- Arrive on time. Hurrying into class after it’s begun can be distracting for your fellow yogis. So, if arriving after class has begun PLEASE be respectful of your fellow yogis and be extremely quiet. By arriving on time, you give yourself the minutes you need to check in, put away your items, roll out your mat, and gather any props you’ll need for class. Got a few extra minutes before class begins? Sit quietly and focus on your breath, do a few gentle stretches to warm up or say Hello! to the yogi next to you.
- Remove your shoes. Yoga is practiced with bare feet, and it is perfectly safe to leave your shoes at the studio entrance. Granted, Spring and Fall classes may be a bit chilly so socks are welcome! By removing your shoes, you’re not only helping with studio cleanliness, but you’re respecting a space that’s revered and cherished by others.
- Check your ego at the door. Looking for a hardcore workout? You may have to look elsewhere. This yoga studio is not the space for showing off your competitive edge. Remember, you’re here for yourself—not anyone else. Also, please be gentle and respectful with your words and communication. Like the saying says, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind and respect others.
- Tell me about any injuries. I will offer you guidance to go deeper into postures or leave them out all together depending on your body’s ability. If you’re sore, injured, pregnant or just don’t feel like a certain posture would be good for you, let me know before class begins.
- Mind your personal hygiene Uncomfortable subject…I know. Please be aware that some classes are very full and the yogi next to you may be scent sensitive. Mind body odor, heavy perfumes, oils, and colognes, as strong scents travel easily during class as we breathe very deeply. Please make your space a pleasant one.
- Devices are a no-no! Whistles, dings, and blips are distracting and may have a negative effect on your fellow yogi’s experience. Yoga class is a chance to escape the digital distractions we face in everyday life, offering you a rare chance to be fully present. Perhaps turn your phone off or leave it outside of the studio.
- Be aware of your space. Yoga classes can get packed; when the last-minute yogis file in, you’ll often see them scanning the room for a strategic spot to roll out their mat. Be neighborly by making room for them, if it’s available. In a less-packed class, it’s common courtesy to stagger your mats so that the person behind you has a clear view of the teacher. And unless you’re practicing with your bestie or your sweetie, give your neighbor some breathing room. Lastly, and VERY importantly, mind your steps: it’s polite to AVOID walking on a fellow yogi’s mat.
- Minimize conversation. Many studios are considered a space for reflection, self-study, and focus, and maintaining a quiet atmosphere (if not an altogether silent one) supports this frame of mind. Granted, our studio may have an air of social happy hour before class begins, and you’ll know this immediately upon walking in. But if the studio is quiet and meditative, try to keep it that way. It’s not only polite, but it’s beneficial to your own state of mind.
- Can’t stay for savasana? (Final Relaxation) Leave before. We all get it. Time is short, your schedule is tight, but many of your classmates live for Savasana. By packing up and shuffling out during the most meditative and restful stage of the entire class, you may disrupt others. The traditional benefits of savasana restore your nervous system to its default settings and offer your mind a chance to sink into meditation. But above all, it’s a rare chance for you to do nothing for a few minutes. Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and feel the weight of your body against the floor. It’s your own little R&R opportunity. Take it. Absolutely, positively have to leave class early? Let me know before class, position yourself close to the exit, and be sure to leave BEFORE savasana begins. When it’s time to leave, pack up and scoot out as quietly as you can. Thank you!!
- Clean up. Bolsters, blankets, mats, blocks—yoga is a prop-happy practice. If you’re borrowing the studio’s props, be sure to return them to their rightful place upon leaving. If you’re borrowing one of the studio’s mats, be sure to clean it with the mat spray provided and roll it up neatly. Leaving your space and props as clean as you found them is respectful to the studio and students in later classes.