It never fails to amaze me the stories from other teachers and studio owners of bad behaviour and lack of common sense on what is okay in a fitness studio setting, especially a boutique small studio, where everyone is impacted greatly. For the most part, the majority of people know common etiquette. But there's always one, that one person who wants to blame anything else for their fault of being unprepared.

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So here is a run through of what to expect in case you are new to the environment or have questions.

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Most studios will have these basic understandings.

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- Arrive early (especially your first class)

- Respect the teacher and other students

- Not your type of class? Stick it out

- Honor the space 

- No cell phone use

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Arrive early

If you've never been to a studio before plan ahead. Plan for traffic, google maps taking you the wrong place, and there possibly not being good parking. Being early ensures you are stress-free and have time to check-in, get used to the new surroundings and allows you to make introductions to the teacher about any health concerns or questions on where things are.

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Respect the teacher and the other students.

No one likes a bossy person who thinks they know all. The teacher is there to instruct you, give them the space to do so. Be polite to fellow clients who've been there possibly for years. They may have a routine and a place they like to be. Don't be loud or disrupt the class. Raising a hand if you have a question is a great way to allow the teacher to get through their queuing, getting the class on an exercise before attending to your need.
 

Not your type of class? Stick it out.

Try it fully to the end. You're never going to find every class to be your cup of tea and teachers understand that. But expressing it with facial expressions, gossiping to your friends in class or the changing area makes for a negative environment. Most people are there to destress, not be ramped up by negativity. Instead, thank the teacher regardless and if they ask you if you liked it, then say politely what you typically like and end it with some aspect that you did like. The old rule of sandwiching a negative with two positives goes a long way.

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Honor the space

Clean up your mat, your equipment, don't take over the entire floor. No one likes to feel like they are being crowded out, especially in small studios. Equipment is shared, try not to share your germs and body odour or fragrance. Some people are very sensitive or allergic to certain perfumes, lotions, synthetic smells. Even some essential oils can be triggering. Better to wait after class. If you are sick, stay home. Even if you think you're past the contagious stage, no one likes to be next to a cough and sneeze. 

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Don't believe in wearing deodorant? That's okay, try something all-natural and shower before coming. If you know you tend to be fragrant naturally try wearing sleeves that cover your armpits to help absorb the sweat. Who wants to be assaulted in the nose? It's very distracting.

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No Cell Phone Use

The age of selfies. Take it before class or after class. Taking photos in the middle of exercises distracts others and the teacher from the flow of the class, and kinda makes you stand out like a prima donna. Yes, we are all special in our own way, :) be sure it's on your own time. 

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Have an emergency or are on stand by for work?

Keep your phone on silent and tell the teacher BEFORE class if it's okay and that you may have to leave unexpectedly. This ensures they aren't surprised and think you left because you thought it sucked. Teachers are sensitive and try their best, the last thing they want is to think you thought it sucked. 

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Hope this helps! And remember...people are in a class because they want to have a good experience with everyone on board as a team player. Even if you are there for yourself, your not the only one.

 :)  

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