Yoga Etiquette: What You Must Know Before You Go

Yoga Etiquette: Your First Yoga Class

            It may be a bit intimidating going to your first yoga class. There are so many questions: What should I bring? What if I stand out? What are the do’s and don’ts? Don’t let these questions keep you from starting your yoga journey. Let us at AllYogaForYou answer your questions and may you enjoy your first class!

Bring:

-Water Bottle

-Stretchy, comfortable clothes

·      leggings and tank tops are common. Some people prefer layers to take off as the class warms up and to put back on during the cool down

-Yoga mat

·      Some studios offer a mat rental if you forget your but it is highly recommended, far more hygiene, and green to buy your own mat

-Towel

·      useful for wiping off sweat during practice. Place it over the mat as a slip-free surface for hot class or any other class if you find yourself especially sweaty that day

-Hairties, contact lenses, tampons etc

·      be prepared, you'll find out pretty fast that it's easier to practice with your long hair tied back, some people don't mind practicing with their glasses on, and some people prefer only contact lenses. You'll figure out what works for you soon enough

Do:

-Properly hydrate!

·      drink plenty of water throughout the day before class especially for hot class. Bring a water bottle to class for periodic sips and drink plenty of water after class to help flush out all of the toxins you just released and rehydrate.

-Arrive early

·      "If you are not 5 minutes early you are 10 minutes late" Rushing to get to class, jumping into downdog while kicking off your shoes, and wondering whether or not you remembered to shut off your cell phone is quite disrupting to your fellow yogis. Be respectful and plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before class starts so you can have enough time to check into the studio, put your stuff away, set up your sacred space and ground yourself.

-Take off your shoes at the front door.

·      Since everybody walks around the studio barefoot be mindful to take off your shoes at the front door most studios will have shoe cubicles available. This will help to keep feet safe from dirt, salt, broken glass, and anything else brought in from the street.

-Turn off you cell phone

·      keep it out of the yoga room completely. If you need to keep an emergency pager, or for some emergency-style reason have to have your phone with you be sure to discuss it with the instructor first.

-Keep quiet

·      Respect your teacher and fellow yogis, it is encouraged to have audible Ujjayi breath but keep all talking, commentary, and questions until after class is over. Your teacher will be more than happy to help you individually when class is through but her/his focus is on guiding the whole class while in session.

-Take the class that is given to you

·      This is also about respecting your teacher and fellow yogis, follow the class that is given to you. If you signed up for a more advanced class and some of the poses are too hard feel free to take the variations offered. If you are in an easier level class refrain from moving into more advanced variations so you don't confuse new students. The teacher will offer times and options for more advanced poses if and when appropriate. 

Don't

-Don't Skip Savasana

·      This is arguably the most important pose in yoga for your mind, body, and practice. If you must leave class early tell your teacher before class starts and leave before class is guided into this final relaxation pose.

-Don't Push yourself beyond your limits

·      If your body is telling you that you need to back off, take a modification or a break then by all means you should. This is YOUR practice. Yoga has no ego, no judgement, and no competition. Reduce your risk of injury and listen to your body.

-Don't Choke neighbors with your odor

·      When everybody is encouraged to breath deeply they don't want to inhale offensive odors. This includes perfumes, colognes, dirty clothes etc. If you need to, arrive early to take a shower before class.

-Don't Hit on a fellow yogi/yogini

·      Maybe the person next to you is kinda cute, save the chitchat for the parking lot. yoga class is a sacred space, not to pick up a date.

-Don't Sell yourself short

·      You are just as welcome in a yoga room as anybody else no matter what your level, age, experience, or status.

Last but not least

Have fun! Whether it be your first class or hundredth class there will always be something new to learn. Keep coming back.