Community Guidelines / Studio Etiquette
Community Guidelines/Studio Etiquette
Arriving Early/Late
For mainstream yoga classes, the studio opens fifteen (15) minutes before class and closes fifteen (15) minutes after class. Late entry and/or leaving class early is discouraged in mainstream yoga classes and group yoga therapy sessions, both for safety and security purposes and also as a sign of respect to other fellow yogis, unless early departure is needed for one’s own health and safety purposes. In such instances, clients are kindly requested to inform the yoga therapist and leave class as discreetly as possible. In one-to-one sessions, classes are adapted according to the needs of the student and thus the yoga therapist and the client will discuss the individual’s needs as they arise.
Shoes and socks
Please leave your shoes at the door to help keep the space clean and allow for easier sanitization between sessions. Socks should also be removed for better grip and safer practice. If you’re feeling cold, you may choose to wear or purchase yoga socks designed specifically for safe movement.
Food
We kindly ask you to refrain from eating inside the studio to help maintain a clean space for practice. If however, you suffer from a medical condition such as hypoglycaemia or similar, requiring you to eat at specific times, we kindly ask you to do so discreetly, informing us in advance so we can accommodate your needs. Your well-being is our priority.
Illness
Should you feel unwell, we kindly ask you to practice ahimsa (non-harming) for yourself and others. Please take the necessary time to rest and recover, as this helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures a healthy environment for everyone.
Injuries/specific ailments
Yoga therapy sessions require a full intake. Whether you are opting for mainstream yoga or yoga therapy, all clients must complete and sign an enrolment form before participating. Please be sure to advise us of any injuries or specific ailments you may suffer from. This helps us to keep you safe.
Distractions
Mobile Phones: Out of respect for others in group sessions and for your own safety, we kindly ask you to switch off your phones during class. Yoga is a chance to disconnect from the digital addictions and distractions we face in daily life and focus inward. With your phone on silent, it may still pose a mental distraction for you and others. Should you be expecting an urgent call during a one-on-one session, we kindly ask you to set it to silent and inform us in advance so we can adjust accordingly, ensuring your practice and relaxation is not interrupted and nervous system not jolted.
Contraindications
Yoga and yoga therapy should always be practiced following consultation from one’s doctor due to specific contraindications that may apply. At Baobab Yoga Therapy, we provide guidance under the close supervision of accredited tutors. However, yoga therapists are generically-speaking not trained to diagnose or provide medical treatment.
Following from this point of caution, students are encouraged to refrain from going deeper into a pose if inappropriate for one’s specific needs and to advise the yoga therapist in case of discomfort/pain. We invite you to listen to your body, and use your practice as an opportunity for self-discovery. Yoga is meant to serve the body, mind and spirit, rather than to perform some pose as a means of achievement or performance. If props are needed, embrace the use of equipment as a supportive tool. Similarly, we urge you to utilise the different cues, variations and modifications offered in class to tailor your practice to your unique needs without harming the body, mind or spirit, ensuring well-being instead.
Time of practice
Yoga may be practiced at any time of day except after meals, unless suitable practices are engaged in to facilitate digestion, or in the event of special requirements. Generally, a three-hour timeframe is recommended after meals. The most conducive time to elicit the optimum benefits of yoga is the two-hours leading to and including sunrise. At this time of day, the air is considerably purer, the atmosphere is more peaceful, metabolic and digestive systems much more at ease and the mind is clearer with less clutter tainting our perceptions.
Clothing
Wearing clothing that is either overly loose or too tight may impact your practice. Loose clothing may require constant adjustments, distracting you from your inner focus and alignment in certain poses. Conversely, excessively tight clothing may restrict your breathing and hinder your movement, making it difficult to practice effectively. For optimal comfort and freedom of movement, we recommend wearing attire that allows you to practice with ease and confidence.
Hygiene
We are committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming studio for everyone. To help avoid odours, please ensure you arrive feeling refreshed, properly bathed and teeth brushed in view of the nature of yoga practice in class. We also kindly ask that you avoid wearing heavy perfumes, oils, or colognes, as scents can be triggering for some individuals. Your consideration helps create a pleasant and inclusive environment for all participants.
Talking in class
We encourage you to enjoy your practice and embrace the freedom and playfulness brought through moving with the breath. However, yoga and yoga therapy are considered a space for self-reflection. To support a tranquil environment, we kindly ask you to refrain from unnecessary talking during the session in respect for yourself and others. Please arrive early to socialize before class begins. Once the session starts, we invite you to focus on your practice and embrace the quietude. In one-on-one sessions, we can engage in conversation at appropriate times, and we will accommodate each individual’s needs to create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
Borrowing props
We encourage the use of props and equipment provided in group classes to enhance your practice. However, we kindly ask that you return all items to their designated places before leaving the studio. This helps us maintain an organized and welcoming environment for everyone in a timely manner.
Bookings and cancellations
We keep group classes small for your personalised attention. We kindly ask that you only book a class if you can attend. If you need to cancel, please refer to the studio’s terms and conditions for guidance.
Medications
Based on your presenting issues, kindly keep any medication you may need nearby for safety purposes (ex: inhaler, insulin).
