Yoga etiquette question

Just curious how you would handle, if at all.

I am a regular student at a particular yoga studio, that I overall enjoy and is conveniently located near my home.

Most of the classes I attend are at a time that most fits my schedule, and often lead by the same teacher.

I have noticed lately that the classes tend to be packed with HS age girls, often coming out for the first time and because the special is cheap.

I just think that they just lack knowledge of the practice and self awareness in general, however, at least 3 times in the past couple of weeks I've had girls who've never done yoga before squeeze in practically on top of me in the front row, talk and laugh the whole class and tonight was the kicker.....text on their IPhone and snap gum the entire class.

I made a comment before class started to one of them that I didn't want to sound rude, but they are really supposed to be silent and not be on their cell in the studio. This proceeded to eye rolling, doing it more and whispers with her friends.

I just let it go after that, but think a lot of this is related to this one particular teacher not having a lot of control over the class.

I noticed that this one girl sat next to me, snapping her gum and playing with her IPhone the entire class and it was so distracting.


While I am certainly not a yoga rockstar, I pay a lot of money to go to this studio. I also value the quiet time away from my own toddler.


Any advice on how to approach this if at all?

Another student was complaining to me about the same thing the other night.

Re: Yoga etiquette question

I would think the only thing you can do is talk to the people in charge of the studio or to the instructor and see what they can do about.

There is no point trying to reason/fight with a teenager that you have no authority over. It is a losing battle.

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The instructor pretty much needs to speak up. I teach HS and regularly need to take phones away from students and yet they still try to use them EVERY SINGLE DAY!

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I would probably just yell "shut up or go outside" in the middle of class
I don't take yoga but I took Tae Kwon Do for years and our Master didn't tolerate people messing around during class.

You should talk to the owners...no reason you should have to put up with stuff like that when rules are posted & people can't follow them...or ask them to have "adult only" classes if they won't discipline the kids. I work security in a middle school so I feel your pain!

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I think you should talk to Patrick. He is a nice guy and I am sure he doesn't want his business negatively effected.

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In my pilates class the teacher asks for phone to be on silent, if you're caught chewing gum she comes up to you with a tissue and makes you spit it out. And if someone's phone goes off she stops class until that person admits it was theirs and turns it off. If you're talking to someone she'll say something out loud.

I think that behavior in yoga is ridiculous and I would definitely speak with the teacher.

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I concur with what everyone else says about talking to the owner. There has to be some kind of decorum during the class.

If all else fails you could get one of those cell phone scramblers like that bus guy used.

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I would complain to the owner/instructor. I think that when people sign in that the staff should inform the new/young people what proper class etiquette is. Same stuff happens when teenagers come to dance studios with space. It's annoying and disrespectful.

Who texts through a yoga class? I can't even.

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I am surprised the studio didn't say anything when they saw her cell phone in the room! That makes me mad!! I wouldn't say anything to the teacher since s/he obviously can't control a class but I would ask to speak with the owner. That behavior is unacceptable.

My studio is super strict with that stuff. They have no problem kicking someone out if they can't respect the policies.

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I just let it go after that, but think a lot of this is related to this one particular teacher not having a lot of control over the class.


This exactly.


I am an instructor and run a studio. This would NEVER fly in my class. And having been to the studio you are speaking of, I'm shocked that said teacher is letting this happen as well, especially with the strict reputation that bikram yoga has.

Let it go. Mention something to Patrick. Write an email, make a phone call. Make the manager aware.

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Thanks all for your feedback!!!

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talk to the management at the yoga studio

mine would never tolerate that

in fact, you can't even bring in your cell phone into the studio.

that's ********.

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Pick up the phone and smash it in front of her and say "namaste."

:)


Or tell the owner. That could work too.

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Having been a regular student at this studio, I'm shocked that this is going on and I'd definitely speak to Patrick. I even have his email, actually if you'd like it. I'm sure he has NO idea that all of this is going on. Then again, maybe they have a new instructor since I've been there or something because none of my old instructors there would ever allow that to go on!!!

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As a yoga teacher, I would definitely SAY something. I often remind students to please turn off their phones or if they MUST due to a potential emergency or issue, keep on vibrate and then go outside. No gum, no talking. I have ways of making little jokes to make it not so awkward, but get my point across. And honestly those who don't like it don't come back! I think you fine to say something if the teacher doesn't or move your mat. People also need to respect personal space.

Yoga etiquette question

Old thread LOL! Things actually are so much better now and I suspect other people have said things. I haven't been to the studio that much this past month because of work and personal committments, however, each time I've gone the teacher has spoken about the etiquette and there's even more noticeable signage around the studio about the use of phones and silence.