Gender Etiquette in Yoga Classes

Yogis are known for their friendly and accepting nature, but most adhere to unspoken rules of respect that are easily breached by unwitting newcomers. The close quarters and intimate nature of yoga practice make the fine line even thinner between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Considerations

• Inappropriate?

  Outright sexual advances or harassment is clearly frowned upon, but a gray area seems to cover more subtle matters of etiquette, such as assisting with poses and appropriate conversation topics.

Do's

• Respect for other students.

  Maintain a high level of respect for other practitioners, regardless of gender. Err on the side of caution. Establish an understanding of the expectations and customs of your studio. If in doubt, consult your teacher in private.

Don'ts

• This is probably a "Don't" in most yoga studios.

  Do not talk to other students during class. Never touch, stare or make sexually implicit remarks. Avoid wearing revealing clothes or clothes that might not cover you during the twists and turns of yoga class.

Expert Insight

• It really is all about intention, says Lama Sumati Marut, president of the Yoga Studies Institute in Tucson, Ariz. "If you're going to a yoga studio to pick up girls, or boys for that matter, you're not doing yoga."

Fun Fact

• Web shows have made fun of inappropriate yoga behavior.

  The Yoga Journal-sponsored web comedy "Ogden: The Inappropriate Yoga Guy" was a YouTube hit. Yogis everywhere reveled in their own encounters with improper yoga manners while watching Ogden ogle and harass female members of his class.