Upholding courtesy at all times is what makes up a list of good etiquette in any place or situation, no matter who you are with.

And it’s not different in the yoga studio. When practicing yoga with other people, you have to remember to stay polite and courteous all the time. It’s all about respecting others’ space too, especially in a yoga studio. Yoga should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

To make sure you do well in your first yoga class, remember these 7 yoga etiquettes:

Respect everyone’s time

Arrive on time for your yoga class. Remember, to respect everyone’s time. Plus, you don’t want to be barging into a room in the middle of a yoga session. Aside from the fact that it’s embarrassing, you also distract others.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your class, so you would have enough time to prepare your stuff and find a comfortable spot in the room.

Turn off distractions

A yoga studio is a place where people practice meditation, focus, and relaxation, you don’t want to break that when someone keeps calling your phone or your colleague emailing you about your project.

Make it a habit to turn off or at least put your mobile devices or any devices that may cause a distraction to silent mode.

Respect other space

In a yoga studio, your yoga mat is your own tiny space. make sure you show respect to others’ space by not stepping on their mat or by giving them enough space where they can be comfortable to move. And that is the reason why you have to come in early because when you come in early you would have the freedom to choose the spot where you want to place your mat on.

Have a break at the right time

To avoid going on breaks in the middle of a session, make sure you go to the bathroom at least 5 minutes before your session starts. However, if you really need to go on a break when in the middle of the session, make sure you do it during easy or resting poses and you don’t need to ask for permission from the teacher, all the more distract others. Get away from your space as slow and quiet as you can and then get back the same way. In short, create as little noise and distraction as possible.

Don’t leave the class early

Make sure that you finish your session and you don’t skip the savasana or your final relaxation part. However, when you really have to leave the class early, make sure you tell your instructor ahead of time. Just don’t make it a habit to do so.

Value your instructor

Always remember that your instructor is like your head of the room. When you enter a yoga, you sign on to respect your teacher for the whole session. For instances that you realize you don’t like the way the instructor handles the class or you don’t like the yoga style, at least have the courtesy to finish the session rather than leaving in the middle of it.

Be kind to everyone in the room

It wouldn’t hurt you to be kind, right? So, just be kind to everyone in the room. Give your smile away and stay friendly to everyone. It’s the least thing you can do, yet the best way to engage with the people in the room.