There are many benefits to practicing together. The sense of community is one of the three principles of our ideology, and we strive to build a place of refuge for your practice. We strive to set the conditions that our studio for our staff and faculty to guide you and your fellow students to be a stronger core of your families and our community – Sangha.
The following points of etiquette are offered as part of your practice. We encourage everyone to be mindful of the impact we have on those around us. These points are intended to promote the essence of Sangha in the studio; and ensure your part in creating a unique place of positive encouragement.
Self-Assessment of your Health.
When you sign up for a class, you are attesting that you have checked yourself for any signs and/or symptoms of any contagious diseases, including but not limited to Coronavirus strains (e.g., COVID-19), prior to arriving at Sol Hot Yoga Studio. If you have any symptoms or personal knowledge of infectious diseases that you may carry, it's ok to stay home. If you're coughing or have a temperature is above 99.5F before class, stay home. Should these conditions change during a class, please understand that it is your responsibility to excuse yourself from the class.
Hydrate before and during class.
You should begin hydrating 60 to 90 minutes before a yoga class. Try to consume at least 16oz of water and electrolytes – and avoid caffeine (if possible!) – at least one hour before your class, or 4 to 6 ounces if hydrating 30 minutes before yoga. We also have water breaks throughout our yoga sequence to keep you hydrated during class. Fill your water bottle, you'll need at least 27oz.
Strange odors.
We recommend showering BEFORE class to open your pores and allow your skin to breathe during class. But avoid the hygiene products with strong odors. You are perfect just the way you are. There’s no need for makeup or strong perfumes in yoga class. If you don’t have time to shower before class, throw on some deodorant but leave all other air fresheners on the rearview mirror. Remember: The heat in the room will intensify the odors.
Dress for yoga.
Wear comfortable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking materials. Some clothing (or lack thereof) can be distracting. Baggy tops can do more harm than good if they get tangled or bunched up, or worse yet, slip off in the wrong places. Avoid any type of bottom that has a bulky drawstring at the waist, or zippers anywhere – these will be a pain when you lie on the mat.
Be on time.
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before class begins. This will allow plenty of time to check in, use the restroom, and position your mat in the studio. If you are late, you must ask the receptionist for assistance to enter the room. Your timeliness also allows you time to mentally prepare for the class and shift from thinking about the busy day outside. This is time for you – honor it by showing up.
Let your instructor know about injuries or medical conditions.
If you have an injury, or other medical conditions that may impact your ability to perform the postures or complete the class, please let the staff and instructor know when you check in at the front desk. It’s always ok to skip the postures that may exacerbate your injury, and the instructor can also offer some modifications during the class.
Leave your phones, bags, and shoes (and socks) outside.
We recommend locking personal belongings in your car. There is some room for your shoes and coats in the hallway outside of the studio. Phones must nama’stay out of the class, and if they are in the hallway turn the ringer OFF. Please set them to “silent” or “vibrate” modes.
*Since we have several medical facilities near our studio, we understand certain circumstances. If you have a job where you are on call, please arrive early and notify the front desk before class begins. We will do everything we can to place your mat in the proper location in case that emergency call comes.
No talking in the studio.
Once you enter the studio for a class, please be respectful and refrain from talking (whispering is talking). Our hallway is a great space to catch up with your friends, give your significant other a pep-talk before their first class, and serendipitous interactions.
Find a good place for your mat.
We only enter barefoot. Be mindful not to disturb others while placing your mat, water, and props. Respect your neighbor’s mat space, try to leave a reasonable space between. Avoid walking across someone else’s mat. For many, our yoga mats are a particularly sacred place.
- Front row if you feel good to go. Feel confident that you are ready to set a positive example for the energy in the room. Even if you know you need to modify postures, but you can move gracefully without disturbing others; then, you are exemplifying awareness of your practice.
- Middle row if you need a little room to grow. Better opportunity for hands-on adjustments & assistance from instructors.
- Back row if you don't really know. If you need to use the back wall to modify standing postures or just wanna take it easy - no worries!
If you're new or if you have challenges in our standing postures, we recommend the back row. This allows you the comfort of coming to your seat, or Child's Pose at any time while minimizing distractions to others in the class.
Most importantly, wherever you place your mat, please honor the stillness in the space. We aspire to make every class a sacred experience for all of our guests.
Set an intention for each class.
After placing your mat, students will be shifting their focus toward their intention for the yoga practice. You may find it helpful to consider your intention as a dedication to a person, a cause, or a change that you would like to see in the world (e.g., peace, hunger, family connections). Your intention may also be a personal commitment to yourself – that’s ok, too! If you’re struggling to find an intention, you might focus on your health, self-giving service, compassion, or your contribution to our resilient community. No worries!
Be mindful of the heat.
Bring an extra towel in the room if you think you might sweat a lot. It’s better to have the towel and not need it, rather than leave a puddle of sweat on the floor that could cause you or someone else to slip.
Also, don’t force it. Every day is different, and one side (left or right) might be different than the other. Do the best you can without straining or injuring yourself. You’ll go farther, faster if you take a loving attitude toward yourself and work from where you are, not where you think you should be and definitely not where someone else may be. It’s yoga practice, not yoga perfect!
No freestyling.
Doing poses that are completely different than what the teacher is cueing is distracting and can also be potentially harmful. (NO HEAD STANDS!) We have created a certain sequence for a reason and unless you are modifying, please respect what the teacher is saying and the impact your actions may have on others in the class.
Stay for the full Savasana.
Savasana is the final posture in our yoga sequence; all other postures prepare us for this posture. Our class schedule includes a few minutes of silent stillness for you to enjoy Savasana. Please don’t steal these hard-earned moments from those around you. When you do leave, do so mindfully. Clean up the area around your mat, be careful not to slip, and don’t step on some else’s mat or body parts.
