If you?re signing up for a yoga class, here are some of the basic dos and don?ts that you need to know. You?ll probably pick these up by watching the other people in the class, but knowing them from before can make things a little easier.
Yoga is practiced barefoot, without shoes or socks.
2. Put your phone on silent.
A ringing or buzzing phone can be extremely annoying, so make sure you put your phone on silent and switch off the vibration before you start class.
If you?re late to the class, or need to leave a little early, don?t make a huge racket when you come and go. Be as quiet as possible and respect the fact that everyone else is trying to concentrate.
It?s extremely rude to step on other people?s mats, so make the effort to walk all the way around.
Tight clothes restrict your circulation, while baggy clothes may get in your way, and prevent your teacher from being able to see whether or not you are doing the poses correctly.
Yoga involves a lot of complicated body movements, so make sure your clothes are modest ? no one wants to see your butt hanging out of tight pants every time you bend over! White pants are another no-no, since they can also be quite revealing, especially if they?re tight.
Yoga is usually practiced in closed and intimate spaces. If you?ve been sweating it out in the heat all day, go for a shower before the class so that everybody else doesn?t have to inhale the sweaty fumes you?re giving off. Use deodorant, but avoid strong perfumes or colognes that could disturb others.
Many yoga poses are designed to release flatulence, so it?s perfectly normal for you to need to fart, but ensure that neither your teacher nor your neighbours are in the way.
Yoga is a meditative practice, so you need to make it a point to turn your attention inwards rather than outwards. Even if you are unable to meditate, avoid talking because it will disturb others who are trying to do so. If you have any questions, ask your teacher quietly.
A noisy, rustling mat can be disturbing to the people around you. If it keeps moving and slipping, it can increase your chances of falling and getting hurt as well. Work on your balance so that the mat stays in place.
Yoga can make you sweat quite a bit and that?s a good thing, but dripping sweat all over is not. Keep a towel with you to wipe off the excess sweat.