New to Yoga? Get the lowdown on courteous conduct before you head to class.
Arrive early. Getting to class about 10 minutes early can help you settle in and align your attitude with the purpose of the class. While you are waiting, you can practice a pose, do a few stretches, or just sit or lie quietly, breathe and get centered. If you need to leave class early, let the teacher know ahead of time.
Create an intention. To help focus, you might find it helpful to dedicate your practice to a certain intention. This might be to become more aware and understanding, more loving and compassionate, or healthier, stronger, and more skillful.
Dress for yoga. Wear comfortable and non-restrictive workout clothes. Wear pants, shorts, and shirts that are form fitting rather than baggy. Choose a shirt than can be tucked in or one that is form fitting. Select pants or shorts that all you to move comfortably and fit well. Yoga is done barefoot.
Find the Quiet. Turn off cell phones. If you are on call, please leave it on vibrate so that the peace of the practice is not disturbed.
Injuries. Be sure to let your teacher know of any injuries or relevant medical information (ie. pregnancy) and definitely sound an alert if you feel pain in any pose.
It's your practice. Instead of trying to go as deeply or completely into a pose as other might be able to do, do what you can without straining or injuring yourself (ahimsa/non-violence). You will go farther faster if you take a loving attitude toward yourself and work from where you are, not from where you think you should be. If something does not make sense to you, please ask questions. Practice saucha (cleanliness). Bring a towel if you sweat a lot, and arrive clean and free of scents. Such products can be difficult for people with allergies. Wearing lotion to class can cause your hands and feet to slip on your mat.
Eating. Do not eat a heavy meal 2-3 hours prior to class. A light snack of fruit or granola an hour before class is acceptable.
Drink water before and after class. In yoga, we typically don't drink water during the practice since its purpose is to heat the body up, not cool it down. Of course, if you need to, please drink water. Always keep yourself hydrated.
Sticky mat. Bring your own mat. Having your own personal mat is more hygienic.
Stay for Savasana. As everyone settles in for a long Savasana (the ending of your yoga practice where body and mind balance), you may feel like sneaking out. Relax and stay put.
