Studio Etiquette
Etiquette Tip #1
Make it part of your yoga practice to arrive early. Getting to class at least 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. Better to leave these in the car. But, if you must bring your cell phone, pager 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 entering the studio. All students are walking barefoot in the studio itself, no street shoes should ever enter the studio practice area.
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
Do not engage in conversation during practice. If you have a question of the teacher unrelated to the current posture, ask it after class. If you have a question regarding the current posture, ask quietly so as not do disrupt the practice of others in the room.
Etiquette Tip #6
Do not disrupt class or meditation by leaving early.If you cannot keep up with the class on a given day, lie quietly in savasana while the class continues. Try not to leave the room during class, it is disruptive to other students anddisrespectful to the teacher. 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 final meditation. If you must leave class early do it before Savasana/Meditation (final relaxation pose). If you know that you have to leave before meditation starts,please let the teacher know in advance, and 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, 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 any perfumes or oils. Because classes involve breath work and deep breathing, it is considerate to not wear any perfumes, colognes or even essential oils. 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
Scatter mats so everyone has access to the front mirror. Stagger mats in both back and front rows so that everyone can see the front mirror.
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 hang up your rented mat on the rail provided, and neatly put away any props you use. Wipe up your immediate floor area if the floor is wet. Students leaving or coming into the room could slip on a wet floor. 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!
FAQ
All classes are for beginners as well as experienced yoga practitioners. Everyone works to their own level and achieves maximum benefit with maximum effort, regardless of fitness level. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about joining a yoga class. If the answer is not here, please feel free to contact us with questions.
Are the classes appropriate for those new to Yoga?
The classes are for all levels from beginner to advanced yoga students. There are always modifications that can be used by new students. Check our class descriptions on our home page. We encourage beginners to pace themselves in class, and for best results complete as many classes as your schedule permits during your introduction period. A consistent practice will gradually allow you to build strength, focus, stamina, and flexibility. There is no competition in yoga, we honor the fact that everyone’s experience will be unique.
Will the classes challenge me?
Yes. But you determine the intensity with which you will work in each pose and during each class. Your first few classes may be difficult. It is not unusual to experience some dizziness or nausea, but this is an indication of reorganizing and revitalizing of the body as you progress to a new healthy self. Do not be alarmed if this happens, it is a sign of change! You may lie down anytime you need and these feelings will dissipate. The challenge will make you strong and stress free. After only a few classes students begin to experience a beautiful energy, lightness, and clarity of mind.
How often should I practice?
Every day! Consistency and discipline are the keys to a successful yoga practice and you will see more benefits, the more you practice. Of course, your schedule may not allow you to practice daily, but we recommend you practice as often as your schedule permits. Three days a week will begin a transformation over time. Occasionally, a new student commits to a 30-day challenge; 30 classes in 30 days, and realizes a total transformation! When you feel the benefits, your body, mind, and spirit will draw you to a practice that is right for you.
What if I am not flexible?
Thats why you’re here! You don’t need to be flexible, a consistent practice will develop flexibility, balance, and strength over time. Everyone needs to respect their own limitations. You will find that these limitations begin to decrease over time.
Why Hot Yoga?
Practitioners of Hot Yoga find the heat extends the ability of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles to stretch, while increasing circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.. A Hot Yoga practice will release toxins, improve flexibility and range of motion, increase weight loss, develop muscle tone, and build up the immune system. A Hot Yoga practice reduces symptoms of a wide range of chronic illnesses, including but not limited to, thyroid disorders, arthritis, circulatory problems, fibromyalgia and chronic back pain.
Will I lose weight doing Hot Yoga?
Many students with a regular practice report rapid loss of weight and inches, and often notice a change in diet to healthier food choices. However, any results are dependent upon how much effort and challenge is invested. Try a 30 day challenge and marvel at the transformation!
Why is “namaste” said at the end of class?
Namaste means to honor the place within yourself which is love, truth, light, and peace.