Exercise good Yoga etiquette!

Yoga with Heidi Pfleger

When attending something for the first time, there is always some curiosity around what to expect. Going to a yoga class is no different and being prepared can help to relieve some anxiety. Here are a few things to keep in mind when attending an inperson class:

1. Arrive 10 or 15 minutes early. This will help you get oriented, lay out your mat and rest for a few minutes before class starts. It will also allow time for you to speak to the teacher and advise them of any particular needs or restrictions you have.

2. Leave your shoes at the door and your cell phone at home. There are cultural, practical and spiritual reasons for leaving your shoes at the door. Showing a sign of respect is one reason and this is why it is practiced in many Eastern countries when entering a home, school or temple. It also keeps the studio floor clean and the barefoot contact with the floor helps to make you feel more ‘grounded. ’ Leaving your cell phone at home or in your car helps to avoid distractions and disruptions for you and other students

3. Avoid wearing any perfume or body lotions. Both can trigger allergies in other students, may be distracting during practice, and can be toxic to the environment.

4.Set up your space. Most studios will have a sign indicating what props are going to be used or will have a space already set up indicating what you will need for your practice. The general practice when settling into your space is to lie with your head to the teacher at the front of the room and your feet to the back of the room.