New to the Studio?
Hello and welcome! Thank you so much for joining us! I’d like to try and answer some of our most frequently asked questions for you here.
• If you are brand new to Yoga, please read about studio etiquette below. This will help you feel more comfortable when you join us for the first time.
• We recommend that you preregister ahead of time for class but we can usually accommodate drop ins and have never had to turn away anyone who arrived on time.
• All of our classes are available on a drop-in basis, just arrive 10-15 minutes early to sign-in and get settled.
• We don’t have a traditional waiting area, so we ask that you wait respectfully outside for the previous class to finish…
• We have plenty of mats, props, and everything you need to get comfy.
• Directions can be found on our locations page.
Studio Etiquette
We are so happy you are joining us! We have put together this list of helpful information so you can be more comfortable when joining us, especially if it is your first time.
Thank you for creating a sacred space for your practice and for respecting the spirit of the studio. These guidelines 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 guidelines will apply to Pilates classes too!
What do I wear? Attire Guidelines
Clothing should allow for full range of motion and breathability during the practice. Attire should be secure, supportive and provide appropriate coverage, ensuring that all participants feel comfortable in a distraction-free space. While fitted styles are welcome, attire should avoid being excessively revealing or emphasizing intimate areas. We promote a respectful and inclusive atmosphere, asking all participants to consider the collective energy of the space when choosing their attire.
To support a comfortable and neutral environment for everyone, we ask that all students come to class free of strong scents, including perfumes, colognes, and body odors.
When should I arrive for class?
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the class is scheduled to start to get signed in and to set up your space for class. The time before class is intended for quiet settling — meditation, grounding, centering, or gentle breathwork. If the previous class is finishing up, please wait quietly outside until they are finished.
Remove Your Shoes for Yoga Classes (you can leave them on for Pilates)
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.
Turn Off Your Cell Phone
Make a habit of doing this as soon as you get to the yoga studio. If your phone rings during class, quietly move to go turn it off immediately rather than wait for it to stop.
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.
Honor Your Body
This is our mantra here at OBXY. We do our best to offer recommendations and alternatives for postures that take into account any injuries and limitations you've made us aware of. Yoga should NEVER be physically painful, it should feel nourishing and supportive. If you are prone to dizziness or low blood sugar, a light snack before class can help you feel steady and energized.
Follow the Flow of the Class
While we encourage growth and exploration in your practice, we ask that any variations or personal exploration remain aligned with the class being taught and flow harmoniously with the group experience. Staying with the group allows the teacher to guide safely and helps maintain the shared energy of the room.
If you’re craving deeper challenges or more advanced postures, we’re happy to recommend classes designed for that level of practice.
Leave Your Ego at the Door
Yoga is not a competition and every body is different. Our classes invite you to explore your own edges—physically, mentally, and energetically—without comparison. Many students keep their gaze soft and focused within the boundaries of their own mat or on a steady point inspired by the posture. This inward focus helps cultivate presence and reduces the temptation to push beyond what feels supportive.
Some students naturally tend toward over-effort, even without comparing themselves to others. To them, we lovingly repeat: Honor Your Body. If you feel ready for new challenges, talk with us. We can guide you into the appropriate classes.
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. But, if you must leave before savasana, please let your instructor know before class and quietly slip away while the other students are getting settled.
Clean Your Mat After Each Use
We have mats available for use. Kindly use the mat cleaner available to sanitize the mat after use and prior to returning it to the shelves.