In my last post I commented on the article “Why inner peace is losing to yoga rage” published in the Sunday Telegraph on 10-2-08.

It has a section called Mat Manners which I want to share with you here:

• Aim to arrive at least five minutes before a class begins. Don’t enter if you are more than 10 minutes late.
• Turn off mobile phones or leave them outside, and do not answer a call during the class.
• Don’t wander around the room with shoes on. Take them off before you enter.
• Don’t chat or gossip with friends during the class.
• Avoid trying to compete with more advanced yoga students - attempting difficult moves can injure you and others.
• Don’t position your yoga mat too closely to others or you could hit them while attempting a pose.
• Go to the toilet beforehand.
• If you need to leave early, do so as quietly as possible.
• Attend classes that are appropriate to your experience.
• Wear deodorant.

Hmmm…seems all pretty much common sense and courtesy to me, shouldn’t be unique to yoga classes.

One point I would like to mention is that a lot of new students have no idea that yoga is done with bare feet. Make sure your feet are clean.

For a safe and effective yoga practice, a mat is essential. Most gyms here do not provide yoga mats. (Partially for financial reasons, but the other problem is to keep them clean, nice smelling and free of germs, fungi and other nasties).

You are better off to get your own mat. 

Also, make sure you wear something stretchy that clings to your body. It can get quite embarrassing when a loose t-shirt slips upwards when doing dog pose or any inverted poses, revealing your bra!

For the guys: don’t wear very short shorts - certain stretches may reveal a lot more than you bargained for.

I never forget a very overweight lady who turned up to one of my classes in a tight fitting silk blouse with buttons that were shaped like big, white pearls….you can imagine what happened……

That’s it from me for today,

Connie

from yogainahurry.com

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