Are you new to yoga? Ever wonder about the “do’s & don’ts” of a yoga class? Here’s a handy wee guide that could help!
- Remove your shoes at the studio entrance door.
- Yoga is practiced in bare feet.
- Turn your cell phone off or set it to ‘Silent’ mode upon entry to the studio.
- Do not eat for 2 hours prior to attending a class (unless a specific condition prevents this).
- Arrive 10 minutes before your class (but 15 minutes for the first one) in order to get settled. Arriving late is both disruptive and disrespectful.
- If you do arrive after a class has already started, take a deep breath and sit quietly at the entrance until the students in the class have opened their eyes or movement and talking has begun, before entering as quietly as you can, find your spot and carefully unroll your mat.
- You may bring your own mat but we do have some available for your use. Mats must be used at all times for safety reasons.
- Wear comfortable exercise clothing that will allow you to move but that will not get in your way. When choosing your outfit, please consider what will happen when you bend, twist or go upside down. Overexposure of any kind of cleavage or undergarments should be avoided.
- Ask questions when anything is not clear to you. You may ask during the class if appropriate or after the class but please respect your teacher’s time.
- Refrain from wearing strong scents.
- Inform your teacher of any illness, injury or medical condition before class. Some poses may not be right for you if you have a health issue. The teacher will endeavor to be as discreet as possible when suggesting appropriate modifications.
- Let go of the competitive mindset. There is no place for competition in Yoga. It is an individual practice appropriate for everyone that makes the body generally healthier, stronger and more flexible. The purpose is to calm the mind, open the heart and stimulate our spiritual evolution.
- Accept where you are and listen to your body’s own wisdom. Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.
- Stay for the entire class. If you must leave early, please tell your teacher beforehand and exit prior to the final relaxation pose.
Most classes finish with all of us saying Namaste accompanied by a bowing gesture with the hands at the heart in prayer position (anjali mudra). This means: I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, we are one.
Namaste.
