Yoga Etiquette

Confessions of a Yoga Instructor: Yoga Etiquette

By Erica Harris

Imagine you are sitting in a tranquil sitting posture in your local studio.  Your mind starts to drift form the days errands, deadlines, and chores back at home.  For a few moments you experience a tiny glimpse of bliss: thinking only of your smooth, calming, breath.  Suddenly, your awareness comes back to where you are as you are jolted out of your zen state: someone talking loudly on their cell phone enters the room, voice echoing through the small studio.  “She said what? What? Really.... And what did he say? Well that is just unacceptable.  Hey I better get going I’m at my yoga class. Oh yeah, I come here about twice per week now.  Its right off of main street.  Remember that old pizza shop where we saw Jim last week?.....” 

Have you ever been in this situation? So what is yoga etiquette? Keep these 3 Yoga Etiquette tips in mind:

Be on time, be present

Usually you want to show up to class about 10 minutes before the start of class.  This allows time to get settled, use the bathroom, or ask questions.  Turn off all cellphones during class to silent.  Sometimes it can be just as distracting to hear a vibrating phone on a wooden floor in a silent room.  Try to take care of all cell phone conversations before you enter class.  Be respectful of those yogis that come to class early to unwind.  Sometimes students may need to leave early.  Although, “Savasana”, or final relaxation is an important component to any yoga practice, it is understandable if you have to leave early.  It might be a good idea to let your instructor know that you need to leave early.

 Talking during class

Many times I am asked if its okay to ask questions during class.  Since many yoga class rely on a flow format questions should be reserved till the end of class. Many instructors are more than happy to clarify poses or find a good modification pose.

What do you do if you think you are doing a pose wrong during class?  Many instructors follow a similar technique on how to correct students.  First, instructors will correct a student(s) verbally.  The best thing you can do is listen.  Listen to suggestions the instructor is giving on how to do a pose.  Next, if spoken communication is unsuccessful, an instructor may demonstrate a pose.  This provides further clarity to the students.  Lastly, if even further clarity is needed, an instructor may ask a student if its okay to touch them.  This allows the instructor to slightly touch the student and how them exactly where their arms should be in Warrior II for example.  Many times I find that even without touch many students follow the lead with my hands.

 Personal Hygiene 

It is respectful to not wear any perfume or cologne when practicing yoga with others.  Also, being respectful in good personal hygiene habits and clothing.  for example, concealing body order is appreciated by others around you especially since there is opportunity for sweating during class.  Clothing should be respectful and not too revealing.  Many people enjoy wearing workout pants that are easy to move in and a shirt.  Its also a good idea to bring a towel to class to help with any sweat cleanup.