Yoga Etiquette

• Scents - Scented lotion, perfume, body sprays, powder and essential oils are problematic in a warm room. Please don't freshen up your cologne for your practice. Ideally, you would be freshly showered.

• Shoes - It is customary to leave your shoes outside of the yoga studio. We spend a good portion of the class on the floor. We try to keep it as clean as possible.

• Phones - PLEASE leave them in your car or shut them off.

• Leaving the studio - This is okay, but please wait until we are between postures or having a break. Refrain from walking in front of others while they are attempting asanas. When you are ready to re-enter, peek in and make sure we are between postures or on a break.

• Clothing - Men and women, please wear Spandex, shorts, tank top or tee-shirt. In some asanas, we put our legs in awkward positions, so please make sure you are not exposing yourself during class. This is inappropriate and embarrassing for us all. The easiest solution is to wear underwear with your non-Spandex shorts or swimsuit-type shorts which have built-in linings.

• Mats & Towels - Buy your own sticky mat for your practice. Sticky mats are machine washable.  Just add a small amount of vinegar and soap and wash in warm water.  After it spins, you can hang your mat out to dry on the shower or outside for a few hours.

• Gum - No chewing gum.

• Grunting and moaning - Yoga is not always easy and comfortable. The use of grunts and moans to accomplish postures or as a self-motivator is inappropriate. Please breathe as instructed in your postures during the practice.

• Savasana do's and don'ts - DO lay still, eyes closed. DO slow down your breath and rest. DON”T drink water while in savasana. DON’T fix your hair, scratch your leg, wiggle your fingers or fidget. DO try to cultivate stillness of the body; this is the first step toward stillness of the mind.

• Timing is EVERYTHING - Allow the teacher to time the asanas. Please do not anticipate the next posture and take yourself into it unless instructed to do so. In a group, we try to create group energy. Starting postures together respects ALL levels in the class.

• How to handle gas - Yoga often makes you burp, especially since you are drinking water. Burping as quietly as you can is, of course, excusable.  Regarding gas in the lower GI tract, it is best to leave the room if you have particularly bad gas and need to expel it.  No one will be offended by your exiting the room for a minute or so.

• Modifications - Yes, please modify if you need to because of a physical limitation or injury!  We will likely tell you the proper modification, so be open to instructor suggestions. Remember, what feels good to the ego is not always good for your body.  Honor YOUR body and its limitations.