Yoga etiquette

Relax, it's yoga

Relax, it's yoga!

Have you decided to start yoga this new year? Great! Here are a few tips to keep your practice fun, comfortable and safe.

Regarding clothing-men and women, dear people, please don't wear baggy clothes. Wear a tank top or a sports bra if you are a woman. Wear spandex. Wear shorts that hug the thigh, or wear underwear for coverage in the postures. The asanas sometimes put your legs in awkward positions-please men and women: as delicately as i can ask...make sure your "business" is "fully contained" in your shorts. The easy answer is wearing underwear with your non-spandex shorts. Also many men's swimsuits or shorts have built-in's, these are always appropriate.

Towels and rugs- buy your own sticky mat for your practice. You can wipe your mat with a damp rag and dry it for day to day maintenance, but you need to wash sticky mat when it starts to stink. (mat washing post coming soon)

Smell it like it is!-scented lotion, perfume, body spray,powder and essential oils a no-no for yoga. Your sweat-your breath-your body odors that are natural are perfect for yoga. Ideally you would be freshly showered. But for a minimum; wash off your perfume-wash off your make-up.

Shoes- it is customary to leave your shoes outside of the room. Since yoga require you to spend a good portion of the class on the floor, we try to keep it as clean as possible.

Phones- off. Always off, unless there is an emergency. If you NEED to have your phone on the mat with you, please tell the instructor and PLEASE keep it on vibrate or "no ring"

Leaving the yoga room is usually okay .Try to wait until the class is between postures or having a break.

Gum- it's silly to chew gum (if you are over 13 years old) and ridiculous to chew gum and try to do yoga. Yoga is about focus. Gum is about distraction.

Timing is EVERYTHING-allow the teacher to time the asanas. Try not to anticipate the next posture and take yourself into it. The teacher is trying to create a group energy. Starting postures together respects ALL levels in the class.

Modifications-yes! if you need to modify postures because of a physical limitation or injury please do so. Let the teacher tell you the proper modification so be open to these suggestions. Remember, what feels good (to the ego) is not always good for you. Do the yoga as is best for YOUR body.

Before and after class is talking okay? Not really. If you are new, asking for assistance to set up your practice space is okay, but chatting with your friends is not. Many students come to yoga class early specifically to relax and meditate. If you want to chat-go out into the hall! it's usually a lively place to meet and greet your friends.

 After class, talking in the room is not acceptable. This final savasana is like gold for your soul.