Another Bikram Etiquette Question

That’s interesting. In the classes I’ve attended, it was never mentioned at the end of the class that we need to wait until the guide leaves the room before we can stand up. We are just told it would be good to stay in savasana for a couple of minutes at least before getting up.

As for standing up before the guide comes in, we were never told that as well. But, we have been told to keep quiet and not to chat with others in the room because some choose to meditate while waiting for class to begin. I guess it would still be best not to stand before the teacher comes in, if only not to distract other people who may be in the room to meditate.

Hey there!

You are so very right in various studio etiquettes, utkatasana. Ive found a huge variation between studios, so it is hard to know what is ‘right’ and appropriate. Bikrams is also my first yoga attempt, so getting the jist of appropriate behaviour is definitely part of the entire experience. And it is really challenging when you go to a different studio and just want to fit in!

My personal practice is to follow the probably most strict discipline rules regardless of where I am practicing, and I’ve found that I’ve never been embarrassed or out of line, if you know what I mean.

I arrive at the studio prepared to enter the Hot Room 30 minutes in advance. Now, some studios have a rule that you can’t enter until 15 minutes before class. Other studios require advance registration (!) for say a 6am class because it is so busy, so if I’m there 30 minutes before class I can fill out any registration forms required and find a place, get settled, and do my thing well before class starts.

I speak to the instructor, say that I am a visiting student, a regular Bikram’s practitioner of unfortunately really average ability (LOL) and tell them if I am having any medical issues that prevent me from certain activities (such as back pain means no sit ups) — its easier for an instructor if they know WHY you aren’t doing a situp because they are prepared for your variation in practice. I also mention at this time if I am under a time constraint as in “I really have to leave quite quickly after final savasana” and I set up my mat accordingly, at the back, near the exit so my departure isn’t a huge drama. This shows that you respect the instructor and have forewarned them of a speedy departure even if they haven’t left the room. BUT, I won’t leave during the class, just efficiently after final savasana even if the instructor is still in the room.

During practice, I remain completely still between poses and I don’t use props or wipe sweat off during my practice. Some studios permit the use of yoga blocks and towels and straps, other studios absolutely forbid it. I err on the side of caution when in a studio as a guest. I have water with me, I don’t drink between sets of poses, I don’t slurp away at every opportunity, especially since some studios really feel that this type of reliance on water breaks detracts from focus on the yoga practice itself. I mean, I drink water as needed, but I usually take a cue from another student and am as unobrusive as possible. If God Forbid I have to leave and its only happened twice in 2 years of practice, I’ll try to catch the instructor’s eye, point to my stomach for example, and leave between sets or at the start of a savasana. When I return, I’ll WAIT until a pose is just starting (ie don’t enter when the room is still and don’t enter during a pose, but when everyone is getting up or setting up for a pose). Don’t enter during the 2 minutes savasana!

Some studios have actual pose etiquettes! My home studio believes that you should hear Pranayama breathing, as a kind of rising loud HUMMMMMM in and a ARGHHH of breath outwards. Other studios have a silent Pranayama breathing technique. So, as a guest student, if its a silent Pranayama studio, I breathe quietly! I just follow the cues of those around me. Grunting, sighing, noisy breathing techniques, I’ve seen/heard them all and just adapt as required.

Again, at final savasana I normally stay until the instructor leaves the room. If I am under a certain time constraint, I’ll advise the instructor beforehand of it and leave as quietly as possible. Often I’ll leave my mat and water there, slip out of the room, change/do my thing, then re-enter the room to collect my belongings. By that time, the room is pretty much empty. Slipping out in this manner disturbs the fewest people, and often isn’t even noticable when done respectfully.

Studio etiquette, OYE!!!

🙂