Yoga Etiquette:
People who are new to yoga and long-time student practitioners sometimes need a refresher in etiquette when it comes to yoga classrooms and yoga studios. Some of this is common sense. Other tips are not so obvious.
Experiencing a yoga class for the first time or the hundredth time should be enjoyable, stress-free and should include considerate behavior to all other students in the class and to the teacher.
Etiquette Tip #1: Make it part of your yoga practice to arrive early. Getting to class about 10 minutes early can help you sign in, settle in and align your attitude with the purpose of the class. While you're waiting you can practice a pose, do a few stretches or just sit or lie quietly, breathe and get centered. Repeatedly arriving late to class can be disruptive to others. We realize that situations do occur, however. If you do arrive late, politely prepare yourself for class at the door (put away your keys, remove your coat, cover-up, shoes) and have your mat ready to unroll quietly as you get on the mat.
Etiquette Tip #2: Please turn off cell phones, pagers & anything that makes noise. If you must bring your cell phone, pager or iPod or any other electronic equipment into the yoga studio make sure it is off or that all settings are on silent. If you are a doctor on-call talk to the teacher and let them know that you will be leaving your electronic equipment on vibrate. For anyone else, turn it off. If you are expecting a call that is that important, perhaps you should skip class. It is very distracting for other students to hear the beep, ring or vibrate of a cell phone in the middle of yoga practice.
Etiquette Tip #3: Remove your shoes before getting on the mat... PLEASE NO SHOES ON THE MAT.
Etiquette Tip #4: Don't come to class if you are ill. Yoga is usually done is close proximity to others. Not only does coming to class sick have the potential of making others sick, coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose etc. can be disruptive for both the teacher and the other students. Take the time to recover completely before returning to class.
Etiquette Tip #5: Bring Your Own Mat. We have shared yoga mats available for new or trial membership students, or if you have forgoten your mat. It is best however to use your own mat. One good reason is that it is more sanitary to use your own mat, rather than a shared mat. A decent "sticky" mat can be purchased for around $10 to $25 at any discount store like Target or Walmart.
Etiquette Tip #6: Do not disrupt meditation by leaving early. While it is hard to convince some yoga students that the meditative portion of class at the end is the most important, try not to leave during meditation. If you must leave class early, do it before Savasana/Meditation (final relaxation pose). If you need to leave early, allow yourself a few minutes in corpse pose to reap in the benefits of your shortened practice. This also alerts others around you that you plan to leave class a bit early. If you know that you have to leave before meditation starts, please set up near the door and leave before everyone gets into the relaxation position.
Etiquette Tip #7: Follow the Teacher. The reason to partake in a yoga class is to follow the instructions of the teacher. Not following the instructions of the teacher can be confusing for both the teacher and the other students. Unless you are doing modified poses for back or other injuries, or the modified poses of pregnancy, it's best to stick with what the teacher is doing. It is better to sit still and skip certain moves if you do not or cannot do them than to do your own thing in the middle of class.
Etiquette Tip #8: Do not wear excessive perfumes or oils. Because classes involve breath work and deep breathing, it is considerate to not wear excessive perfumes, colognes or even essential oils, or none at all. If you go to class from work, and wear perfume during the day, simply skip applying any on the day you have yoga. During yoga practice nobody wants to breathe in a medley of perfumes or colognes. For students with allergies or sensitivities, they may have to leave the studio if the perfume scents are too strong.
Etiquette Tip #9: Come in with an open mind and an open heart. Training with an open heart and mind allows us to remain present. This may help you become more aware and understanding, more loving and compassionate, healthier, stronger or more skillful. Practicing non-judgement will not only help you but may benefit a friend, your family and the world around you.
Etiquette Tip #10 Speak in hushed tones before and after class. Loud voices can interfere with students who have arrived early for meditation or staying after class for some quieting time. Be respectful of the volume of your conversations.
Etiquette Tip #11: Be a good yogi and clean your borrowed mat before putting it away. Mat disinfectant is kept at the studio. Also, please pick up and neatly put away any props you use.
By following these basic yoga class etiquette tips you will help make yoga a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The most important thing... enjoy yourself and have fun with your yoga practice!
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