- Turn off your cell phone before entering the room.
- Wear clothes that are loose-fitting enough so if you need to do a split, your pants won't rip, and make sure to wear shorts that stick to your body enough so that you won't, um, embarrass yourself in certain positions (this cannot be undervalued). Wear tops that can be tucked in (or sports bras, for women, or men, hey, whatever makes you feel good) so that if you do an inversion (headstand, etc.) your shirt will not float over your head.
- Generally, try not to call out in class and DO NOT have conversations with your neighbor. The attitude in yoga class is quiet and respectful.
- While deep breathing is encouraged, avoid humming to yourself, as this can be way distracting to others.
- We recommend you bring a handkerchief (certain breathing exercises might make you want to blow your nose), and some water in a bottle. If you are taking a Power yoga class, make sure to wear as little as possible, as you are certain to feel heated up within minutes.
- Do not wear shoes or socks (the better to center yourself and feel the "earth" beneath), and try to not have stinky feet.
- Do not eat for at least and hour and a half before class, or you may regret it.
- If you have long hair, tie it back or it will fall in your face.
- Some teachers place more importance on hands-on corrections than others. If you are not comfortable being corrected, speak up. It's your body, and you are not getting a grade in class, so always let the teacher know if you do not want to be touched, or if his/her readjustment is hurting.
- If you are new to class, it can be helpful to not sit in the front row. This way you can watch other students if you are unsure what the teacher is talking about. Still, don't sit so far back that the teacher might not notice to correct you.
- Typically, a yoga teacher will have the students recite "Om" at the beginning and end of class. So when your teacher starts to Om, either join in immediately or wait until a couple of others begin if you're shy, and then let it rip. Your voice is important; it contributes to the energy in the room, and nobody cares if you know how to sing.
SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW learn the basics of yoga?
