FREE SHIPPING & FREE RETURN SHIPPING
Santa Cruz - Tahoe, CALIFORNIA
(831) 239-8434 Owner's Cell
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the placements do?
The placements help you with angles of your feet, the distances between your feet and if you use your right or left hand.
Do I have to put my hands and feet exactly on top of the placements?
No. Use the mat as a guide but adjust yourself for your body. Listen to your body first, not the mat. Never do anything that causes you pain.
Do the placements help with poses not shown on the mat?
Yes, the placements on your mat help you with the provided poses. They will also benefit all yoga poses because the placements and lines serve as alignment and reference points.
Will this mat replace the need for a yoga teacher?
This mat was intended to be used as a tool in yoga class and to build people's confidence at home. It can be used at home but nothing replaces a good teacher. It is best to practice both at home and in class. Using the mat in class allows your teachers to give you better instruction since they will not need to correct your hands and feet, allowing them to focus on other aspects of yoga. The reference points will make it easier for you to remember their corrections during your home practice.
I already take yoga and know these poses. Will this mat help me?
Your teacher will be able to use the placements and lines on the mat as reference points for any pose, which will make their feedback more specific and helpful. Having reference points will make it easier for you to remember their corrections. You will get more out of your yoga classes.
Do I need a mat for both home and class?
You can use the same mat for both your home and class, however you may want to have one for each place if you are worried about bringing home germs from the floor in your class, especially if you're in a gym. You may also leave your mat at home and use one of the provided mats at class but since your sweat, feet and face often touch your mat, I feel it is best to use your own personal mat. Plus, it is nice to have the reference points on your mat both in class and at home. Either way, remember to clean your mat from time to time, especially if you are taking it to and from your home.
Why are some placements in different places compared to those I have seen in the past?
Placements may vary slightly depending on different teachers and styles of yoga. For example, the mat's hand placements are on the outside of the feet. You may see yoga variations with the hands inside of the feet. This is not a problem because the purpose of the hand placements are so you know if you should use your right or left hand. This should stay consistent with any variation of yoga.
This instructional yoga mat is based off of Iyengar yoga poses. There are basic yoga poses as well as advanced yoga poses on the instructional yoga mat. Iyengar yoga is one, of the many styles of yoga. The hand and foot placements for each yoga pose may vary slightly depending on the different styles of yoga. I chose to model my mat after Iyengar yoga since the style emphasizes on detail, precision, and alignment of the poses as well as breath control. Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga and is typically practiced at a slower pace. If you are just beginning yoga, I feel that Iyengar yoga is a good style to begin your practice with. I also enjoy Vinyasa (flow) style, but with Vinyasa you move more often into the different yoga positions than Iyengar yoga. I feel that Iyengar yoga is better if you are just beginning yoga, since you have more time to get into the different poses.
Does the mat come with instructions?
Yes, there are instructions on the inside of the packaging that is wrapped around your mat. Make sure to open the packaging carefully so you don't tear the instructions.
What should I do when I open my mat?
It is best to roll your mat out flat on the floor for 24 hours. The mats are nontoxic, but even nontoxic mats may smell when first unwrapped. This is normal and will decrease quickly. Since your mat is free of chemical phthalates, it may seem a little rigid when first unwrapped. This is also normal for phthalate free mats and will soften soon after laying the mat flat. Placing the mat in the sun for five minutes will speed up this process.
How I get my yoga mat to lay flat YOUTUBE VIDEO
What if my mat is slippery?
New yoga mats can be slippery at first. You can clean your mat with water, witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Allow to fully air dry because wet mats are super slippery. Also, wash your hands and feet and remember not to apply lotion before using your mat.
Are some poses more difficult than others?
If you are new to yoga, please start with the first six poses. The last three are more advanced. Only do poses that you feel you are ready for and use modifications. It is better to do too little than too much. You can always add more poses as you become more confident. The poses are challenging but with practice you WILL improve.
Does the mat have phthalates?
The mats are SGS tested and certified to be free of chemical phthalates.
What is SGS tested and certified?
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. Recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, they employ 70,000 people and operate a network of more than 1,350 offices and laboratories around the world. You may view their website at: www.sgs.com
Do the inks have phthalates?
The inks are also free of chemical phthalates and because of this they may vary and have some slight imperfections (small pin holes in the ink). However, the inks are very long lasting and have quality printing. I feel that health is a higher priority than perfection. If you are not happy with the printing, simply send your mat back for a full refund. However, I have yet to have a customer with negative feedback in regards to the inks.
What are phthalates?
Phthalates are chemical compounds used as an additive to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products to make them flexible. They are colorless, almost odorless liquids that are hard to evaporate and do not chemically bind well to the material they are added to, making them easily inhaled and absorbed through the skin.
Phthalates can release from a product by heat, activity, and prolonged storage. The release can occur during manufacturing, use, and even after the product has been disposed of.
Negative effects that phthalates show in laboratory animals are: early onset of puberty, interfering with reproductive development and the hormone system, causing reproductive and genital defects, lowering testosterone and sperm count, obesity, and some cancers.
Phthalate health effects may cause rashes, higher insulin resistance, asthma, obesity, and skin allergies.
Phthalates have an effect on the environment since they release into the atmosphere, ocean, and soil. Phthalates are highly toxic to aquatic life.
However, phthalates are common in so many products people use everyday, from food products to cosmetics. I personally feel that the phthalate problem is much larger than yoga mats.
Do you have a question that was not answered?
If you have a question, please e-mail or call me and I will answer it. If I don't know the answer, I will find out.
info@CopyCatYoga.com 831-239-8434 Sarah Mark, Owner
Contact
Do you have a question that was not answered? If you have a question, please call or e-mail and I will answer it. If I don't know the answer, I will find out.
Sarah Mark
831-239-8434