How to arrive and feel at home straight away
The kindest thing you can do for a group is show up a little early. Ten minutes beforehand is enough to change, lay out your mat and sit quietly. If you do run late, wait for a pause, come in without fuss and take the nearest free spot. No apology speech is needed. That also lets you catch your breath after the journey, so class begins calmly.
If you are very late and the warm-up is over, ask the teacher whether to join in. Cold muscles in deep poses are easy to overload.
A good habit is to walk in, look around and silence your phone right away. Those thirty seconds settle you for class better than any rush at the door.
Your mat, your space and your belongings
The mat is your territory. Place it so there is room on each side for arms and legs, and do not walk on someone else's, even in socks. Do not park right up against your neighbour: in many poses limbs travel a long way.
Leave bags and shoes by the entrance or in a locker so no one trips. Strong perfume, cologne and scented creams are best avoided, since a closed room makes any smell stronger.
In a big group, shuffle along as the room fills so there is space for everyone and nobody is squeezed against the wall.
After class, put blocks, straps and blankets back in a neat pile; the next group will need them straight away.
Phones, chat and questions for the teacher
Put your phone on silent and in your bag. No photos or video without permission: the people beside you came to unwind, not to end up in a frame.
Chat before and after class, and keep quiet during it. Questions can usually wait until the end, but if you need help or feel pain, raise a hand or quietly step to the teacher. Any injury or pregnancy is best mentioned up front.
Teachers usually ask before adjusting you by hand. If you do not like being touched, say so at the start and they will use words instead.
If you are coughing or have a cold, it is kinder to stay home or warn the teacher, and to cover your face with your elbow in the room. That looks after your neighbours and yourself.
Savasana, leaving and saying thanks
The final rest is the quietest part of class. Avoid moving about or rustling bags. If you need to leave early, tell the teacher before class starts, set your mat by the door and slip out before savasana, not during it.
Afterwards, thank the teacher, roll up your mat and wipe it down, or the studio's one if that is the habit there. Small gestures like these make the room pleasant for everybody.
When it is over, do not leap up. Give yourself a minute sitting before you stand, which helps many people return to the day gently.
If you want to tell the teacher something, come up after class; they are usually glad of feedback and questions.
What to do if someone else is breaking the rules
Now and then a neighbour chats or walks in with a phone. Do not correct them yourself. A calm glance is generally enough, and if it really bothers you, mention it to the front desk after class. That protects the atmosphere and keeps the teacher focused.
Remember that everyone in the room was a beginner once. A friendly smile toward a neighbour makes class warmer for all.