Yoga Etiquette Refresher

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I remember 4 years ago when I entered a yoga studio for the very first time, I felt completely out of my element. Fortunately, a list of yoga do’s and don’ts hung on the wall, which helped me understand how to make the best of my experience at the studio and in the classes.

So when I recently stumbled upon an article titled “Bad etiquette from beginners sparks yoga rage” it made me giggle because it reminded me of how I was when I was still green to yoga. Also, the article incited me to post the following yoga etiquette guidelines. Although most of you have these rules ingrained already, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on them:

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. And if you’re new to the studio, arrive 20 minutes early as you’ll need to fill out forms, make payments, etc. One of the benefits of coming early is you can secure your favorite spot in the studio room.

Take Your Shoes Off

Many yoga studios require you to take off your shoes when you enter – there’s usually a dedicated area by the front door where you can place your shoes. Since we walk around the studio barefoot most of the time, it is most hygienic if everyone takes off their shoes first thing.

Turn Off Your Cell Phone

Make a habit out of this even before you enter the studio. A ringing cell phone during asana really grates on people.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Select the most appropriate clothing based on the style of yoga that you’re doing, the temperature of the room and what will be most comfortable for you, as classes can be as long as 90 minutes. But please people, wearing ‘tighty-withey’ shorts with no underwear in a Bikram class is a total breach of yoga etiquette – enough said. :)

Leave Your Belongings in the Change Room

Don’t be carting your bag of belongings into class. Yoga classes can get very full so floor space is crucial.

Quiet Please!

Yoga is a time of inviting stillness and presence, so please respect others’ practice by keeping silent as soon as you enter class.

Respect the Yoga Instructor

Follow the teacher's instructions. If you’re an advanced student taking a beginners/intermediate class, stick to the basic versions of the postures so you don’t throw off the other students. The instructor will give you the opportunity to take a more advanced variation when it’s appropriate. On the flip side, if you’re in an advanced class and you’re finding some of the poses difficult then it’s okay to do a more basic variation – the teacher will provide you this option.

Go to the Bathroom in Between Asanas

If you have to go to the bathroom wait until there is a period of rest, such as the child’s pose, or in between asanas.

Do Savasana!

Savasana or the final relaxation is an important part of your yoga practice. Incorporate the time in savasana into your schedule - don't plan to leave class early.

Does anyone else want to add to this??

Tags: etiquette

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Comment by Shana on March 12, 2009 at 9:50am: Thank you Marina and Brenda. Very wise things to consider...especially bringing to consciousness the care for others in the class with or without immune system vulnerabilities. Gentle home practice is always available as well as the choice to rest and cook soup!

Comment by Brenda Feuerstein on March 11, 2009 at 11:02am: Marina, thank you for this wonderful and much-needed post on Yoga etiquette.

Shawnee, your question on participating in class when you are not feeling well is a very good one and one that can be looked at from a couple of perspectives. I have done an at home practice when I was feeling my cold was lifting from my body and I personally felt that some movement and pranayama would help my body, which in most cases it did. The point that Marina brought up is a very important one simply because the body talks to us and if we listen carefully, we will gain a lot of insights that we may not otherwise acquire.

One important aspect that is often overlooked by students and teachers is that there may be someone in the class that is suffering from an immune deficiency disorder and by coming to class sick, the sick person may be putting another person's health in jeopardy, which I'm sure would they would not want to do.

My suggestion is to talk with your Yoga teacher about this and maybe this will spark a wonderful talk in class where everyone can participate and offer their insights.

~~~Love and Light~~~

Brenda

Comment by Shana on March 7, 2009 at 6:49pm: Hmmmm...I really bounced between the two--rest and engagement. I thought yoga would be good for my body and keep my energy flowing. I did take it easy and modified to suit my lower energy level, and the breathwork and Savasana really helped...
I appreciate your responses to my questions!

Comment by Marina on March 7, 2009 at 6:38pm: Hi Shawnee, that's a great question...from personal experience when I am not feeling well, it's my body telling me to get some rest, including from yoga.

Comment by Shana on March 7, 2009 at 6:20pm: I was wondering if it's bad etiquette to come to class sick. I attented class with a minor cold. Perhaps I should have stayed home, but I really wanted to keep my routine going and go to my class. I used my own mat and didn't use communal props, but wondered if other students would have preferred I left my germs at home....?!?

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Yoga Etiquette Refresher

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