Self-awareness leads to attention to detail and to the respect for the space and people around you. Thank you for creating a sacred space for your practice and for respecting the spirit of the studio. These rules of good studio etiquette will help you feel comfortable when entering an unfamiliar setting. They are based on common sense and courtesy, but deal with some issues that are specific to yoga classes and studios. Many of these rules will apply to Pilates classes too!
1. Arrive On Time
Please arrive 10 minutes before the class is scheduled to start. It will take a few minutes to get signed in and to set up your space for class. If you do arrive late, please wait until after the centering period to set up your mat so as not to disturb others in their meditation. If the previous class is finishing up, please wait quietly outside until they are finished.
2. Remove Your Shoes
You can leave your shoes in our entryway. There are many reasons for this practice. . . the studio is a sacred space and being barefoot is a sign of respect. In the winter months, you may choose to leave your socks on until you warm up. We have a wood floor and it is cleaner and more hygienic to remove shoes. Additionally, the yoga mats stick best to bare feet.
3. Turn Off Your Cell Phone
Make a habit of doing this as soon as you get to the yoga studio. You may be embarrassed if your phone rings during class. If this happens (and it has even happened to me as the teacher!), we would prefer it if you would quietly move go turn it off immediately.
4. Talk To Your Instructor
Let us know if there are any illnesses or injuries so we can offer modifications to postures and help you be comfortable. We have lots of props to help you, too.
5. Honor Your Body
This is our mantra here at OBXY&P. We do our best to offer recommendations and alternatives for postures that take into account any limitations. But you know your body best and the more yoga you do the more familiar you will become with what works for you. Yoga should NEVER be physically painful, it should feel GOOD! Also, yoga is traditionally practiced on an empty stomach - if you have issues with blood sugar or dizziness eat something light before class so that you'll have the energy you need to enjoy yourself.
6. Leave Your Ego at the Door
Yoga is not a competition and every body is different. Our classes are about exploring the edges in your own body and your mind. Competing with your neighbor on the mat can lead to injury and opposes the spirit of yoga. Many people practice yoga with their eyes closed and this helps to keep an inward focus, Some students struggle with pushing themselves too hard regardless of what their neighbor is doing. . .and to this we say Honor Your Body! If you feel you are ready for a new challenge speak with us, we can guide you into the appropriate classes.
7. Try to Go to the Bathroom During Resting Poses
Our bathroom is through the curtain on your right. It is fine to leave class for a few minutes to go to the bathroom, but since there is usually a sequence to the postures that balances out the body, try to go before class, during a resting pose, or before Savasana (don't want to miss that!). There is no need to ask the teacher's permission.
8. Refrain From Wearing Perfumes or Fragrances
Some people are allergic to strong odors.
9. Don't Skip Savasana!
This is the final relaxation period at the end of yoga class and many feel this is the most important part of your yoga practice. If you must leave before savasana, please let your instructor know before class and quietly slip away while the other students are getting settled.
10. Clean Your Mat After Each Use
We have mats available, but as they are used by many people it is critical that they are cleaned each time you use one. We have paper towels and lavender and tea-tree anti-microbial mat cleaner on the prop shelves!
