Yoga Studio Etiquette for First Timers

Do you feel intimidated the first time you walk into a yoga studio? You are not alone. Yoga studios can certainly be intimidating for beginners. Today, many people start their yoga journey with free online videos and at-home exercises. Transitioning from a relaxed, solitary home environment to a personal studio can be overwhelming and confusing. There is a whole culture to the study of yoga, and there are actually a lot of unwritten rules when it comes to attending a yoga studio. Navigating this new ritual can be stressful for newcomers – they’re often looking for the exact opposite experience on their first studio visit! This article will guide you through yoga studio etiquette and cover key issues that beginners should be aware of.

Why Visit a Yoga Studio?

Why Go to a Yoga Studio

Yes, stepping into a yoga studio for the first time can be intimidating, but it’s important to jump over this small hurdle because a huge reward awaits on the other side. Yoga studios are very special places. They are different from gyms or other places where you might take a yoga class because they are devoted entirely to the practice of yoga. At the yoga studio, your yoga practice will be challenged in a safe manner. Not only will you find the benefits of yoga classes and private teachers offering personalized modification and alignment techniques, but you’ll also take advantage of what a yoga studio has to offer in a social community.

You may not be able to control the whole world, but you can learn to control your inner world through yoga. Fallen Mridha

At a yoga studio, you’ll find like-minded yogis, and even if you’re sweating side by side on mats in class, you’ll still benefit from this shared energy. Many yoga studios also strive to create a sangha or community feel by offering retreats, social events, workshops, and more.

Yoga Studio Etiquette Tips

While the benefits of joining a yoga studio are numerous, they can be daunting for someone new to yoga. The following etiquette tips should be read and considered before visiting a yoga studio for the first time. They range from social practices you should be aware of to the gear and clothing you may need to bring to first class. Any etiquette advice stems from respect and responsibility, not only to studio owners and teachers, but to your fellow students and even yourself.

wear appropriate clothes

One of the most common questions people go to a yoga studio for the first time is what to wear. Different people will have different answers, depending on what you like. When choosing your personal yoga clothing, consider factors such as freedom of movement, temperature and presentability. Leggings are often recommended for yoga classes. If it’s a hot yoga or power yoga class, you may want to wear tight shorts. Avoid baggy running shorts, as they may inadvertently reveal a three-legged, downward-facing dog pose. For tops, wear a comfortable shirt appropriate for the temperature of the class. Vests are usually recommended. You may want to choose a tight-fitting shirt that stays in place, rather than a looser shirt that falls off when you do a handstand. Women should absolutely wear a sports bra. It is also recommended to bring a layer of insulation to take off while warming up in class. If you’re taking a yin, gentle, or slow yoga class, you may prefer loose-fitting clothing without worrying about the garment moving during fast sequences. When choosing clothes, make sure you are comfortable and suitable for the studio environment.

bring the right gear

Before your first studio yoga class, don’t worry too much about yoga equipment. The only necessary equipment for yoga practice is a mat. In the studio, you are more than welcome to bring your own mats, it is definitely more hygienic. So always bring your personal mat. But don’t worry if you don’t have your own mat or can’t bring one. Most yoga studios have their own mats that students share. Usually these are free, but some studios may charge a small rental fee. If this is your first class, please call the studio ahead of time to ask about the yoga mat policy. As for other gear, such as props such as yoga blocks, yoga straps and blankets, most yoga studios will provide them. Regarding the more specialized equipment you may have due to your injury, e.g. a studio is unlikely to provide a wrist wedge, so you should bring your own. If you have specific questions about equipment, please call the yoga studio before registering for a class.

take off your shoes

An often overlooked part of yoga studio etiquette is footwear. Going barefoot is a yoga studio tradition. Most studios will provide you with lockers or lockers to store your shoes and socks after you move in and before entering the classroom. If bare feet are uncomfortable for you, you can wear socks, although most students will go barefoot.

pay attention to volume

Yoga studios are traditionally spaces of quiet, peace and contemplation. This applies especially to the classroom. Standing in the studio hall allows you to have low-volume conversations. During class, depending on the layout of the room, you may need to lower the volume further so as not to disturb the class in progress. Once you are in the classroom, depending on the studio, you may be encouraged to be quiet or quieter