Top 5 Yoga Tips for Beginners

By Kimberly Fowler

While yoga has moved into the mainstream and even beyond the mat − we’ve caught office mates mid-spinal twist − it’s still a centuries-old practice steeped in tradition, so it makes sense to show some respect. Here are our top five etiquette tips, and if we’ve missed a pet peeve, be sure to leave us a note below.

Show up on time/cell phone off

Come to class 10 minutes early, especially if you’re a newbie, to give yourself time for a quick meet-and-greet with your yoga teacher and a chance to set your mat where you’d like. Coming late can interrupt the class flow, as does an unexpected ring tone. Enjoy the hour off the grid; if you must keep your cell on, set it to vibrate.

Come properly dressed and scented

While yoga is a time for inward focus, you’re also getting up close with fellow yogis, so it’s best to dress (and smell) the part: clean yoga clothes, mat and towel; no perfume; freshly applied deodorant/mouthwash. Women should wear tight-fitting tops so inversions don’t become peep shows. And guys, please no going commando with loose shorts or poses like standing splits can get a little X-rated. A couple more tips: Yoga is a barefoot practice, so leave shoes and socks at the door. And if you sweat, wipe down your area and mat after class to keep things clean for the next group.

Mind the sound

While yoga can sometimes be a social setting before and after class, keep the chit-cat to a minimum as some students might take a short pre- or post-class meditation. And once the teacher is set to start, it’s time to listen. We speak up to 20,000 words a day – enjoy the verbal break.

And mind the Savasana

Don’t ditch out on the end-of-class Savasana (a.k.a. Corpse) – it’s the most important pose of the practice for you and those around you. Corpse pose is a time to rest and let your hard work sink into your body. If you do need to leave early (or take a bathroom break during class), it’s best to go before Corpse and when your fellow yogis aren’t in a balancing pose.

Sign in and pay

Yoga classes typically aren’t free, so be sure to sign in and pay for the experience you’re about to enjoy.