Stanedge Groundwork Mat
A natural rubber mat with the grip to hold a pose
£75£49
- 1 pressed natural rubber yoga mat, 183 x 66 cm x 4 mm, reinforced cotton webbing carry strap
- ✓ Natural rubber base for dependable grip
- ✓ 4 mm thickness for stability without bulk
- ✓ Webbing strap included for carrying or rolling
Stanedge Groundwork Mat
One mat or a few for shared practice
Express 1-Click Order (Name + Phone)
Selected Package: 2 mats (£58)
Returns within 30 days
From the day your order arrives, you have 30 days to send it back under the terms of our Returns Policy. Reach out to our customer desk to arrange it.
Rosalind Kemp
Grip is the first thing students notice when a mat is wrong, and the first thing they stop noticing when it's right. This one disappears into the background of the practice, which is exactly where a mat should be.
What gives the mat its grip
Unroll flat
Lay the mat out fully on a clean, flat surface before starting
Let the rubber settle
Natural rubber grips best once it has had a moment to lie flat
Move through practice
The surface grip holds through standing, seated and floor positions
Roll and carry
Roll the mat surface-out and secure it with the webbing strap for transport
How it ships
The mat is rolled with the strap secured around it and packed into a plain shipping box. It arrives ready to unroll and air before its first session.
Why natural rubber behaves differently underfoot
Where cheaper mats fall short
Many budget mats use a synthetic foam that looks similar to rubber but loses grip quickly once any moisture is on the surface. They often develop a slick patina after a few weeks of regular practice.
What the Groundwork mat does differently
Pressed natural rubber keeps a consistent grip texture through sweat and repeated use rather than smoothing over. The single-layer construction avoids the delamination that affects layered foam mats.
Why this mat earns a permanent spot in a bag
Natural Rubber Base
A pressed rubber surface that holds grip through a full session
Stable Thickness
4 mm offers cushion for floor work without feeling unstable standing
Webbing Strap
A cotton carry strap with a steel buckle for easy transport
Single-Layer Build
No bonded layers to peel apart with regular use
Plain, Durable Design
No printed surface pattern to wear away over time
Setting up and caring for the mat
Unroll the mat for a morning stretch or practice session
Wipe down lightly if the session was sweaty, then air before rolling
Store the mat rolled rather than folded to avoid permanent creases
About the Groundwork mat
A mat that slides during a pose asks for more attention than the pose itself, which is the main reason this one is pressed from natural rubber rather than a synthetic blend that looks similar but behaves differently underfoot. The surface holds its grip through a session without needing a damp cloth wiped across it beforehand, and the 4 mm thickness gives enough cushion for floor work without feeling unstable during standing poses. The mat comes with a webbing carry strap made from the same reinforced cotton used elsewhere in the range, long enough to loop around a rolled mat and sling over a shoulder. It is a plain object built to behave consistently, session after session, rather than one dressed up with scent or printed patterns that fade before the rubber does.
- ✓ No synthetic rubber blends
- ✓ No added surface coatings
- ✓ Wipeable with mild soap and water
What people say after using it
"Grip held up even through a sweaty session, no sliding during standing poses."
Lydia F.
Customer
"Had a mild rubber smell on arrival but it aired out within a couple of days."
James D.
Customer
"The strap makes it easy to carry on the bus to studio classes, a small detail but a good one."
Nora E.
Customer
Common questions about the mat
Does the mat need breaking in before it grips well? +
The rubber grips from the first session, though some users notice it settles in slightly more over the first few uses.
Is this mat suitable for a hard studio floor? +
Yes, the thickness and rubber base are built for use on hard floors including studio and home flooring.
How should the mat be cleaned? +
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed, then allow it to air dry fully before rolling it back up.
Will the mat have a strong rubber smell when it arrives? +
Natural rubber carries a mild scent on arrival that fades with airing and normal use.