Hot Yoga Etiquette

Welcome to the Blue Buddha Yoga Shala!

A shala is more than just a yoga studio—it’s a sacred space where we come together to practice, learn, and grow. The word “shala” means “home” in Sanskrit, and at Blue Buddha, we embrace it as a home for your journey toward balance, clarity, and connection.

Yoga is much more than physical movement; it’s a practice that unites mind, body, and spirit to help us find inner peace, release stuck energy, and reduce stress. While yoga in the West often focuses on the physical, we honor its ancient roots and lineage, from teachers like Bikram, Bishnu Ghosh, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Amrit Desai, who remind us of its deeper spiritual purpose: self-realization and liberation.

Here’s how we keep our shala sacred and welcoming for everyone:

Yoga Etiquette Guidelines

1. Be on Time
If you’re new to Blue Buddha, welcome! Please arrive 20 minutes early on your first day to meet your teacher, settle in, and get familiar with the space. For returning yogis, aim to be on your mat before the teacher enters—it shows respect and helps maintain the flow of the class. And don’t forget to stagger your mat to avoid blocking someone else’s view.

2. Respect the Space
Leave shoes, bags, and non-essentials in the cubbies or lockers. Bring only your mat, towel, and water into the studio. This is a space full of positive energy, where our community connects, reflects, and rests. Once class starts, please honor the silence—especially during savasana—so everyone can enjoy the stillness and restoration.

3. Come Clean
Hot yoga = sweat! Please come to class clean, fragrance-free, and wearing deodorant. Shower gel and fresh towels are available in the bathroom changing areas if you need to freshen up before or after class.

4. Clean Up After Class
If you’ve rented a mat, spray it with sanitizer and place it outside to dry. Used towels go in the hamper. Props like blocks and blankets should be sanitized and returned neatly where you found them.

5. Keep Conversations Light and Positive
We love our vibrant community, and chatting before class is welcomed—let’s keep topics uplifting. Once your teacher enters the room, it’s time for silence and inner reflection.

Yoga at Blue Buddha: The Whole-Person Approach

At Blue Buddha, we go beyond the workout. Yoga isn’t just about flexibility or strength; it’s a practice of self-inquiry, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. While exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, we focus on nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

As Karin likes to say: “Do your best, not your most.” This approach frees us from the pressure of perfection, allowing us to embrace where we are today with compassion and curiosity. Through this mindset, we can experience the true essence of yoga: to yoke, or unite, mind, body, and spirit into a harmonious whole.

Welcome to our shala. Welcome home. Let’s grow, sweat, and connect—together.