studio etiquette
Please take a moment to review the studio etiquette guidelines at BHY. When you practice good etiquette, you show respect for yourself, your practice, the studio, your teachers and peers. Simply put, it's part of the practice!
Arrive on time
On time at BHY, means arriving 5-10 minutes early. This allows plenty of time to settle in and prepare for practice. Unroll your mat quietly, so as not to disturb students who are already there. Check in with your mood and begin to let go of outside thoughts and concerns. This is your time!
No personal belonging in the yoga room (including cell phones)
Mat, towel, water only in the yoga room. Less clutter, more zen.
Heavy scents
Please avoid heavy colognes, perfumes and sprays when in the hot room.
Practice silence in the hot room, before, during and after yoga classes.
At BHY we like to offer the yoga room as a space for quiet and meditation for 10 minutes before and after all yoga classes. Please honour this by observing silence in the hot room during these times. Before and after IHP - get your party on and energy up!
Smartwatch etiquette
If you are wearing a smartwatch or fitness tracker in class, we kindly encourage you to set it and forget it. While gathering the details of your workout can be educational and motivating, checking your stats during class decreases focus and your meditation, and can be distracting to others around you. If your watch is linked to your phone, please make sure it is on do not disturb. This is your time!
Stay in the practice room for the duration of class, including final Savasana.
Everyday you come to class you are different. Some days will feel harder than others. We encourage you to listen to your body always and look after yourself accordingly, but learning how to do so on your mat. Rather than leaving the room, take rest in Savasana (or standing still in the standing series of hot yoga and IHP) as needed during practice, finding stillness and connecting to your breathing. This will deepen your benefit both physically and mentally significantly and shows respect for yourself, your peers and your teachers.
Don't Change the Sequence
In every class, there is always something you can not do yet. This is a good thing and part of the reason why our practices can continue to benefit you for a lifetime! But it's important not to modify the sequences. They are designed to give you optimal benefit regardless of your current ability. Rather than focusing on what you can not do yet, focus on what you can do now. Working there you will develop in ability, focus and see firsthand the power of a positive mindset. If you have a specific injury or condition, please let your instructor know before class so they can advise you on the appropriate modifications if there are any required.
Shower Etiquette
In consideration of fellow BHY members, please keep your shower time to 2 minutes. No clothing, mats or towels in the showers at any time.
Back to Back Class Etiquette
At BHY we love a good double (Friday Night Fitness anyone!?!) and encourage you to explore the benefits of different classes back to back! When practicing a double class, come prepared. We kindly request that you take a shower in between classes and bring a fresh towel and outfit for the second class.
After Class Etiquette
We love to see you sweat! Seriously... seeing you get your sweat on in class makes us smile! If you are a heavy sweater, that's a good thing, but please be sure to bring an extra towel to wrap up your practice towel in to transport out of the room. If you have our towels service, please ask for an additional towel for this purpose. Please place used BHY rental towels directly into the hamper provided. We kindly request you do not bring bins or bags into the yoga room to put your sweaty gear in as it can be disruptive to those around you and please do not wring out your dirty towel over the drain or out the back door, because... well, yuck.
Feeling Unwell? Rest up and enjoy a virtual class from our library!
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and look after yourself until you are feeling well again. We have a wonderful library of virtual classes available for your home practice.