5 Mistakes to Avoid

There are some pet peeves that yoga teachers and yoga participants can agree with. So, if you are doing these things, take a moment to evaluate your behavior. You will have a better experience in yoga class and your classmates will thank you! 

Biggest Pet Peeve About Yoga Class

1. Coming in late to class- We have all been there, we are doing our best, rushing around, trying to make it to yoga class. As a teacher, I try to give my students some grace. We all have days that just don't go well. But if you are habitually late to class, you will disturb the other students, the teacher, and you will potential create an unsafe condition for yourself as you may not be sufficiently warm for the practice. 

2. Leaving your cell phone on your mat- In this day of constantly being plugged in, don't you want to unplug for a moment? This is a biggest pet peeve about yoga class that many of us can agree with. I suggest NEVER having your phone on your mat. Nothing is worse than when you are lying in savasana listening to unwind and you hear a phone vibrate, or RING. I cannot think of anything more disrespectful than disrupting other students by having your phone go off during class. There are exceptions like if you have a job where you are on call. If you do get this important class that you cannot miss, politely step out to disrupt as little as possible. 

3. Refusing to use props- This is mostly a suggestion for you as a student. Take advantage of the yoga props in class, especially if a teacher suggests it.  There is nothing worst than feeling uncomfortable in a yoga pose that can be assisted with a yoga prop modification.  Embrace the props!

4. Show Offs- Showing off in yoga class is inappropriate and unsafe and is a biggest pet peeve about yoga class. Yoga teaches to let go of the ego. We are not on the mat to show the rest of the students that we can do. We are there to be introspect and to take an individual journey. Showing off by doing a completely different pose than the rest of the class can be dangerous. The teacher has sequenced the class poses for a reason to prepare your body for the next pose. So just follow along and enjoy the journey! 

5. Leaving during savasana- You have taken the time to do 60+ min of yoga class.  Can you not spare a few more minutes for the cool down?  Not only does your body crave the release and rest, the students in the class deserve a quiet space as well.  Don't clean up your mat, walk by all the others, and slam the door on your way out.  Just lay there for a few more minutes in gratitude of the experience.  

Now it's your turn! What is your biggest pet peeve about yoga class? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

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