As yoga grows and evolves in our modern world, it can be nice to be reminded of simple ways to respect the sacredness of a yoga studio and how to mold your experience around your needs. Below are the policies and yoga studio etiquette that we uphold at Bella Prana and the simple steps you can take to honor our shared space.
Electronics
At Bella Prana, we have a strong no-electronics policy. We ask that you leave your cell phone in the lobby or in your car. We do understand there are extreme circumstances, like a sick child or a doctor who is on call. In those cases, we completely understand your need to pop out of class occasionally to check-in. We also ask that you not use your apple watch in any way. If you will be tempted, please leave it outside. Our policy is that we ask all electronics be silenced and left concealed in the lobby or in your car.
Shoes, Bags, and Keys
Please leave your shoes bag/purse and keys in a cubbie in the lobby, or in the trunk of your car if anything is particularly valuable. Bags are not allowed inside the studios for safety reasons. The only items you may have in the studio, are those you need for your practice. At Bella there will always be a desk angels present in the lobby, but we cannot guarantee the safety of your items. This has not been a consistent issue, but if you are not comfortable taking on that risk then please lock them in your trunk so they are safe during your class, or you can leave keys with our front desk. Leaving the studio space clean to the eye and floor space open for students and props helps create the calm and thoughtful space we all love.
Sweating 101
If you tend to sweat a lot, like many of us do, then please remember to bring a towel from home or rent one for $1 at the studio. During class it might be helpful to wipe up your area to keep things clean, and after class we ask you to please take a moment to wipe up your area to help us keep the space clean and avoid any slipping hazards.
Basic Yoga Studio Etiquette
We ask that you not wear strong perfumes or colon’s when you come to practice. Please do not speak once class has begun to respect the focus of your fellow students. Please wear appropriate clothing that covers all the appropriate areas. Lastly, please be willing to move and adjust to make space as new students arrive in the room.
Injury and Adjustments
In our lobby on the wooden wagon wheel, you will find “Namaste Away” white, plastic cards. If you do not want to be touched for any reason you can grab one of these cards and place it under the front corner of your mat. This will alter your instructor that you do not wish to be touched. If you have an injury please alert the instructor verbally of any issues you may have or if you would not like to be touched. Using a Namaste Away card helps to remind instructors, but we ask that you also alert them verbally before class.
Work with the Room
We all have different ideas of what temperature we would like a room or how challenging we would like a class to be. Please know that at Bella we strive to make all students comfortable, but we do purposely make some rooms warmer than others so that students can warm up safely for more active classes. If a class feels too challenging please remember you can rest and modify as needed, and all of our instructors encourage you to practice at your own pace.
Communicate with your Instructor
When you arrive at class please let us know if you have any special issues or injuries we should be aware of. Remember that we have props such as blocks, bolsters, straps, blankets, and eye covers to help you make it the perfect experience for your body. Don’t hesitate to wave an instructor over if you need help modifying a pose.
So Many Resources
To make sure that every practice can meet you where you are at, we have many props and resources available. Please ask your instructor to help you pick out what is best if you need guidance. You can just go and grab any props you need without asking your instructor. Examples of resources and props available to you are blocks, blankets, bolsters, eye pillows, sandbags, tissues, mat wipes, namaste away cards, a water filter station, showers, changing rooms, water and towels for rent, community mats for rent and a staff that is always ready to help you meet your needs.
Try not to Steal Towels or Mats
After class, you are often in a blissful state and it is easy to walk out with studio items. If you rent a towel or mat from the studio, please remember to leave it with us. If you take one on accident please bring it back, we won’t judge! Please do NOT take towels from the restrooms to use in class. We are so grateful!
Don’t Take Yourself too Seriously
At Bella Prana all levels are welcome! You might find that you feel awkward or confused at times – this is normal! Just look around at the your fellow students, or maybe wave the teacher over if you are confused. But at the end of the day, remember that you can just stop and kneel, or come into child’s pose. This is not unusual and is actually common practice for experienced students. It is important that you take a moment to breathe or observe your environment, and you may rest as long as you like. When you are in child’s pose that tells your instructor that you are fine and just want to be still for a while. So take a deep breath, and don’t take anything too seriously, it’s just yoga!
Questions or suggestions about our yoga studio etiquette? Come chat with us!