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New to Yoga? Here Are 7 Yoga Room Codes of Conduct


Yoga is an ancient, sacred practice that dates back over the past 5,000 years of documented history. While much of the yoga we practice today is modernized (and if you live in the US, Americanized), many of the sacred old traditions still exist today.

As a new yoga student, it’s important to be aware of those traditions, as well as modern codes of conduct, as you step onto your mat. Here are some of the universal guidelines that everyone should respect at their yoga studio.
 

 
 

7 (Suggested!) Yoga Room Codes of Conduct

 

1. Always Arrive Early to Class

It is distracting to the other students and also the teacher when you walk into class late. Give yourself enough time to set your mat up and do anything else you need to—stretch, use the restroom, etc. — before class begins.
 

2. Don’t Talk in the Yoga Room

Other students are in the room early to stretch, relax, meditate and prepare for their practice. You don’t want to disrupt them by talking. Students will typically socialize before or after class in the lobby or locker rooms, so do your best to save the yoga room for your silent, sacred practice.
 

3. No Shoes or Cell Phones in the Yoga Room

This may seem obvious, but not to everyone. And is an important code of conduct!

Having dirty shoes in the yoga room (typically saved for bare feet) is a sign of disrespect. Cell phones may ring or vibrate and are also disrespectful to have in the room. If you can’t be away from your phone for an hour, don’t come to class. You’re missing the point anyway.

New to Yoga? Here Are 3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Yoga Practice
 

4. Do the Sniff Test

We know, you’re going to work out. Who cares if you’re not exactly smelling fresh? We do! If you haven’t showered in a few days or if you went out drinking the night before, please, take a shower before you come to class.
 

5. Watch Your Feet

In certain practices, it’s tradition when lying down, for your feet to face away from the mirror. It is respectful to everyone else in the room and a good code of conduct to all be laying facing in the same direction so your feet aren’t potentially next to someone else’s face.
 

 
 

6. Don’t Leave During Savasana!

Savasana gives your body the time it needs to rejuvenate after your physical practice. To leave prematurely would shock your body’s internal process. Leaving disrupts other students and shifts the awareness of the room to the sound of you leaving. A big no-no and a big code of conduct yes-yes.
 

7. Say “Namaste” at the End of Your Practice

“Namaste” is Sanskrit for “honoring the light within”. It is a way of acknowledging your instructor, honoring them, yourself, and your practice.
 
 

Follow These Yoga Room Codes of Conduct for a Beautiful Experience

Knowing these codes of conduct will have you feeling more confident as you go to your first few yoga classes.

Always remember your yoga instructor is more than happy to answer any questions you have about these codes of conduct, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

They are there to guide you through all aspects of your practice. Relax, have fun, and Namaste!

If you’re ready for the next stage of your practice, check out 5 Tips for Beginner Yogis.

New to Yoga? Here Are 12 Things to Know Before Taking Your First Yoga Class

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Johnny Jedi

Johnny was born in Rasario, Argentina and moved to the Big Apple when he was a teenager. There he found his three passions: yoga, writing and his pet chinchilla Henry. And yes, you guessed it, Johnny likes Star Wars.

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