If you consider yourself a devoted yogi, chances are that you’ve stepped inside a yoga studio at least once during your practice. Before embarking on that first journey into the studio realm, it can be a bit daunting not knowing what to expect in a studio setting, or even what is expected of you. I’m an over-planner and over-thinker on the best days. I always like to be prepared! So having a heads-up on what is acceptable in a studio space is a great help if you’re only just dipping your toes into studio practice.
A few pointers I can give mostly come from personal experience. Some should just be common sense but are sometimes overlooked. Every studio space is going to have a different vibe and etiquette may vary, but there are just some points that should be non-negotiable.
- Respect class schedules and arrive on time
This one can have some leeway, depending on the studio, the teacher, and the situation. Let’s say the class in one hour long. You arrive within the first 10 minutes of class. To some teachers and studios, this may still be acceptable. But this could be disruptive to other practitioners already in the zone, now having to scooch mats over to make room or disrupting the first centering moments of class. Some studios take this to the next level and may lock doors once class starts (there is nuance around this regarding studio safety). Check your studio schedule for policies regarding late arrivals.
The best way to avoid this is to arrive at least 10 minutes before the class start time. This way, you can find your favourite spot quickly, get set up, maybe have a quick chat with the teacher regarding injuries, etc.
- (Point 1 continued) Leaving class early
Good yoga teachers are not heartless. If you have an emergency and need to leave, please do so. If you know you’ll need to leave in the middle of class, let your teacher know so they’re not surprised by a swift exit. Things don’t always go as planned; life happens. You may need to leave suddenly and that’s ok. Pop your teacher a text if possible after class, or if you have a friend in class to just pass the message along.
All that being said, teachers do their utmost best to create a serene, calming atmosphere to set their students up for a sweet savasana at the end of class. Those last few minutes are sacred to some. If you don’t feel like taking part in savasana, that’s ok too. Be respectful of others and leave before everyone takes savasana. There is nothing worse than the slapping of a mat being ferociously rolled up when you’re taking your yogic rest after practice. Even the most skilled of mat ninjas should respect the space, instead of trying to achieve James Bond level stealth while gathering their belongings in an attempt at an Irish exit during savasana.
In short, stay for the whole practice if you can, or leave BEFORE savasana.
- Tech in class
This is a much debated subject in the yoga realm. Phones in class. Phones on silent in class. Phones out of reach in class. The list varies. Many teachers keep their phones near their mats in order to keep an eye on time, control music, or just in case of class emergencies. Some may not use a phone at all. Each to their own at the end of the day.
Students, on the other hand, may want their phones nearby for a myriad of reasons. Being on call for emergencies, a child in school or daycare, the list goes on. This is not a problem for many teachers, while some may have a strict no phones in class policy. Check with your teacher if you need to have your phone nearby.
This should be the exception to the rule for emergencies. Many teachers will find it in poor taste if you have a tripod and phone setup for a full videography session of their class, and frankly it is a breach of privacy for other studio goers. One should be attending a yoga class for the peace, not the show. Be present.
Still in line with tech, let’s touch on smart watches. I know almost everyone has some form of smart watch these days; whether you’re tracking your workouts, want to stay connected to your phone from a distance or just to check the time. What isn’t great is smart watches buzzing and dinging in class drawing attention to how many calories you’ve just burned or rings you’ve closed on your health app. Even without phones present, smart watches are just another extension of the devices that have such a hold on us. Let’s practice some non-attachment here and keep watches silent for class, or better yet, go totally tech free for class. It can be quite liberating to be totally present.
- Hygiene
This should be one of those points that are absolutely non-negotiable, out of respect to the studio and the other students making use of the space. If you’re attending a power class and you know you’re going to break a sweat, be prepared. Wear deodorant and bring a towel. For general classes too, even if it’s not one that you’ll necessarily sweat in, arrive in clean clothing and be clean yourself. This sounds harsh, I know.
If you are making use of the studio mats, keep in mind that not every studio cleans mats between every class. That may only happen at day end, or twice a week. It varies from studio to studio. Imagine using a mat that someone had used in the previous class and they had the grimiest feet from doing everything barefoot because they believe in ‘earthing’ everywhere they go. Did your stomach just turn? Mine too. Don’t be that person. And if you are a hardcore barefoot enthusiast, then I encourage cleaning your feet before a class in a shared space or bringing your own mat to use. Clean body, clean space, clean mind.
The pointers above are going to be subjective to the studio you attend and the teacher leading the class. Best practice would be just to do your due diligence and check things out beforehand if possible. Check their website if they have one, check their social media, and if that fails, reach out directly with any questions you may have. Knowing these things ahead of your practice may just give you that peace of mind.