NEW TO YOGA?
Studio etiquette is an expression of ahimsa or non-harming to yourself and others. It’s a great practice for developing awareness of your world and those around you. The following suggestions are designed to help us all experience more compassion and kindness toward ourselves, others and our environment.
CHECK-IN: If you are new to the studio, please register with the teacher 10 minutes before class begins. This is a great time to ask any questions and let your teacher know of any injuries or health issues you may have.
WHAT TO WEAR: The studio is heated and very warm. Please wear comfortable, light, non-restrictive clothes.
SHOES, BAGS & CELL PHONES: Make sure to leave your shoes in the entryway – we practice barefoot. Please leave any bulky bags or jackets on the entryway coat racks or in the white cubbies. Please turn off your cell phone or leave it in your vehicle.
BE ON TIME: Please be seated in the classroom a few minutes BEFORE the start of class. Each class is organized with a beginning, middle and end, all of which contribute to your experience. If you come in late, not only will you miss something but you may disrupt the class experience for someone else as well.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: Think of the studio as a special sacred place where you can take refuge. With that awareness in mind, please:
• Be mindful of how you place your mat on the floor. Try not to unfurl it with a loud “FWAP”, instead unroll it quietly in respect to your neighbors.
• If you are socializing before class, that’s OK, but please be mindful of others who may be meditating or sitting quietly in the studio. Please keep your conversational volume on low and try not to talk to one another from across the room.
• Organize your practice area with neatness and consideration of those around you. Put your props, water bottles and towels close to your mat.
REFRAIN FROM WEARING STRONG SCENTS: Many people are sensitive or allergic to various fragrances and scents.
GUM, WATER & FOOD: Please refrain from chewing gum in class. Do not bring food or beverages other than water into the studio. Be sure to bring water to keep yourself properly hydrated before and after class. The studio has bottled water for sale if you forget your own. Also, yoga practice works all the internal organs as well as the outer body muscles. It is best to have an empty or near empty stomach during your practice. Try to allow yourself 2-3hrs after a full meal before you practice.
MATS & PROPS: Because we want you to use clean, safe props while you are at Quest Yoga Studio, we provide some mats & props and clean them regularly. However, it is recommended that you buy your own mat, which will deepen your practice. For those of you who tend to sweat a lot during practice, you should also bring a hand towel to class.
PRACTICE “PROPASANA”: Please return all props to their appropriate place at the end of the class. If you borrowed a mat, please clean it and then roll it back up properly. If you are unsure about how to do that, please ask your teacher. Blocks should be arranged on the shelves alongside other blocks. Belts should be rewound into a palm-sized spiral and placed in the belt basket.
HONOR YOUR BODY: Yoga is a personal practice not a competitive or comparative one. Each of us has our own individual levels of strength, flexibility, and experience. That’s what makes the practice so fun! Your body may express the postures in a way that is unique to just you. So do not push it too far, too soon. You are the only one who knows how you’re feeling at any moment, so listen to the wisdom of your body and take care of yourself.
LEAVING EARLY: Though we hope you will plan to stay for the entire class, if you absolutely have to leave early, please be sure to practice Savasana (corpse pose, deep relaxation) for at least five minutes before you go. Also, please leave quietly BEFORE the other students begin their Savasana (relaxation) to avoid disturbing them once the general Savasana (relaxation) has begun.
MINIMUM ATTENDANCE: There must be a minimum of two students for a class to be held.