Before class

Let meals or snacks digest before coming to class. After a meal, give yourself 2 hours before practicing yoga. After a snack, give yourself 1 hour.

Wear comfortable clothes that let you move freely. Choose appropriately based on how your clothing may respond to things like twisting, lying down, bending forward or even sweat.

Bring your own yoga mat. It is more hygienic and a great incentive to practice at home. Your yoga mat will soon become your sacred space, using one that is not yours will not feel quite the same.

Avoid wearing strong scents such as perfume, cologne, etc. Yoga classes can get quite cozy. Some discreet deodorant, on the other hand, is probably a good idea.

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Get changed if needed, choose a comfortable spot and spend a few moments clearing your mind. If it is your first time, allow for 5 extra minutes to fill out any necessary forms.

Once you arrive

Take off your shoes and socks before walking in the practice space. Place them in the designated area. Yoga is practiced barefoot, no socks required as they affect your grip and stability.

Turn your cell phone off. Or better yet, do not take it into the practice space with you. If you’ve brought it in and it accidentally rings aloud, please turn it off as soon as you safely can.

Communicate. If you have any injuries, limitations or concerns, notify your teacher before class begins so they can help you stay safe. If anything changes, let them know too.

Enter and settle down quietly. Respect the sacredness of the space by keeping noise to a minimum when setting up your mat and collecting your props (i.e. block, blanket, strap). Be sensitive to whether conversations with others may disturb those around you.

During class

Take Child Pose at any time. If at any point you feel that you need a rest or center yourself, please take Child Pose – even if the teacher does not specifically cue it – and rejoin the class when you are ready.

Follow your teacher’s cues. Unless you are taking Child Pose, follow your teacher’s cues rather than following your own sequence. If there is a pose that you feel you cannot or should not do, let your teacher know and s/he can provide a modification or an alternative.

Be punctual. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, it is best to come back for another class. If you’ve arrived within the first 10 minutes, enter the studio and gather your props quietly. Choose a space close to the entrance and warm up before joining the sequence.

Stay for the whole class. Please give yourself a full Savasana! It is a very important part of yoga. Savasana or Corpse Pose is the last pose we do so that we may absorb the benefits of our practice. Your teacher will let you know when it’s time to come out of the pose.

Leaving early. If you can’t stay for the entire class, let your teacher know at the start. Take a short Savasana before departing. When you leave, be mindful of your fellow students by being quiet as you collect your items and return your props.