I have to admit that a Bikram teacher was nice enough to walk a class I was in through etiquette. Moksha is a little more subtle. Some people don't get subtle.
So, here are the basic rules of most yoga studios:
Entering The Studio
Shoes off! Most studios request this right at the front entrance, but even if they don't, do not take or wear your shoes into the practice room/studio.
Please leave your personal belongings in the locker room. No one will steal them. Karma and all that. Under no circumstances should you bring your cell phone into the studio. In fact, most studios ask that you turn cell phones off even in the locker rooms. Something small like a set of keys in the summer is acceptable to avoid the change rooms, but if it doesn't fit in a pocket, don't bring it into the studio. Water bottles are - at most studios - acceptable to bring into the studio.
Once you enter the studio, most classes are silent except for the teacher - unless you're guided through some sort of noise making. Seriously. When you walk into a yoga class and start to talk to your friends, it disturbs the others in the class who are trying to focus. If you need to talk to your friends, set up your mat and leave the studio to chat.
Positioning
When you enter the studio for the first time, set your mat up beside someone who looks like they've been there before. This will prevent you from putting your mat in between two rows, etc.
If it's your first class, resist the urge to set up in the front to have a good view of the teacher. During yoga, the teacher talks a lot to cue you vocally but probably won't physically demonstrate the whole practice meaning that you will have no one to look at for an example if you place yourself in the first row. Your best bet - and what's best for the rest of the class - is to choose a mat placement in at least the second row or further back. This way, you won't be a distraction to the rest of the class when you have no clue what's going on. Also, you'll be able to watch people with a more experienced practice. AND other beginners in the back rows won't get all screwed up while watching you to see what to do.
Before class, it's common practice to lay in corpse silently. Lay down (like the rest of the class will be doing) and position yourself with your feet towards the back of the room and your head towards the front (where the teacher will be). Lay as still as possible.
If you become overwhelmed during the practice or just need to take a second to watch, take a knee or sit on your knees, facing forwards. Resist the urge to put your legs out in front of you or turn to the side or lounge on your stomach. Don't just stand there - it's distracting. Don't flop around like a dying fish. If you cannot sit upright, return to corpse (laying on your back with your head towards the front of the class).
End of Class
At the end of class, many students may choose to spend some time on their mats. If you choose to get up and leave, please do so mindfully. This includes maintaining the silence, being quiet as you collect your mat, quietly heading for the door, and quietly opening and closing the door.
If the teacher's by the door when you're heading out to your car, it's always nice to thank them or at least offer a smile.
I know that not all studios practice all of these rules, but by following all of them, you will be respectful of your fellow yogis and your teacher no matter which studio you visit.
Namaste, Bitches!
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