General rules

Hatha yoga combines poses or asanas with breathing techniques or pranayamas. The class often begins with participants chanting the syllable „om”, and then moving into a series of poses and finishing on the floor in a supine position (shavasana) for 5 to 15 minutes. This type of yoga is based on slower movements and holding positions. It is not about getting all sweaty, but feeling longer, looser, and more relaxed.

Going to a yoga class is a great opportunity to get to know yourself more, and experience the same meditating feelings with other people. There are some certain rules – more like dos and don’ts – that you should keep in mind in order to have a proper yoga experience, and not to disturb others.

Keep it down.
While at a gym chatting is accepted, a yoga room should stay quiet. Walking into the room you should move quietly and talk as little as possible (also before the class starts). Talk quietly before and after class, in order not to disturb other classes in progress in the studio.

Leave electronics behind.
Chatting on a cellphone, texting and checking your messages is not an acceptable behaviour. It is the best if you leave your phone in the studio’s locker. If you must bring it into the room, you should put it on silent mode and out of sight. Pull your phone out after leaving the room.

No clutter.
Do not bring many personal belongings into the yoga class. A bottle of water and a yoga bag is fine, but more stuff not only makes the room crowded, but smelly, too. Scents such as cigarette smoke and restaurant scents will come out of your belongings and disturb class.

No shoes.
Never bring your shoes into the yoga room, and certainly never wear them while on your mat. It is also considered very rude to step on someone else’s mattress (even in bare feet). It is an issue of cleanliness and respect.

Keep it clean.
It is common practice to wait to shower after class. Having clean clothes and a shower before class is a way to show respect to other people, though. During yoga you are sweating, doing partner work and likely be touched by your instructor helping with a pose.

Arrive on time.
Arrive even 5-10 minutes earlier, to avoid disturbing others when the class has already started. Being late is also bad for you, since you are missing the introduction part, meditation and preparing your body and mind for the rest of the class.