At The Yoga Common, we believe yoga is more than just movement—it's a shared experience of presence, respect, and personal growth. And while your breath and your mat are central to the practice, how you show up for yourself and others is just as impactful.

Here are 10 small yet powerful ways to elevate your practice—and help create a studio space that feels supportive and peaceful for everyone.

1. Leave the Phone Behind (Literally and Mentally)

Even when it's silent, a phone on your mat creates distraction—for you and those around you. Just having it in sight can reduce your attention span and increase anxiety, according to research from the University of Texas at Austin, which found that the mere presence of a smartphone reduces cognitive capacity—even when not in use (source).
Try this: Power it down, stash it in the cubbies, and use class as your digital detox. It’s only an hour, but your nervous system will thank you.

2. Let Silence Prepare You

We love that our community is warm and welcoming—but in the studio space, we invite you to practice quiet. Those few minutes before class can be a sacred time for grounding, breathwork, or stillness. Studies have shown that quiet environments support stress reduction and increase mindfulness (source).
Try this: Use the studio space as your personal calm zone. Catch up with friends in the lobby and shift into stillness when you unroll your mat.

3. Scents & Sensitivity: Keep It Fresh, Not Fragrant

Yoga is a physical practice—sweat happens! But strong body odors or overpowering perfumes can quickly disrupt the peaceful vibe. Many students have scent sensitivities or asthma, so we ask that everyone wear deodorant and avoid fragrances in class. Look for natural or unscented options that are effective and gentle.
Why it matters: Studies have shown that artificial fragrances can exacerbate respiratory issues and headaches (source).
Try this: Choose fragrance-free or essential oil-based deodorants that are designed for sensitive skin and small, shared spaces.

4. Arrive Early, Settle Fully

Rushing into class can leave you frazzled. Arriving 5–10 minutes early gives you time to check in, change, and land mentally before practice. If you do arrive late, please pause at the door, get settled quietly, and unroll your mat with minimal disruption.
Important: For your safety, we don’t allow entry after the first 10 minutes (5 minutes for 45-minute express classes), as missing warm-ups can increase injury risk.

5. Follow the Flow

Yoga classes are carefully sequenced by your instructor to support your body and breath. Going rogue can be confusing for other students and potentially unsafe (source). If you need to modify for injury or pregnancy, please notify the teacher before class and consider setting up toward the back.
Try this: Trust the sequence—and feel free to ask questions after class if something didn’t feel quite right.

6. Respect the Ritual of Savasana

That final rest pose isn’t just a nap—it's your body's chance to absorb the benefits of practice. Leaving during Savasana breaks the stillness for others and robs you of the full experience. If you must leave early, let the teacher know and quietly exit before Savasana begins.
Did you know? Research shows that deep rest, like Savasana, supports nervous system recovery and improves mood regulation (source).

7. Speak Softly, Even in the Lobby

It’s tempting to chat after a great class (or vent before a stressful day), but please keep voices low, especially when another class is in session. Yoga is all about awareness—including how our presence affects others.

8. Keep It Simple and Clean

Bring only what you need into the studio, and take a moment to tidy your space afterward. Put away props neatly and wipe down your mat and any puddles of sweat. It’s a small act of care that ripples out to everyone who practices after you. Tidying up after class reflects respect for the shared space and community. Practicing cleanliness, or 'saucha,' is a foundational principle in yoga that promotes a harmonious environment (source).

9. Be Kind, Stay Open

Every class brings together a beautiful mix of people, bodies, and energy. Approaching others (and yourself!) with patience, compassion, and non-judgment is at the heart of yoga—on and off the mat.

10. Create the Practice You Want to Come Back To

Yoga is personal, but never practiced in isolation. When we show up with awareness, respect, and presence, we create a space that feels safe and sacred for everyone. That’s the kind of community we’re proud to build at The Yoga Common—together.

Thanks for being part of our growing community. These gentle guidelines are less about rules and more about support—supporting your own growth, your teacher’s ability to lead, and your fellow yogis' chance to find peace. Every thoughtful action makes a difference.

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