Yoga Etiquette


These top 10 rules of good yoga etiquette will help you feel comfortable when entering an unfamiliar setting, whether it be a studio or private home class. They are based on common sense and courtesy, but deal with some issues that are specific to yoga classes and studios.

1 ~Disclose any medical issues before a class

Before any yoga class (mandatory if you are a newbie!!), clients must disclose any outstanding or new ailments, disorders, conditions, aches, pains, prior surgeries and/or medications they are taking. This is crucial in order for the class to be safe and to provide the best possible client experience. Did you know there are poses that are not recommended for people taking certain medications, have high blood pressure or are pregnant?! This is so very VERY important! Having said this, if a pose hurts in any way, come out of it safely and always raise your hand. Good teachers will always have modifications up their sleeve. Furthermore, if you don’t feel well through a class, alert your teacher immediately. This is common sense stuff, but worth repeating I think… there is always one person that forgets to mention they have a broken toe or something!

2 ~Don’t eat 1.5hrs prior to a yoga class

Ideally, yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach. However if this is not possible, try not to eat 1.5 hours prior to the class. If this is still too much of a restriction, eat a VERY light meal!

 

3 ~Remove Your Shoes

Many yoga studios have a place for your shoes by the front door. Since people will be walking around the studio barefoot, it is most hygienic if everyone takes off their outdoor shoes first thing.

Believe me, having grit (or anything else) stuck to the bottom of your feet is not the best for your yoga concentration!

4 ~Turn off your Electronics

Make a habit of doing this as soon as you get to the yoga class. You will be quite embarrassed if your phone rings during class. If this happens (and it has even happened to me), I advocate owning up and going to turn the thing off immediately. Some teachers prefer that it just be ignored and will let you know of their preference.

5 ~Arrive on time

Arrive at least 5 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. If you do arrive late, don’t enter a class more than 10 minutes late if it has already started. Wait for the next class or another day.

 

6 ~Wear Decent Yoga Clothing

By decent, I really mean non-revealing.  Please wear clothing that will not reveal your private parts in full (or partial) glory to your teacher or fellow yogi (when you are upside down or in some twisted pretzel is when you are likely to “pop” out). Attracting this type of attention in yoga is most definitely frowned upon, no matter how attractive (or handsome) you may be!

7 ~Go to the Bathroom During Resting Poses

It is fine to leave class for a few minutes to go to the bathroom. For group classes there is no need to ask the teacher’s permission. The best time to go is when there is a period of rest, either when actually resting, Child’s Pose or Downward Dog.

8 ~Respect the Class

Respecting your yoga teacher and their class comes in many forms. The easiest one is following the poses or a modified version of them. Do not do your own series in the middle of a guided class if you are bored or uninterested in the current pose, finish the class and choose another teacher but during the class, respect the teacher enough to follow instructions and do so with an open mind.

9 ~Return studio equipment

If you’re using studio equipment, return it to where you found it or ask where it should be put once you’re done with it.

 

10 ~Don’t skip Savasana and observe silence!

During Savasana, practice silence and however tempted you may be to leave and skip out, resist it. Your final relaxation in Savasana is the single most important pose. Don’t plan to leave class early. If you must, tell the teacher in advance and take a short Savasana before you go.

This is where your practice assimilates and the results are infused with a repose so well-deserving and necessary. This last pose seals your practice with good omen and prepares you for the next phase. Just sayin!

 

–Thank You

Only that which is the other gives us fully unto ourselves

-Sri Yogananda