How to Prepare for Yoga Class
Do
- Drink plenty of water before and after class.
- Wear comfortable, form-fitting, breathable clothing.
- Try to eat at least two hours before class. If you must eat something, try a few pretzels or yogurt. Pack an energy bar or granola to eat after class.
- Try to use the restroom before class.
- Be on time.
- Stay until you are dismissed.
- Notify the teacher if you are ill, injured, or pregnant. Some poses or practices are not appropriate for all conditions and modifications may be necessary.
- Turn off cell phones, pagers, and blackberries.
- Be quiet.
- Clean up your area before you leave class.
- Respect the sacred space of the studio and your neighbors.
- Take time after class to think about what you did in class and how it made you feel.
Don't
- Allow yourself to get dehydrated.
- Wear clothing that is too restrictive or too baggy.
- Eat a heavy meal right before class. The dynamic movement and tendency to invert works agains the upper GI... ie, you might get sick to the stomach.
- Be disruptive and ask to go to the bathroom during class. Just go if you have to.
- Be late. The first five minutes of class are often the most important.
- Leave in the middle of Savasana. This is poor yoga "etiquette" and disrupts others' attempt to relax.
- Ignore your body signals (pinching or burning pain, breathlessness, dizziness, nauseau, or cramping). These are indicators that you need to modify or stop what you are doing.
- Talk on the phone or text during class. If you MUST take a call, quietly leave class.
- Disrupt the class if it is not an emergency. If you have a less than urgent question for the teacher, see her after class.
- Leave your mat or belongings. Carefully roll the mats and props you use and replace them as you found them or better.
- Walk over or step on another student's mat. For the duration of class that is a safe and sacred space for them.
- Rush out of class without taking a breath or two to enjoy the benefits of the practice!