Yoga Tips and Etiquette

The following guidelines will help you reduce your risk of injury and feel more comfortable during practice:

•  Listen to instructions carefully
•  Breathe smoothly and continuously
•  Do not strain to attain any position
•  If you experience pain or discomfort adjust the posture and ask for support from the teacher.
•  Work gently, respecting your body
•  Don’t perform postures or movements that are painful
•  Ask the teacher if you are unsure how to perform a certain posture
•  Pregnant women must consult their healthcare provider before enrolling in class
•  Classes should be done on a near-empty stomach. You should have nutrition in your system, but not eat a meal 2 hours prior to class or a snack 1 hour prior to class.
•  Please come to class hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and after class. A water cooler and cups are available for your refreshment before and after class. Feel free to bring a sealed bottle of room-temperature water into class with you in case you need it.
• Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in– not too tight, not too loose.
• Do not wear lotions or creams on your hands and feet as they can cause you to slip and lose your grip.
• Please bring a mat and any other props that you find helpful. Most people like to have their own mat. Mats and props may be purchased here or from other sources. We have some mats and many props available for your use at the studio.
• Do your best to be on time. Late arrival is a distraction to the class, but it is understood that there are times when it cannot be helped.

yoga etiquette

We offer some basic rules of good yoga etiquette that will help you feel more comfortable about what is expected when entering a yoga studio. They are based on common sense and courtesy but deal with some issues that are specific to yoga classes and studios. In addition, you can refer to our frequently asked questions for more info.

1. Remove Your Shoes

We have benches with shelves for students to store their shoes while in class. Please put shoes neatly under benches, not out where someone could trip over them. Since people will be walking around the studio barefoot, it is most hygienic if everyone takes off their outdoor shoes first thing.

2. Turn Off Your Cell Phone

Make a habit of doing this as soon as you get to the yoga studio. You will be quite embarrassed if your phone rings during class. If this happens, I advocate owning up and going to turn the thing off immediately. Some teachers prefer that it just be ignored and will let you know of their preference.

3. Arrive On Time!

Arrive at least 10 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. The outer door will be locked for security reasons after class begins. If you do arrive less than 15 minutes late, you may knock on the door or window to be admitted. We understand that there are occasions when arriving late cannot be helped. PLEASE, try not to make it a regular occurrence. Arriving on time is a sign of respect for your teacher your fellow students and for yourself.

4. Respect Your Fellow Students

When entering the yoga room, please be mindful of others. Students may be using the time before class starts to center and meditate. For some, the studio space is a rare sanctuary of stillness in their busy day. Please be considerate not to intrude upon their peace. That being said, we encourage community! Use your good judgment, and, if appropriate, feel free to speak quietly with others before your class starts. When you enter the front door, assume that there is either a class (savasana/relaxation) in session, or a bodywork session in progress. Use the time waiting outside in the lobby area to meditate. If you must speak, while a previous class is still in session, please whisper.

5. Respect the Teacher

When you enter a yoga class, you sign on to respect the teacher for the next hour and a half. You may discover halfway through the class that you don’t care for this teacher, style, or hour of the day. But you still should continue with the class, follow the teacher’s instructions, take your Savasana, and chalk it up to experience. If you become ill, however, please feel free to let the teacher know, and leave the class. Classes will not be held for only one person.

6. Respect Yoga Props & Studio Space

Take care of studio props by carefully rolling mats and putting away bolsters, straps, and blocks in a tidy fashion. If you sweat excessively, mat spray is provided for cleaning studio mats. Please always spray and wipe down studio mats after use. If you sweat on a blanket, please do not replace it in the blanket box. Place it in the basket provided, so that it can be laundered. Please, do not chew gum inside the studio.

7. Keep Variations Appropriate

Keep in mind the level of the class you are attending. If it is an advanced class and some of the poses are too hard, it is fine to take a more basic variation of the poses being taught. Usually, the teacher will offer this option. If you are attending a basic class, stick to the basic versions of the poses so you don’t confuse new students. The teacher will offer you the option to take a more advanced variation when appropriate. When it comes time to take a vinyasa, always feel free to take either Knees, Chest and Chin, Cobra or Chaturanga, and Updog. See our class descriptions for more details about each class level.

8. Go to the Bathroom During Resting Poses

It is fine to leave class for a few minutes to go to the bathroom: There is no need to ask the teacher’s permission. The best time to go is when there is a period of rest, either in Child’s Pose or Downward Dog.

9. Don’t Skip Savasana!

Your final relaxation in Savasana is an important part of your practice. Don’t plan to leave class early. If you must, tell the teacher in advance and take a short Savasana before you go. Don’t make a habit of this.