The etiquette of yoga

[Ciarrai]

I've recently joined a yoga studio, so this is on my mind right now.

 - Please be quiet when you enter the studio, as some people may be meditating before class.

 - Don't make suggestions about how another student can better their practice. The instructor is the only person who should do that.

 - Not everyone is flexible or balanced enough to hold a position. That's why they're taking a class; so they can learn. Making fun of someone for not being able to raise their leg above their head is not nice, nor is pointing out that they should still be balancing instead of putting their foot down.

 - Be prepared for class. It's not the studio's fault that you forgot your mat and they have run out of ones you can borrow.

 - Be on time! It's not polite to enter the studio after class has already begun and interrupt, especially if you then rustle around getting into position.

[NOVA Lady]

- Don't step on other people's mats.

- In a class that is not full give those around you space.

- If you need a certain spot (I need a wall for balance for example, in the summer I need to be near where the A/C vent comes out) get to class early enough to get it, do not expect someone to move for you.

- Do not have conversations during the class or the final relaxation, we're hear to listen to the teacher and relax, not listen to what you had for lunch

- When putting your props back please make sure to fold the blanket correctly, roll up the strap and stack the blocks neatly.


I am sure there are more. Welcome to yoga. I've been doing it since March last year and love it!

[Nora]

-If there is plenty of room, plenty, don't put your mat thisclose to me, and then proceed to groan heavily throughout the class.

[Bibliophile]

- Ignore any bodily function noises of those around you - do not make fun of anyone before, during, or after class. 

[GirlyJock]

In  crowded class, periodically check where you are in relation to your mat and other people's mats. Just because you're tallish (but still capable of fitting onto your mat without being squished) is no excuse for your feet to end up on the mat of the person behind you. That's where they put their head, and no, they don't want your feet sweat on their mat.

After hot yoga, be careful of anything with elastic when changing. If you yank your top off quickly, the elastic will spring back. Your sweat will fly off the elastic when it stops springing (or changes springing direction). There will be innocent bystanders.

[Ciarrai]

 - It is not the fault of those who came early if you didn't show up early enough to get "your spot." If you know you want a specific spot, you can't show up two minutes before class begins and expect it to be open and waiting for you.

[NOVA Lady]

- It is not the fault of those who came early if you didn't show up early enough to get "your spot." If you know you want a specific spot, you can't show up two minutes before class begins and expect it to be open and waiting for you.

And if you get there and it is not open please don't shove your mat right up next to the person giving them no space when the rest of the class is spread out and there are plenty of open spaces.

I don't know if this is some PA way to make you move or what, but it drives me up a wall, as the person usually glares if you stretch out and come anywhere near them.

[Ciarrai]

 - Please don't step on other people's mats. If the class is so packed that you have no other choice, then fine, but I would think that's a rare situation. If there is space to walk around, please do so.

[KaosP]

If you can't stay for the final meditation/relaxation, please leave before it begins, NOT in the middle of it. It's jarring to be "awoken" by footsteps stomping by (not matter how lightly you try to tread) instead of by the instructor's soothing voice.

[Ciarrai]

 - If the door to the yoga studio is closed, don't enter! Even if you think you're only one minute late, that's one minute into the opening meditation and similar to the post above me, it's quite jarring.

[Ciarrai]

 - Don't fall asleep in savasana and start snoring!

[Shopaholic]

- Don't fall asleep in savasana and start snoring!

This one I don't agree with - it's not something you can actually control! 

Do not move my mat. Even if I'm not in the room at the moment. Even if it's only an inch. I got there before you, and I chose my spot.

[Larrabee]

Be aware of what you wear. 

You will be bending down, spreading your legs apart, raising arms and possibly upside down.  Make sure your clothing keeps the essential bits covered in all these positions and doesn't have any major holes or stains in areas that aren't normally visible but will be during yoga. 

[Daffodil]

Be aware of what you wear. 

You will be bending down, spreading your legs apart, raising arms and possibly upside down.  Make sure your clothing keeps the essential bits covered in all these positions and doesn't have any major holes or stains in areas that aren't normally visible but will be during yoga. 

At the gym I joined, which includes yoga classes, they actually have a dress code ! No crop tops or bra tops, No booty style shorts, no revealing clothing / spaghetti straps, etc. This is one of the first gyms I've heard of having this, but it's a good thing, I think.

[Aeris]

Be aware of what you wear. 

You will be bending down, spreading your legs apart, raising arms and possibly upside down.  Make sure your clothing keeps the essential bits covered in all these positions and doesn't have any major holes or stains in areas that aren't normally visible but will be during yoga. 

At the gym I joined, which includes yoga classes, they actually have a dress code ! No crop tops or bra tops, No booty style shorts, no revealing clothing / spaghetti straps, etc. This is one of the first gyms I've heard of having this, but it's a good thing, I think.

No spaghetti straps? That ones makes zero sense to me. My typical yoga outfit is loose fitting stretchy pants (yoga pants? ), and a stretchy cotton spaghetti strap tank top.