Led Class Etiquette

How to be the most polite of Ashtangis:

ARRIVING

Read our etiquette

1.  Know your practice space.  Go the yoga shale's website and find out how much class will cost and if you can pay by cash, card, or either.  Are there yoga mats available to borrow or should you bring your own?  Read any recommendations or etiquette notes and follow them.

2.  Leave refreshments at home or work, etc.  Asana is practiced on an empty stomach. There are some exceptions (such as pregnancy).  If you aren't sure, contact the shala and ask.

3.  Wear clean, comfortable clothing.

4.  Arrive early.  If class starts at 6:30am, be there at 6:15am.  This allows plenty of time to sign-in, pay, fill out forms, put away your belongings, use the restroom, set up your mat, etc.

IN THE ROOM

1. Introduce yourself to the teacher if you are new.

2. Always alert the teacher to any conditions.

3. Ask the teacher where to place your mat.

4. Be aware of where water is for Garba pindasana

5. Maintain silence.

DURING CLASS

1. Wait for the count.

2. If you are a Mysore student, stop at your last asana and wait for further instruction.

No Fearing! A practical guide to starting a Mysore practice

Anyone can practice.

Don't be intimidated about starting your practice.

You don't need to know anything.  Your teacher will show you.

Everyone starts this way.

I was very afraid before I started.  I get it.  Now I know better.

In India you can't be afraid.

Read up.  KPJAYI on the practice and where to find a teacher nearby.

Contact the teacher and set a time to observe a Mysore class.

Start by observing.  The whole point is to get settled into the vibe of the space including the people.  TO feel relaxed and comfortable.  You are investing in your education and a community, not a massage or gymnastics.  Email to request a time to observe.  You'll get a tour.  Find out how the classroom works, etc.  Be ready to remove your shoes and turn off electronics!  Read the etiquette.  Ask about the schedule (below) and tuition.  You'll figure out where it is and how long it will take you to get there.  Essentially we are trying to set a strong and fertile foundation for a lifelong sustainable practice.  Slow and steady.  Tell them about injuries, concerns, etc.  Here is our etiquette at the shala.

You've decided the practice is for you.  Read the schedule.  When does the door open?  When does the teacher arrive?  What time is the opening mantra?  When should you pay?  What will you need?  Budget an hour although it will probably be less.

You've figured out a start date and time.  What to wear and where to find it.  Towel.  Yoga mat and rug maybe.  You'll need fresh ones each day.  Be barefoot.  Pay your tuition.

The day before.  Eat light, sleep well, and hydrate.  Set out your clothes.  Establish good habits from day one.  Review etiquette.  Pay tuition.

That day.  Bathe.  Don't eat or drink.  Arrive in advance.  Fill out forms if you haven't already and pay tuition.  The teacher will show you what to do.

Return the next day and the next.

Part II The first month of practice.

House Recommendations by Angela Jamison

Angela Jamison's (Ashtanga Yoga : Ann Arbor) "House Recommendations" are definitely on this year's ashtanga yoga reading list.  You can read it online/print for free or order a bound hard copy here.  Design and edits by Laura Shaw Feit. 

Shala Etiquette by Elise Espat

Here are some guidelines that we use at the Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala for a pleasant and productive practice environment.  Every Shala and teacher is unique, so if you are going some place new, be sure to check in with them about suggestions for practice.


Please respect the lineage, the teacher, other students, and yourself by following these guidelines.

Arrive to practice on an empty stomach. Do not bring any drinks into the Shala.

Turn off all electronic devices before entering the Shala.

Wear clean, comfortable, stretchy clothing similar to what one would wear to the gym. Avoid wearing jewelry and tie back long hair. Shoes are not worn inside the Shala, we practice with bare feet. Do not wear anything with perfumes and shower before practice.

Bring a clean towel and your own clean yoga mat. You may also rent a mat or purchase one at the Shala.

Settle your tuition before you begin your practice.

Notify your teacher well and before you begin practice of any pain, soreness, injury, past surgeries, pregnancy, illness, fasting, etc.  

If you are an experienced Mysore student, on your first day at the Shala practice the primary series.

Do not skip, add, or modify the traditional sequence unless requested.

Do not add any new asanas unless they are given.

Maintain silence and if necessary, speak quietly.

There are no classes on Moon Days or Saturdays. The first three days of menstruation are also a time for rest.

Practice at home if you are sick, take rest if you have a fever.

Everyone sweats. Clean any moisture left on the floor around your mat before you leave.



-An excellent list from Angela Jamison of Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor (also here).