helpful tips for your first yoga class
Allow yourself some de-stress time before the class begins so try to arrive 10-15 minutes early. That way, you’ll be able to set up your mat and warm up before class.
Once you’ve arrived at the studio, remove your shoes and place your belongings in the cubby room. Check-in to your class on your cell phone using the QR code in the cubby room.
If you have any physical limitations or injuries please inform the teacher before class. We can help you modify poses and assist you with the use of props. Our goal is to help you have a wonderful experience at our studio.
Classes are 1 hour, unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Try to attend the entire class and avoid leaving early if possible. If you must leave, let the instructor know before class begins.
If you are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before signing up for a class. After you are given ‘the ok’ from your healthcare provider, try to arrive early and inform the instructor of the stage of your pregnancy and any additional concerns.
Wear comfortable clothing that you can move, sweat and breath in – not too tight, not too loose.
Yoga is great for everybody, but just remember to practice from the heart, not the ego. Follow these tips on achieving the best experience possible:
Breathe smoothly and continuously; notice your breath and try not to hold it.
Do not strain or push past your limits to attain any posture.
If you experience pain or discomfort, adjust the posture or pull back. Feel free to ask for support from the instructor.
Work gently, respecting and having compassion for your body.
Ask the instructor and observe if you are unsure of how to perform a certain posture.
Yoga practice should be done on a near empty stomach. Ideally, do not eat a full meal 2 hours prior to class and a snack 1 hour prior.
Drink plenty of water before and after class. Feel free to bring a sealed bottle and fill it up at our ‘bottle filling station.’
Yoga Etiquette
Remove Shoes When You Enter the Studio
Upon entering the studio, please remove your shoes and practice ‘Saucha’ (cleanliness) to keep the floors clean. Shoes can be stored in our back cubby room.
Keep Variations Appropriate
Keep in mind the level of the class you are attending. If it is an advanced class and some of the poses are too hard, it is fine to take a more basic variation of the poses being taught. Usually the instructor will offer this option. If you are attending a basic class and you are more advanced, respect the instructor and other students by sticking to the basic versions of the poses so you don’t confuse new students. The instructor will offer you the option to take a more advanced variation when appropriate.
Arrive On Time
Arrive at least 10 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. Because the entrance enters into the studio space, we lock the door 10 minutes after class has started. If you arrive late please practice ‘mouna’ (spiritual silence) so you don’t disturb the other students. Set up your mat quietly. Arriving on time is a sign of respect for your teacher, your fellow students and for yourself.
Turn Off Your Cell Phone
Make a habit of turning off your cell phone the minute you get to the yoga studio and refrain from speaking on your cell phone or loud socializing while in the studio. By doing so, you are respecting the quiet and peaceful space we have created for you and other students to enjoy.
Respect Yoga Props & Studio Space
Please use the mat spray in the cubby room to clean all studio mats and blocks. Take care of studio props by carefully rolling mats and putting away bolsters, blankets, straps, and blocks in a tidy fashion.
Respect the Instructor
When you enter a yoga class, you sign on to respect the instructor for the next hour. Follow the instructor’s sequence and learn from the experience.
Respect Your Fellow Students
When entering the yoga classroom, please keep conversation to a minimum. We observe mouna or ‘spiritual silence’ in the classroom and some students may be using the time before class to center and meditate. Be aware of the peaceful space we have created. For some, the studio space is a rare sanctuary of stillness in their busy day. Please be mindful and considerate not to intrude upon their peace. Your fellow students appreciate your quiet consideration. Use this time to meditate or reflect. If you must speak, please practice satya or ‘purity of speech’ and do so at a low tone.
Don’t Skip Savasana!
Your final relaxation in Savasana is an important part of your practice. Don’t plan to leave class early. If you must, tell the instructor in advance and take a short Savasana before you go. Savasana is the time where you receive all the benefits of the hard work you have done during class and it helps to restore the body.
Go to the Bathroom During Resting Poses
It is fine to leave class for a few minutes to go to the bathroom. The best time to go is when there is a period of rest, either in Child’s Pose or Downward Dog.