Class Etiquette
Please arrive 5 minutes early for class. Turn your phone off
or on silent. If you arrive just as the opening chant is being
called refrain from entering the space till just finished.
Consider your personal hygiene, arrive for class fresh and
in clean practice clothes. Yoga is often performed in close
proximity to one another, please limit the use of strong
deodorants, especially perfumes. Keep conversation to a
minimum and enjoy the serene space yourself.
Mats
We recommend you have your own mat. Mat’s can be purchased
at The Yoga Academy. You are welcome to use the studio mats and
blankets. Members may keep their mats (in a mat bag) at the studio.
Yoga Wear
We support Bodha yoga wear made in NZ. We have photos and samples coming of their gorgeous gear, at the studio. Please enquire further.
Eating and drinking
Try not to do much of either before a class, though you should feel hydrated. Drink plenty of water after class to aid in the flushing of toxins and to rehydrate from sweating. Please refrain from drinking from a water bottle during your practice, this is cooling and distracting for you, stay with your focus instead. It is advised to have not eaten anything substantial at least 2 – 3 hours before class. Consider a light meal, no later than 7:30pm for a following 6am Ashtanga practice.
Moon days
During the ‘moon days’ of a full and new moon one should refrain from a strong yoga practice. Please either check at the studio or on the post/news page of this site. Read more about the and it’s gravitational pull and it’s relationship to yoga practice on Nigel Marshall’s Ashtanga Jiva Bangkok site.
Ladies Days
The quaintly named break that a woman may observe during her period. By giving yourself a break from strong physical work-out for a day or two you are observing and honouring mother-nature and your need for the occasional rest. You can cease your Ashtanga practice for a whole 5 – 7 days however some women find the first 2 – 3 days as a break are enough. Others find the day just before and the first day the most sensitive. Whatever you decide, rest a little at the time of your period freely and without guilt. Men – feel free to observe your own periodic rest from your daily practice too. Honour your need for a rest. For women who do practice at some stage of their period it is advised not to practice inverted (or upside down poses) asana at this time.
Pregnancy
Please advise your teacher if you are pregnant. Ashtanga yoga should not be commenced as a beginner if you are pregnant. If you have a regular practice and you become pregnant, you should be fine to continue – however please let your teacher know. There are many helpful poses and techniques to help you in your pregnancy. We welcome your enquires.
Health
If your health changes in any way or you are suffering the negative effects of any ailment please advise your teacher in complete confidence.
Resources
Ashtanga opening chant