Etiquette & Policies
We are a Kindness-Based Studio
We ask everyone—teachers and students— to cultivate a culture of kindness and welcome everyone in with a gentle heart. We do not always know the stories of the people sitting beside us in class, nor can we make assumptions. All we can do is be respectful, compassionate, and empathetic.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before class. This allows plenty of time to settle in, get centered, and prepare for practice. Unroll your mat quietly so as not to disturb students who are already there. Check-in with your mood and begin to let go of outside thoughts and concerns. Lie quietly, or do some gentle warm-up poses.
If this is your first class, please complete a new student waiver and inform your instructor.
Please remove your shoes before entering the studio. Coats and shoes may be stored in the closet.
Place personal items neatly in the studio. Please place all shoes and personal belongings neatly on the shelves and spaces provided. Be respectful of shared space.
Please do not wear perfume or strong scents to class, we have students with respiratory conditions.
Do not chew gum — it's distracting and unsafe.
You can bring your own bottled water, but no coffee in the studio. Tea is ok.
Turn off your cell phone. (even on vibrate is disturbing) Allow yourself to unplug from work, life, to-do lists, and reminders, and truly connect to your practice and to yourself. If you are a midwife, doctor, or professional on call, please inform the teacher before class. Keep your phone on vibrate and step outside before answering.
Mats and props are available for use. Please be helpful and respectful of the next person and clean your mat and props after use.
Please do not walk on each other’s yoga mats, this is where they place their face and hands, and is a sacred space.
Before class begins, please share any questions or concerns with your teacher, especially regarding any past injuries, pregnancy, or medical issues that may affect your practice.
If you are having difficulty during class, do not hesitate to ask for help.
Be gentle and honor yourself and the practice.
Let go of any expectations or the need to perform, and instead, dedicate yourself to being in the moment with your breath and body. All will unfold as it needs to.
Don't Skip Savasana. The final relaxation pose, called Corpse Pose — "Savasana" (shah-VAHS-uh-nuh) in Sanskrit — is vital to your practice. It's a time for stillness and deep rest that lets your body fully receive the benefits of yoga. If you must leave early, let your teacher know before class and leave quietly before Savasana starts. Be sure to allow sufficient time to collect your mat and belongings.
Respect the space. Practicing yoga in a group setting creates a sacred, safe zone. Allow room for other students to come in. Sometimes we see a new student feeling lost and unsure - please feel free to welcome and guide them. Let them know what props the teacher usually uses, slide your mat aside to make space, or just smile warmly. A little bit can go a long way in making them feel welcome.
If it happens to be a full class and space is limited, please move your mat closer to your neighbor and make a little more space for someone new to join the class. Feel free to introduce yourself to your neighbor, it also might be nice to say hi and know their name if you cross paths later that day.
Never adjust the lights, fans, windows, or thermostat without permission.
Probably the most important on this list. Please use common sense wisdom on the mat. You are not obligated to participate in any pose/activity you are not comfortable with. You have a right to let the teacher know if you do not want to be touched. You have a right to honor your body and personal space. Lastly, if any activity doesn't feel good, don't do it! The most important thing is that you feel safe, comfortable, and heard.