrists, and elbows during poses.
4. Does extra width really make a difference?
Many people find extra width improves balance and comfort, especially during standing poses and flowing sequences.
5. Is this mat suitable for longer yoga sessions?
Yes, the combination of grip, space, and support makes it comfortable for longer practices.
🌱 Beginners & First-Time Buyers
1. Is this yoga mat good for beginners?
Yes, this yoga mat is well suited to beginners because the added grip and extra space help improve confidence and stability while learning poses.
2. What should I look for in my first yoga mat?
A good first yoga mat should offer reliable grip, enough cushioning for comfort, and sufficient space to move without slipping or stepping off the mat.
3. Will this mat help with balance and stability?
Yes, the grippy surface and stable base help reduce slipping, which can improve balance and overall stability during poses.
4. Is a thicker or grippier mat better for beginners?
For most beginners, grip is more important than thickness because slipping can make poses feel unstable. A grippy mat helps you feel secure as you build strength and balance.
5. Can beginners use natural rubber yoga mats?
Yes, beginners can use natural rubber yoga mats and often benefit from the improved traction they provide.
🔍 Comparison & Decision-Making
1. Is a natural rubber yoga mat better than PVC?
Natural rubber yoga mats generally offer better grip than PVC, especially when hands or feet are sweaty. PVC mats are often cheaper and lighter, but they tend to be less grippy and are made from plastic-based materials.
2. How does this mat compare to cheaper yoga mats?
Compared to cheaper mats, this mat offers stronger grip, more space, and greater stability. Lower-cost mats often use synthetic materials and standard sizing, which can lead to slipping or feeling restricted during practice.
3. What are the downsides of natural rubber yoga mats?
Natural rubber mats are usually heavier than synthetic mats and can have a mild rubber smell at first. They also require simple care, such as gentle cleaning and avoiding prolonged direct sunlight.
4. Is this mat worth the price?
This mat is worth the price if you value grip, comfort, and durability in your practice. It is designed for regular use and provides features that many lower-priced mats do not.
5. Who might not need an extra-large yoga mat?
People who are shorter, practise in very small spaces, or prefer lightweight travel mats may not need an extra-long or extra-wide mat.
🏠 Use Cases & Practice Types
1. Can I use this yoga mat for Pilates or stretching?
Yes, the mat is suitable for Pilates, stretching, and mobility work due to its grip and supportive surface.
2. Is this mat suitable for home workouts?
Yes, it works well for home workouts and stays stable on common indoor floors like wood, laminate, or tile.
3. Can this mat be used barefoot or with socks?
The mat works best barefoot, but it can also be used with socks that have grip. Socks without grip may still slide slightly.
🧼 Care, Longevity & Ownership
1. How long does a natural rubber yoga mat last?
With regular use and proper care, a natural rubber yoga mat can last several years.
2. How often should I clean my yoga mat?
Light cleaning after a few uses and a deeper clean every one to two weeks is usually sufficient, depending on how often you practise.
3. Can I use disinfectant sprays on this mat?
It’s best to avoid harsh disinfectant sprays and instead use a mild, non-toxic cleaner to protect the rubber surface.
4. How should I store the mat between uses?
Store the mat rolled loosely in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
5. Will the mat crack or degrade over time?
Natural rubber can degrade if exposed to excessive heat or sunlight, but with normal indoor use and care, the mat should remain in good condition.
🌿 Safety, Materials & Sustainability
1. Is natural rubber environmentally friendly?
Natural rubber is derived from rubber trees and is generally considered more environmentally friendly than plastic-based materials, although it is not impact-free.
2. Is this yoga mat safe for skin contact?
Yes, the mat is designed for direct skin contact during yoga practice.
3. Is the mat free from harmful chemicals?
The mat is made without PVC and similar plastic-based materials, focusing instead on natural rubber.
4. Is the mat suitable for people with latex sensitivity?
Because natural rubber contains latex, this mat may not be suitable for people with latex allergies or sensitivities.
5. Where is the mat manufactured?
Manufacturing details are provided transparently by the brand and can be shared on request or on the product page.
🌅 Lifestyle & Timing
1. Is this mat good for morning or evening practice?
Yes, the mat is suitable for both morning and evening practice, whether you prefer energising flows or slower, calming sessions.
2. Can I use this mat outdoors occasionally?
The mat can be used outdoors occasionally on clean, dry surfaces, but it should not be left in direct sunlight for extended periods.
📦 Shipping & Returns
1. Where do you ship orders from?
Orders are shipped from the UK.
2. How long does delivery take?
Delivery times depend on your location and are shown at checkout before you place your order.
3. Will I receive tracking information?
Yes, tracking details are provided once your order has been dispatched.
4. What if my yoga mat arrives damaged?
If your mat arrives damaged, you can contact us so we can arrange a replacement or solution.
5. Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Returns and exchanges are available in line with our store’s returns policy.
🌍 International Orders
1. Do you ship yoga mats internationally?
Yes, we ship our products internationally.
2. How long does international shipping take?
International delivery times vary by country and are shown at checkout.
3. Will I have to pay customs fees or import taxes?
Depending on your country, customs fees or import taxes may apply and are the responsibility of the buyer.
4. Can I track my order if I’m outside the UK?
Yes, international orders include tracking so you can follow your delivery.
5. Who can I contact if I have questions about international shipping?
You can contact us before ordering if you need clarification about shipping to your country.
🧘♀️ Brand & Trust
1. Who is But First, Yoga?
But First, Yoga is a yoga-focused brand created to support people who want more grip, space, and comfort in their practice.
2. Where is your business based?
The business is based in the UK and ships orders from the UK.
3. Why did you start the brand?
The brand was started to address common frustrations with slipping and limited space on standard yoga mats.
4. How can I contact you?
You can contact us via the contact page on our website or through our official social media channels.
5. How can I be sure this is a legitimate business?
We operate as a registered business, provide clear contact details, transparent policies, and sell through established platforms including our own website.
