When practicing yoga at a yoga studio or in a classroom, a degree of consideration and kindness is expected from students and teachers alike. There is good yoga etiquette and then there is some pretty bad yoga etiquette. Whether it is your first yoga class or the 1000th, following common sense, basic rules, and respecting others goes a long way in making everyone’s yoga experience an enjoyable, relaxed and stress free.
1. Early Arrival
Arrive to your class early, not right when the class is about to start or even worse late. Many classes open their doors 15 to 30 minutes before the class starts. Arriving about 15 minutes early gives you time to get signed in, start settling in, start letting go of your day and your thoughts, do a few warm up stretches, practice a few poses, or just lay down in a resting pose.
Let’s face it, we can all be early all the time. Sometimes you just can’t make it on time. If and when that happens, be prepared to have everything ready at the door, before you step into the classroom. Have your mat, towel and water bottle ready. Remove your shoes and have you keys, phone etc. put away. Step into the yoga room prepared and settle into your space quietly without disturbing others.
Some studios actually close their doors as the class starts, so if you arrive late, you won’t get in.
2. Remove Shoes
Yoga is done bare foot. No shoes allowed. You are expected you to remove your shoes for the yoga practice whether it is done indoors or out. Remove your shoes before you step into the class room, and always before you step on your yoga mat.
3. Leave Cell Phones Out
Leave your phones outside! Outside the studio or at least outside the classroom. One of the most annoying and disturbing things that happen in a yoga class is when somebody’s cell phone rattling, shaking or ringing. Followed by that somebody actually attending to the phone! Argh! Nobody wants to hear your cell phone in a movie theater and nobody wants to hear it in a yoga class.
Some teachers are known to throw out, OK, remove the phone and/or the person from the class for cell phone “infraction”. Texting included!
4. Quiet Please
Before the start of the class and after class, in the locker room or in other common areas use quiet tone of voice. Avoid screaming, laughing, and other loud outbursts. Once you step inside the classroom you are expected to be silent and refrain from chatting with others.
5.What’s the stink?
No matter how expensive your perfume or cologne is, it may be too strong. The scents, even fragrances of essential oils, seem to be magnified in a warm, closed in area where people are engaged in deep breathing. Be mindful, recognizing that somebody might have sensitivities and allergies that can be aggravated by your odors, even the pleasant ones. If you know you are doing yoga a particular day and time, skip the perfume for that day.
6.Gotta Go
Need a bathroom break? Trying going before the class starts, or wait until after the class. Avoid interrupting the class by going to the bathroom or leaving the room for any other reason, if at all possible. Not only does leaving the class room disturb others, but you and your body will feel the shock too. If you suddenly during the class are not feeling good, relax in one of the resting poses and breathe. Child’s pose is excellent in returning the calm and comfort to your body. If you have to leave the room do so quietly with minimum distraction.
7. Follow the Leader
In this case the teacher. For a reason you are taking a “guided” yoga class. The class has a teacher and students. Unless you are doing modified poses, due to physical condition, fatigue or pregnancy, follow the teachers guidance. It can be confusing to the other teachers and students if you are doing your own thing and not following along. If you need to take a break during the class, staying in one of the resting poses until you are ready to return to the flow of the class.
8. Wait, wait…
Anxious to skip the final Savasana? Wait! That’s the best part. The final relaxation and meditation. Resist the urge to leave early by skipping the final few minutes of the class. If you have to leave early, move to Savasana/Corpse Pose a few moments before you have to leave, so you can reap the benefits of this closing of the yoga practice. Stay near the exit door if you know you have to leave early to avoid disturbing others with your exit.
9. Wipe it off!
Sweating is good, but not when you find somebody has been sweating profusely right where you want to put down your mat! Before leaving the room, after a class, quietly wipe off any sweat around your area. Yes, your sweat. You don’t want to encounter sweat from others – neither do others from you.
10. Got a cold – Stay home
Feeling under the weather? Stay off the mat, or at least stay home. In a yoga studio you are in very close proximity and closed in with about 30-40 other people who would rather not get sick. Be considerate of others, take care of yourself and feel better before returning to a yoga classroom.
Come to a yoga class with an open mind and heart. Accept that some things don’t go as planned, whether they are distractions from others or from yourself. Adjust to those situations and find more compassion, understanding and love in your heart. Let it go and be present on your mat for your yoga.
Following good yoga etiquette is often common sense and allows everyone to enjoy the yoga class to the fullest.
