Here are some guidelines created to assist the experience of all students participating in a general yoga class.  An important aspect is to try and be mindful of yourself and others during class.

1.  Arrive for class on time, allowing enough time to sign in and set up a practice space. House keeping is done at this time.  Try to be seated on your yoga mat a few minutes before class begins, to allow yourself time to settle.  New students will need to arrive early to register.
2. Turn off all mobile phones.
3. Let the teacher know before class begins if you have any injuries, special requirements or concerns.
4. Wear comfortable clothes that do not inhibit movement.  Very loose clothes can become an obstacle, for example a loose top may fall down towards your head in some poses.
5. It is traditional to bathe before and after class.  Ensure the body, clothes and yoga mat are clean before class and are free from strong scents and odours’.
6. Yoga is practiced bare foot.  All footwear including socks are removed and kept at the back of class.
7. Classes can get full, so if you see someone looking for space it is helpful to offer to make room for them.
8. If you arrive late and the class has already started, try to come in quietly so as not to disturb others.  It is preferable to find an empty space in the room rather than disturb others by asking them to move their mat.
9. Try  not to leave class during the final relaxation period (savasana) as this disrupts the practice of other students (this does not apply to pregnant/postnatal women).  If you need to leave early, please leave before savasana begins and inform the teacher before class begins.
10. Teachers may offer students’ adjustments during class to help them better experience a pose.  If you do not wish to be adjusted, that is perfectly fine, please feel free to let the teacher know.
11. Yoga is practiced on an empty stomach, preferably 3-4 hours after a large meal or 1-2 hours after a lighter snack.  **This does not apply to women during pregnancy or postnatally, where energy levels and blood sugar shifts can be volatile and nausea, faintness or exhaustion can be signs of hunger.  Attend to your signs of hunger and thirst first.  There is no harm in having a light snack before you practice, for example fruit, a cereal bar.  Please bring water to class and drink as needed.**
12. Traditionally women are advised not to perform a regular yoga practice yoga during their period, as it may affect flow.  Listen to your body.  It is recommended not to perform inverted poses during the first 3 days of menses.
13. If you drink water during class, take small sips (this does not apply to pregnant or postnatal women – please see point 11 above).  It is recommended to drink plenty of water after class to hydrate yourself.
14. People may bring a range of accessories to class to accompany their practice, whilst others bring nothing.  Examples may include: a bottle of water, small towel, yoga mat, tissues, hair band, thin blanket etc.  If attending a postnatal yoga class with your baby, please bring a flat pillow or comfy padded blanket on which to lay your baby.
15. It’s considerate, if when borrowing a yoga mat you are able to lightly spray and wipe clean (after use) ready for the next user (with cleaning equipment provided).  Once dry, roll mats and return all props to their stored locations.
16. If you have any questions about the practice, the yoga teacher is present for a short time after class so please feel free to ask.  This is an ideal opportunity, as questions may be fresh in the mind.

I hope these guidelines are helpful,

Peace, Sky