Mat Etiquette 

 

I lied.  I said the whole mat-thing was done, over, exhausted, tired.  It was time to give the mat conversation(s) a much needed, juicy savasana.  Then, in Ann Austin's always awesome class this morning, it was suggested to me that I roll my mat incorrectly.  Well, I'll be.  This spawned some conversation about mat rolling and general mat "etiquette".  So here goes.(1)

Mat Rolling -  Do not roll your mat if it is damp, dewy or wet.  It gets stinky and gross really fast.  I roll with the top side of my mat facing up.  This keeps the surface of my mat off the floor, which I think is preferable (not that it makes much difference, since my feet have been on the floor, then on my mat).  My sturdy and not-too-heavy Manduka Lite has two sides, so figuring out the "top" is easy.  Most mats now have tags or labels indicating the up side.   There is a whole other group of "rollers" who turn their mat over and roll with the bottom topside.  This smartly manages the curve of the mat when you unroll it and keeps the ends from curling.  OK, two camps. 

Feet on Your Own Mat - It's considered impolite to step on another's mat.  Some people think this is being a bit anal, but try to be considerate.  When you are doing poses with a partner, it doesn't hurt to ask "may I use your mat?"  Avoiding your classmates mat is often impractical.  In crowded mat-to-mat workshops, the teacher invariable says "gather around".  It's almost impossible to tiptoe and squat with your notebook without landing a toe or heel on someone's mat.  And, as a teacher, it's unavoidable.  

Keep your Sweat to Yourself -  Talented yogini, Carol King, and I had a laugh when sharing our experiences in packed sweaty Anna Forrest and Rusty Wells classes.  These teachers attract strong students and pack 'em in.  You have personal space of about 5 inches on all sides.  If you're a heavy sweater, try to avoid dripping on your neighbor's mat in uttitha padangustasana b or any other pose where you're overhanging onto the next mat.  A towel to wipe around your mat during and after class would be nice.  Of course, if you're in a Bikram class, you have carpet and pad to soak up the body fluid (uh, ewwwy)(2)     

Did I miss anything?  Is there anything else to be said about a simple yoga mat?  Please let me know.  There's nothing like working a topic to death.  It completes a cycle, right? 

(1) In case you're curious, all of this is my opinion.  Some of it I make up, read about or hear first, second or third hand.  I avoid lying, cheating or gossiping, at least most of the time.  

(2) I'm sure many Bikram studio owners keep their carpets clean, but still.