Should I roll up my yoga mat?

Whether or not to roll up your yoga mat after practice is a common question for yogis. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if rolling is right for you and your mat. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, storage space, and how often you practice yoga.

Quick Answers

Why should I roll my yoga mat?

Rolling your mat tightly after use can help:

– Keep the mat clean and free of dirt, hair, and debris
– Maintain the mat’s grippy surface by smoothing out wrinkles
– Prolong the life of the mat by evenly distributing weight and not stressing weak points
– Allow for compact storage in tight spaces like lockers or under beds

Why shouldn’t I roll my yoga mat?

Reasons not to roll your yoga mat include:

– It takes time and effort to tightly roll the mat after every use
– Tightly rolling the mat can cause cracks over time, shortening its lifespan
– Letting the mat air out can help reduce odor buildup from sweat
– Not rolling the mat allows it to lie flat, making the next unfurling quicker

What does leaving a yoga mat rolled or unrolled do to the material?

Rolling: Helps smooth out creases but may cause tiny cracks in the material over time with tight rolls. Distributes weight evenly.

Unrolling: Can allow creases to set into the mat which may affect grip and cause earlier wear. Puts pressure on specific points of contact when mat is stacked.

Should I roll my mat tightly or loosely?

– Tight rolls help the mat keep its shape and smooth surface but can cause micro-cracks.
– Looser rolls reduce cracking but may lead to more creases and uneven wear.
– Find the Goldilocks balance of rolling tightly enough to smooth out creases but loosely enough to avoid long-term damage.

The Pros and Cons of Rolling Yoga Mats

Benefits of Rolling Your Yoga Mat

Keeping it clean:

Rolling your yoga mat tightly after each use can help keep it free of dirt, pet hair, and debris that might otherwise cling to the surface. Given that yoga mats are used on floors and sometimes outdoors, they can easily pick up unwanted remnants. Taking the time to smooth out and tightly roll the mat acts like a self-cleaning step, forcing off bits that shouldn’t be there. A quick unroll at your next session unveils a clean surface ready for action.

Maintaining grip:

The top layer of a yoga mat provides traction to keep hands and feet from slipping during poses. When left unrolled, mats can develop permanent creases or wrinkles in high-use areas. Taking the time to roll up the mat tightly smooths out these folds, helping maintain the surface’s grippy nature. Tiny wrinkles and waves in the material can cause hands and feet to slip while holding poses. Keeping the mat’s surface taut preserves optimal grip strength for safer practice.

Extending mat lifespan:

Repeatedly rolling a yoga mat tightly distributes weight and tension evenly across the entire surface. When left unrolled, pressure concentrates along those creases and wrinkled zones. This can weaken the material prematurely in those high-stress areas. Taking the time to roll the mat properly makes the whole surface share the load, avoiding weak spots and prolonging the life of the mat. A mat that regularly rolls and unrolls in the same way will wear evenly for maximum longevity.

Compact storage:

One obvious advantage of rolling yoga mats is their ease of storage in confined spaces. Rather than taking up a large footprint, a tightly rolled mat can stow away just about anywhere. Apartment dwellers with limited square footage appreciate being able to tuck their mats out of sight under beds, inside closets or behind furniture when not in use. Some yoga mat carriers even include a strap for conveniently toting a rolled mat over your shoulder.

Downsides of Rolling Your Yoga Mat

Time and effort:

It takes extra time and physical effort to properly smooth out, tightly roll and secure your yoga mat after each and every use. In a rushed environment like a busy gym studio where you need to make way for the next class, this can feel like an annoying inconvenience. At home after an exhausting solo session, it’s tempting to skip the rolling step and just stash your mat any which way. Making mat rolling part of your routine requires discipline.

Potential for cracks:

While rolling tightly does distribute weight evenly across the surface, some super-tight rolls can lead to tiny cracks in the material over time. When the mat is compressed exceedingly small in diameter, it places stress on the rolled layers, causing miniscule cracks and splits. These are often imperceptible at first but can expand into bothersome cracks that catch hands and feet. Finding the right tightness takes practice.

Odor retention:

Yoga mats absorb sweat, leading to built-up odor over time with regular use. Letting a mat air out unrolled rather than tightly rolled may help moisture evaporate and odors disperse versus being locked in. However, a loosely rolled mat kept in an airy, dry place could also provide air circulation. Best to quickly unroll your mat after use to air it out before rolling again.

Added prep time:

Having to unfurl a tightly rolled yoga mat adds an extra step of preparation when you’re ready to begin your practice. A mat left unrolled lies flat and ready for immediate use. However, the benefits of keeping your mat properly rolled likely outweigh taking a few extra seconds to unfurl it when you’re ready for yoga.

Material Impact

PVC/Vinyl Mats

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and vinyl yoga mats are among the most common and affordable options. Their closed-cell structure makes them water-resistant and easy to clean. However, leaving them rolled too tightly or for prolonged periods can cause the material to take on cracks or creases. The tightly wound layers put pressure on the surfaces in contact, which can damage the material over time. Letting a PVC mat fully unfurl after rolling is ideal for reducing cracking.

Rubber Mats

Rubber yoga mats are praised for their cushy padding and natural grip. Rubber’s elasticity allows it to be rolled tightly with less risk of retaining creases or cracks. Leaving a rubber mat unrolled likely will not impact its longevity or function. However, rubber’s open-cell nature can allow dirt and moisture deeper into the mat if not rolled up. Determine if your rubber mat’s grip remains optimal when leaving unrolled or if regular tight rolls are needed to revive the tacky surface.

Cotton Mats

Cotton yoga mats provide an eco-friendly alternative with sustainable sourcing and biodegradability. Cotton offers excellent absorbency for hot yoga and traction when unrolled. However, cotton’s natural fibers can weaken and compress when repeatedly rolled tightly. The friction and pressure caused by rolling cotton repeatedly can break down fibers over time. For cotton, it is best to roll loosely or to fold the mat versus rolling. Allow the cotton mat to fully air dry between uses before rolling or folding.

Jute Mats

Jute yoga mats are made of natural jute fiber for eco-conscious yogis. Jute fibers create a stiff, grippy woven surface ideal for yoga. But jute does not have the elasticity of rubber that allows tight rolling. When jute yoga mats are tightly rolled, the woven material can develop cracks and weak spots. It is best to gently roll jute mats no tighter than necessary to carry or store them between uses. Allowing them to lie flat fully unfurled extends their longevity.

Mat Material Roll Tightly? Leave Unrolled?
PVC/Vinyl Can cause cracks when rolled too tight May develop creases and uneven wear when left unrolled
Rubber Withstands tight rolling well May attract dirt and moisture if left unrolled
Cotton Repeated tight rolls can damage fibers over time Natural grip is optimal when unrolled
Jute Can crack if rolled too tight Lies flat and provides grip when unrolled

Tips for Rolling Technique

Yoga mats represent a range of materials, textures, thicknesses and sizes. So there is no one-size-fits-all approach to rolling. It’s worth experimenting to find the right tightness and technique for your personal mat. Here are some rolling tips to try:

– Roll lengthwise, not widthwise, for an evenly cylindrical roll. Rolling widthwise may create an oblong shape.

– Use your body weight and leverage to smoothly roll the mat. Don’t just rely on your hands or arms to provide tension. Engage your core.

– Roll from one end, not the center, for a tighter roll. Centre rolls may loosen on the ends.

– Try rolling tightly but not to the mat’s absolute minimum diameter to avoid long-term cracks. Leave a fraction of elasticity.

– Secure with a strap or elastic band – but not so tight as to over-compress the rolled mat. The band just keeps the roll intact.

– Store mat on its side rather than standing on the roll’s ends to avoid flattening.

– Give new mats a “break-in” period before rolling tightly to allow the material to adapt.

– Air out moisture after use before rolling – don’t trap sweat inside a tight roll.

– Smooth out any deep creases gently by hand before rolling. Don’t force overly wrinkled areas.

– Unroll and lie flat immediately before your next yoga session to maximize grip.

– Refrain from leaving mats tightly rolled longer than necessary. Allow to fully unfurl between uses.

– Roll gently and gradually on textured mats like jute or cotton that are prone to cracking.

Following these tips can help you roll your mat tightly enough for storage and transport without causing long-term damage. But keep in mind that no mat will last forever with continual use. Find the rolling and unrolling routine that works best for preserving your mat’s lifespan and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I roll my yoga mat after hot yoga or let it air out?

It’s best to allow your yoga mat to fully air dry after hot yoga before rolling it up. The moisture and sweat released during hot yoga classes can get trapped in a tightly rolled mat, leading to accelerated wear and tear as well as unpleasant odors. Gently unroll your mat and allow it to dry completely before attempting to roll it – this helps preserve your mat and prevent mold or mildew growth.

Can leaving a yoga mat rolled damage it?

Leaving a yoga mat tightly rolled for prolonged periods when not in use can potentially damage the material. When tightly rolled, the mat is under constant tension and pressure in the compressed state. This can lead to cracking or splitting, especially in the contact points between layers. It’s best to minimize the time your mat spends rolled tight by unrolling immediately before use and rerolling gently after.

Should I unroll my yoga mat after class?

It’s recommended to gently unroll your yoga mat after class to let it fully lie flat. This allows any creases from use to relax rather than being set into the material. It also helps air out any accumulated moisture and odors. You can reroll the mat more loosely for transport home and storage between uses. But giving the mat a chance to unfurl immediately after your yoga session helps maximize its longevity.

Which side should face out when rolling my mat?

Unless your mat is double-sided, it is generally recommended to roll your yoga mat with the grippy, textured side facing outward. The smooth backing side touching itself helps create a tight, even roll. Having the tactile surface face out also makes it quicker and easier to unfurl and use your mat for your next yoga session. The gripped outer layer provides friction to keep the mat neatly rolled.

How tight should I roll my yoga mat?

Finding the right tightness when rolling your yoga mat takes some trial and error. Roll tightly enough to smooth out creases and wrinkles but not so excessively tight that you risk damaging material or causing cracks. Allow a fraction of elasticity rather than compressing to the absolute minimum diameter. Use leverage from your body rather than just your hands to find the optimal snugness for storage without placing too much tension on the rolled mat.

Is it OK to leave my yoga mat rolled up?

While it is common to store yoga mats rolled up between uses, it is ideal not to leave them rolled up indefinitely. Prolonged time spent in a tightly compressed rolled state can weaken the materials and fibers. Whenever possible, unroll your yoga mat fully to let it lie flat and relax after use before rolling gently. Limit the mat’s time spent continuously rolled tight by briefly airing it out and flattening between yoga sessions.

Should I roll or fold my yoga mat?

For most standard mat materials like PVC, rubber and EVA foam, rolling is preferred to folding. Rolling evenly distributes pressure across the surface, avoiding weak points that can crack. Folding can concentrate stress and strain on crease points. However, very thick mats may be too bulky to roll tightly. And some natural fiber mats like cotton or jute may fare better gently folded versus rolled. Know your individual mat’s structure when deciding between rolling or folding.

How do I get wrinkles and creases out of my yoga mat?

To remove stubborn wrinkles or creases from your yoga mat, start by gently massaging the area with your hands to relax the material. Then, roll the mat as tightly as possible to help redistribute the wrinkled area’s tension evenly across the surface. You can also try laying the mat flat and placing books or heavy objects on problem areas to flatten them out. Avoid forcing overly creased zones – coax them slowly back into shape.

Conclusion

Deciding whether or not to roll up your yoga mat ultimately depends on the mat’s material composition, your storage space, and personal preference. While some opt to leave their mat open for convenience, taking the time to properly roll your mat after each use can help extend its longevity by evenly distributing pressure. Find the rolling tightness and technique that smooths out creases without risking cracks. And remember to briefly air out moisture and odor by fully unrolling after use. With the right rolling and unrolling routine, your mat can offer years of grip for safe, enjoyable yoga sessions.

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