Class etiquette

Cultivating a comfortable, welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can relax, tune inward and feel respected is important to me. These requirements decrease disruptions and help me provide a safe container to practice for everyone. 

At times, I may have to remind the group or speak privately to a students about class etiquette. I will do my best to be professional, respectful and honest.

Give yourself the opportunity to settle in, set up your mat and props, do a stretch or use the washroom before class starts. If you arrive just on time or late, it disrupts other students and the teacher as you arrange your spot. Being a bit early, means everyone can begin class with limited distractions. 

Classes generally open 15 minutes before the start time, so you have time to arrive and settle in (excluding chair classes). Chair classes open as soon as the space is set-up with chairs. 

Please silence any device that dings or beeps including vibrations. This is your opportunity to put the phone away, be present and not distracted. 

We all need more time without devices so designate your class as a device free time.

If there is a special phone call  you are expecting, let your teacher know and sneak out as quick as you can if it rings.

Scents, perfumes or anything smelly is best left at home. Take a sniff test and consider body odor as well.

Being fresh and clean is a sign of self-respect and a kindness to those around you. And you can do this without heavy scents that may irritate allergies or sensitivities for others. Consider hair products, laundry soaps and other long lasting scents. 

Note: perfumes can be toxic so less is better. Consider healthier more natural options and scent free products.

Let’s not track in whatever is on the bottom of our shoes into the space. We roll around on the ground, so the cleaner the floor, the better. 

Sometimes you have to leave early. Okay, try and do this just before everyone settles into savasana for their well earned relaxation. Let the teacher know if you have to go early.

It's way better to stay. 

Savasana turns on the parasympathetic nervous system (reducing stress) after movement and is part of allowing integration of the practice. It's a conscious relaxation (mindfulness) so you are training your body to relax when you ask it to. This one pose has a host of benefits supporting cardiovascular, mental health and more.

Each person's mat is their own little island of comfort. Be mindful not to step on their mat as a sign of respect for their space.

We all want lots of space around our mat. However, if we spread out too much then someone arriving to class may not see an open spot and possibly not feel welcome. Please be mindful that most classes are full so snug up close and make a friend with your neighbour.

Be sure you use a sticky yoga mat. Pilates mats are more cushioned but they slip around on wood flooring. If you want the cushion, put a yoga mat under your pilates mat so you don't slide around while doing a standing pose!