Yoga Studio Etiquette for Beginners: How to Navigate Your First Class with Grace

Are you new to practicing at a yoga studio and not sure of the etiquette? Or maybe you have been practicing online yoga but haven’t mustered the courage to try an in-studio class because you are not sure of what happens? I’m here to de-mystify yoga studio etiquette with five tips to make your first visit to the studio a little less daunting.

1. Arrive 5-10 minutes early

If it is your first class at the studio, you may want to arrive 10-15 minutes early so the teacher can show you around the studio, let you know where the amenities and props are and also have a chat with you to understand your previous yoga experience and whether you have any injuries or special requests.

There is a saying in the yoga world that the class starts on time to honour the teacher and finishes on time to honour the student. Yoga classes start promptly at the scheduled time, so arrive 5-10 minutes early to give yourself time to put your mat down, stow away your belongings and gather any props before the class starts. If you arrive just after class has started, respect the stillness of the class and place your mat down quietly at the back of the studio and try not to disturb anyone. It is not uncommon for studios to lock the doors once class starts and late attendees may not be admitted - make sure to check what your studios policy is for late arrivals.

2. Don’t wear your shoes in the studio

Yoga is traditionally practiced barefoot (or you may wear socks in Yin or Restorative). Practicing barefoot helps connect you to the earth and assists with finding your balance in standing poses. Shoes are not worn into the studio and most studios will have a designated area for you to place your shoes outside or near the studio entrance. If it is not obvious, feel free to ask the teacher where you should leave your shoes.

3. Turn off any devices and remove distractions

Yoga studios are a sanctuary of calm and peace so electronic devices are a no-no. Yoga is a time to turn inwards, connect with yourself and be totally present in class. For the sake of your own and your classmates’ focus, turn off your mobile phone, smart watch notifications or anything that buzzes or rings. Some studios will have lockers in the change room and will request that all electronic devices are left in there.

And while we are talking about mobile phones, studios love you posting about your class to instagram but taking photos of others without first seeking permission or during the middle of a class is not appropriate.

4. Respect the space of others

A yogi’s mat is their personal space. Some poses require your head or face to be placed on your mat and you don’t want to be putting your head where someone else has just had their feet. Mind your steps and avoid walking on another person’s mat.

If there is enough space in the class, it is polite to slightly stagger mat placements so you don’t block the view of the teacher for those behind you. And if it is a full class, and you see someone looking for a spot to place their mat, be neighbourly and move your mat to make some room for them.

Teachers may also move around the room during class to demonstrate in different positions. Make sure you keep your water bottle, towel and personal possessions neatly close to your mat so they don’t create a trip hazard.

5. Don’t leave during savasana

Savasana is the final resting pose in a yoga practice. It consists of lying down on your back with your body relaxed and if you feel comfortable, closing your eyes. If you are new to yoga, you may not understand the sacredness of this pose and you may be tempted to skip it altogether or leave in the middle of it but for experienced yogi’s savasana is the most important pose of the whole practice .

If you really can’t stay because of time pressures, position yourself close to the exit and aim to leave class before savasana starts as you don’t want to distract from the restful and meditative state of your classmates as you shuffle around to pack up.

These five tips should give you the confidence to attend in-studio classes and know you won’t break any etiquette rules. But if you do, yogi’s are generally a very forgiving bunch - just apologise and tell them it is early in your yoga journey. And remember that everyone in that room once walked into a yoga studio for the very first time and probably did some of the same things as you - don’t stress, every practice is a new opportunity to try again.