Yoga Etiquette 101: Creating Space for Everyone

Yoga studios are magical shared spaces — places where many different lives, energies, and intentions meet on the mat. At Midtown Yoga, we believe the way we show up for ourselves also shapes the experience of everyone around us. A little awareness goes a long way in creating a space that feels calm and welcoming for all.

That’s where the MY code comes in. Inspired by traditional yogic principles and adapted for modern studio life, the MY code is a simple set of guidelines that help us practice with intention, minimize distractions, and support one another on and off the mat.

Whether you’re brand new to the studio or a long-time regular, this guide is here to help you be the best kind of studio neighbor: present, mindful, and part of the community.

What is the MY code?

The MY code is our shared agreement on how we care for the space — and each other — at Midtown Yoga. Rather than a list of dos and don’ts, the MY Code is about how we show up. It’s a reminder that yoga doesn’t start when class begins or end when Savasana does. It lives in the small choices we make: how we enter the room, how we move through shared space, and how we respect the collective experience.

Each part of the MY code supports the same goal: creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable, focused, and supported in their practice. When we honor these principles together, the studio becomes more than just a place to work out. It becomes a space to breathe, reset, and truly be present.

Aparigraha // Your Stuff

The studio is a place to unplug. To help everyone stay present, we ask that phones and all personal belongings stay outside the practice room in a safe, designated area. All you need is a mat, towel, water, and perhaps a block or two.

Removing distractions creates space to fully dive into your breath, your movement, and your own experience. It also supports the collective energy of the room — no screens, fewer interruptions, more intention. Think of this as a small act of letting go.

Tapas // Discipline

The studio is a place for focus, breath, and inward attention. To support that, we ask that the practice space remain quiet during class — and before and after. Even whispered conversations can be distracting, and silence allows everyone to arrive fully, tune into their bodies, and stay connected to the flow of the class without interruption. Save conversations for our vibrant studio lobby so the practice area can remain a peaceful oasis.

Out of respect for the group, please arrive on time. Late entrances can be distracting once class has begun, and are not permitted beyond 5 minutes after class begins or if class is full. If a class has a waitlist, spots will be released when class begins to accommodate students who are ready to practice.

Svadhyaya // Self-Study

Your mat is your space. Svadhyaya, or self-study, reminds us that yoga is a personal practice, one that looks different for everyone in the room.

We encourage you to focus on your own breath, your own body, and your own experience. That means avoiding comparison, commentary, and distraction. Whether you’re taking rest, modifying a pose, or flowing strong, your practice is valid exactly as it is, and so is your neighbor’s. When everyone stays rooted in their own lane, the studio becomes a place of freedom — not pressure.

Ahimsa // Be Kind

Ahimsa is the practice of non-harm, and at Midtown Yoga, it extends far beyond the poses. It shows up in how we speak, how we move through shared space, and how we treat one another.

Being kind means arriving with awareness, respecting instructors and fellow students, and remembering that everyone comes to the mat carrying something different. A little patience and compassion go a long way in creating a studio environment that feels safe, inclusive, and supportive.

Ishvara Pranidhana // Surrender

The end of class matters. In fact, we think it might be the most important part. Staying through Savasana allows your body and nervous system to fully absorb the work you’ve done, as well as honor the collective experience of the room.

Students should remain still and present until class officially ends. Packing up early or leaving during final rest can be disruptive to others who are settling into stillness. If you need to leave class early, please do so before others arrive in Savasana. Surrender, in this sense, is about letting go of the rush and allowing yourself to fully arrive in the moment.

Saucha // Cleanliness

Caring for the studio is part of caring for the community. After class, please wipe down any major puddles, put laundry in the hamper,  and take all personal belongings with you.

Keeping the space clean helps create a welcoming environment for the next class and reflects respect for  the studio and your fellow yogis. Small actions make a big difference.

We’re Better Together

The MY code exists to support connection, presence, and shared respect — not to limit your experience, but to enhance it. When we move with awareness and care, the studio becomes a space where everyone can breathe a little deeper and practice a little more freely.

Thank you for being part of the Midtown Yoga community and for helping create a space that feels grounded, supportive, and intentional. If you ever have questions about studio etiquette or need guidance, our team is always here to help. 🖤