Yoga Etiquette
Practice On An Empty Stomach
Try to wait 3 to 4 hours after a larger meal and 2 hours after a snack or small meal. If you really need something to eat prior to class, keep it light (i.e. a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit).
Arrive Early
Arrive to class a little early to get situated. If you are a few minutes late, do not enter the room until after opening meditation and centering, and be very QUIET as you set up your space.
Personal Hygiene
As the body heats up and perspires, smells intensify. Therefore, take care of personal hygiene, and avoid smoking or putting on perfume/cologne before class out of respect for others in the room.
Clean Up
You are welcome to use community mats, but please clean them when you are through.
Breath Steady
If you find that you cannot get a smooth breath while practicing, rest in a comfortable pose until your breath flows with ease, and only come back to the pose if and when ready. Do not force a pose or muscle through. You may find you are working hard, but it should not be a painful struggle.
Check With Your Physician
It is always good to check with your physician before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you have conditions that may be of concern.
Turn off Your phone
Leave it outside the yoga room unless it is a necessity to keep it near you. If you are looking at a phone, you are not practicing being present, nor are you going within.
No Shoes
Take off your shoes before entering the yoga space. If you need to wear shoes into the space, please make sure they are for indoor use only.
Watch Your Step
Out of courtesy, please do not step on other students’ yoga mats.
Quiet Please
Do not hold side conversations while the instructor is addressing the class, and keep comments to a minimum. Socializing before and after practice is fine, but not during. It distracts you, and potentially others as well. Also, if students are resting or meditating, take your pre or post class conversations to another room.
Stay Hydrated
Drink water before and after class, as the body will be detoxifying.
Inform Your Instructor
Of any sensitivities, injuries, or conditions that you have, and make them aware of your goals and intentions as well.
Be Open
Bring a sense of humor, and breathe, relax, feel, witness, and allow!