Yoga Class Tips and Etiquette

We all want to get the most out of our yoga classes, so here are a few tips to help you (and your fellow students) have the best experience possible:

New Students: please arrive 10 minutes early to complete new student paperwork and allow one of our expert teachers to take a few minutes with you to make sure you are comfortable and know what to expect.

Be prompt: please make every effort to not be late to class, as it’s disruptive to others. If you arrive after class has started, simply wait in the lobby until the opening mediation has ended, then enter the room quietly, find a spot and unroll your mat as noiselessly as possible. Make a habit of arriving 10-15 minutes early so you can get organized, settle in and center yourself before the class begins.

Remove your shoes: tracking in dirt and bacteria into a space where everyone is walking around barefoot is very unhygienic – and inconsiderate. Upon entering the practice space, please place your shoes (and belongings) in the cubbies so everyone can enjoy a clean, germ-free floor!

Silence your phone: having a cell phone go off during class (or even worse, during Savasana) is very disruptive. The studio is meant to be everyone’s peaceful sanctuary, so please leave your socializing and business concerns outside the space by either shutting off your phone or leaving it in your car.

Keep it clean and dry: do your best to arrive at the studio clean and odor-free. Avoid wearing cologne, perfume, essential oils or any artificial scents that could possibly disturb or offend others. Some people are sensitive to scents and can have allergic reactions. If you tend to sweat a lot, please bring a hand or face towel to help keep yourself and your mat dry (and slip-proof).

Practice (somewhat) empty: try not to eat at least 2 hours before class, as practicing on a full stomach can cause cramps, nausea or even vomiting, especially in twists, deep forward bends and inversions. If you have low blood sugar and need a little snack beforehand, a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts is appropriate up to 30 minutes before class.

Make room: everyone should feel welcome in the practice space, so make room for your fellow students. When the space is especially full, it helps to stagger your mat so you can open your arms to the side without bumping your neighbor. Also, if you must walk about during class, try not to step on other people’s mats – that’s their sacred space!

Inform your teacher: if you have any injuries or health conditions that might affect your practice, please let the instructor know beforehand. If you’re injured or tired, skip poses you can’t or shouldn’t do or try a modified version.

Mum’s the word: it’s always fun to practice with people you know, but during class, let go of conversations. It’s important to be mindful of others around you who are trying to stay engaged and in the moment.

Leave your ego at the door: instead of competing with your fellow students, going too deeply into poses or forcing your body to do something it isn’t ready for, keep your mind on your own mat and do what you can without straining or injuring yourself. Adopt a loving, compassionate attitude toward yourself and work from where you are, not from where you think you should be. Yoga can be practiced for your entire life, so there’s no need to rush to “get somewhere!”

Don’t skip Savasana: final relaxation is actually the most important part of yoga, as it allows the body and mind to absorb all the benefits of the practice. If you must leave class early, let your teacher know beforehand, leave before Savasana begins and try not to make a habit of it.

Tidy up: if you use props such as blankets, straps and blocks during class, please put them neatly away in their proper places when the class has ended. If you’ve used one of the studio mats, make sure you wipe it off and roll it up after use. Teachers appreciate the thoughtfulness of students who help leave the classroom neat and tidy for the next group.

Create an intention: to help you focus your energy, you might find it helpful to dedicate your practice to a positive intention. Your intentions can range from becoming more loving and compassionate, staying present, to sending your strength to a friend in need, a cause or to your own yogic journey.

Reflect: after class take time to think about what you did in the classroom, as this can help you retain what you learned. Review the poses you practiced and note any modifications or adjustments that particularly worked for you. If you remember only one thing from each class, you'll soon have a lot of valuable information that can help you deepen your personal practice.

By following these simple rules of etiquette, you are not only helping us create a more mindful, considerate studio environment, you're also helping yourself get the most out of your own yoga experience.

Namaste!