Whether you are new to yoga, or have been practicing for many years, it’s always a good idea to refresh ourselves with some yoga etiquette.

At SaKula Yoga Studio, we want to make sure that you enjoy yourself in any class you attend, and that means making sure we are considerate of the other students and teachers. 

Arrival Time
First time students should arrive 15 minutes before class starts to fill out the registration form and pay for any class fees.                                                                                                      

Inform the teacher of any injuries for any potential modifications.                                                                         

Continuing students should arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in and pay for any class fees that may be due. 

Late Arrival
We understand things may happen out of our control, but if you are late, please be mindful when entering and setting up your mat.  Try not to disturb the other students who have already started their practice.  If you are more than 10 minutes late, or if you are habitually late, it will be at the discretion of the teacher to allow you to attend the class.

Shoes
Leave all shoes in the shoe cubby in the reception area.  All yoga is done in bare feet.  We strive to keep our studio floors as clean as possible.

Electronics
All cell phones, PDAs, I-pads, etc. are to be turned OFF or silenced and kept with your shoes in the reception area.  Please do NOT bring any electronics into the studio.

Personal Hygiene
Please be mindful of your personal hygiene.  Most yoga classes will have you breaking a sweat.  That’s great for the muscles to move into deeper poses, but may not be so great for your fellow yoginis.  Wear a light (natural) deodorant, wear clean clothes.  But do NOT try to cover up odors with perfumes or oils.  Many students have allergies or are sensitive to smells.  Keep those perfumes for after yoga socializing.

Dress
Wear loose or comfortable clothing that you can move freely in:  T-shirts, tanks, yoga tops, shorts or athletic pants.  Try to avoid baggy sweats or other excessively loose fitting pants. 

Mats
Whenever possible, bring your own mat.  Yoga mats are available for new students, or if you forgot your own mat.  Continuing students are encouraged to buy their own mats.  A decent “sticky” mat can be purchased for around $10-25 at any discount store such as Walmart or Target, or on our on-line store through MindBody.  If you use a studio mat, please be sure to wipe it down with a handi-wipe before putting it away.

Clean up
Please take the extra few minutes to put away any props used during the class.  If you’ve created a puddle of sweat, don’t forget to wipe it up with a towel.    

Not feeling well? 
Please stay at home if you are feeling ill.  Not only is your sneezing, coughing or nose blowing  a distraction, but has the potential of spreading your illness to others.  Stay at home until you are feeling better.

Follow the Teacher
Following the teacher’s instructions sets the tone of the class and the intention in the practice as well as builds community.  Unless you need to modify your poses, it’s best to stick with what the teacher is doing.  BUT, if you need a break, don’t be afraid to sit quietly until you are ready to continue. Do not force yourself or push your body into a pose that feels painful.  Learn when to retreat and release the ego by returning to a calming or child’s pose.  Remember, the practice of yoga is not just “doing the asanas” but by being mindful of your inner self.

Your Practice
Start your practice before class begins.  At SaKula, community is extremely important.  Be respectful of other yoginis who prefer to sit quietly before class.  Those few moments can be perfect for a short meditation or for setting an intention.