Yoga Etiquette

Yoga classes have their own set of rules and etiquette with a purpose of courtesy, respect and ease for everyone.  These rules are a combination of traditional Yoga etiquette and modern expectations. Please observe these rules of etiquette while attending our Yoga class, workshop or retreat.

To make your yoga experience peaceful and happy is our service. Please extends this happiness to others by considering these simple points of basic etiquette, manners and common sense.

Key points to consider:

• Respect – for Yoga, yoga teacher, and colleagues.
• "NAMASTE!” – This traditional greeting is offered at the beginning and end of the class.  
• It means 'The divine in me recognizes the divine in you'. 
• Classes often start and end with the chanting of the mantra "Om". This traditional Yogic mantra is regarded as the 'sound of creation'. If you prefer to not chant "Om" you may stay silent, chant "calm".
• Yoga is not a religion and does not dishonor any faith practice, but is able to be practiced by followers of all religions. 
• Dress Code: Wear comfortable cloths, ‘comfortable’ does not means loose. Make sure you are covered appropriately to respect the Indian Culture. Dress code includes track pants, yoga pants, tops and t-shirts. Jeans, cargo pants, and skirts are not considered appropriate yoga gear and may cause injury. Please wear clothing that allows the teacher to see the body line. Avoid short shorts or loose tops which can flop over your head when you’re inverted. Make sure your clothing doesn’t restrict your movement.
• Consider the Overall Atmosphere of the Class – The shrill ring of cell phones, running commentary with your friends, and intense grunting can be distracting to your fellow classmates, so try to keep any excess noise to a minimum.
• Time Management – don’t arrive late! Be respectful and considerate of others if you have to leave early.
• Keep Social Chatter in the Class to a Minimum – always listen to your Teacher! Keep the space clear and quiet. Talk and chatter that is not connected with yoga is just unnecessary NOISE and is detrimental to the practice. Be considerate of others who are also there to practice their yoga
• Pay Attention and Be Mindful of your Yoga Practice – Stay Present! Yoga is is a Mindful, Meditative practice. It requires you to concentrate and be silent.
• Late Arrival - Aim to arrive at class with enough time to sign in, set up your mat and relax for a few moments before the class begins.  The class starting time should not be your arrival time and it is disruptive to the teacher and your fellow participants to arrive late.  
•  Information – Inform prior if you are not able to attend the class.
• Money Matters & Payment – Yoga Teachers have a right to charge a fee for their services. Their expertise and time has a value and they have a right to pursue their profession, as do other health and care professionals. 

Here are some points to be aware of:

• Always pay for your class at the beginning of month (1^st to 5^th of every month).
• Class joined at any date of the month, the fees shall be considered for a whole month.
• Do not argue over the cost of the class or attempt to negotiate a better deal for yourself.  
• Do not ask for credit.  
• Do not say, "Is it okay if I pay next week?" The answer is "NO!"

For Offline classes

• Dress Code: Wear comfortable cloths, ‘comfortable’ does not means loose. Make sure you are covered appropriately to respect the Indian Culture. Dress code includes track pants, yoga pants, tops and t-shirts. Jeans, cargo pants, and skirts are not considered appropriate yoga gear and may cause injury. Please wear clothing that allows the teacher to see the body line. Avoid short shorts or loose tops which can flop over your head when you’re inverted. Make sure your clothing doesn’t restrict your movement.
• Mat Matters – When entering in to the studio never walk on someone else's mat.  When doing Partner Yoga always checks that it is ok with your buddy to stand or sit on their mat.  It is best to acquire your own mat as it will gradually build and hold your yogic energy.  Borrowed mats should always have a towel placed on top and wiped down at the end of class with a cleanser.
• Shoes off Please – We remove our shoes at the door.  Anything that is not actually needed for the class is not taken into the Yoga space. 
• Mobile Phones ‘OFF’ Please – Phones should be turned onto silent or off before the class commences.
• Hygiene – Be mindful of the air others’ breathe – be careful not to use strong perfume or cologne in a small yoga space as some might be allergic towards it. Also maintain mouth, body odor and also control foul smell of any type.
• Make Room Please – Respect others' space - Try to keep your mat evenly spaced from your fellow classmates so that you don’t hit a fellow yogi when you open your arms.
• Meditation Matters – If you are in the class involving Relaxation and/or Meditation, leaving early at this time is discourteous and disruptive to your instructor and your colleague. If you need to leave class early let your instructor know before class and he/she will advise when the best time to leave is. Also beware that when you arrive, others may be meditating or need quiet time before the Yoga practice begins. Respect others with silence!
• Also keep your props and anything you might have close to your own mat during yoga and place them at the respective allotted place at the end or when not in use.
• Do not leave during savasana! This is the final relaxation period where everyone gets to soak in all of the incredible benefits from their yoga practice.