Etiquette & Code of Conduct

Studio Etiquette

Be on time
The studio opens 15 minutes before scheduled classes. Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your class as our door is often locked at class time. Latecomers are never guaranteed entrance. NOTE: we are fortunate to be located in a vibrant and active part of downtown Durham. With local events happening regularly, giving yourself a few extra minutes will ensure time needed to park and walk to the studio, even with local events underway in the area.

Hydration
Bring your own water bottle from home, and feel free to refill it at the studio..

Pack Lightly
We provide lockable and open cubbies to store your personal items, and we recommend you leave as much as you can at home! Like the yoga quote, “Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.”

Get Grounded
Bare feet only in the practice area. We encourage you to get grounded the moment you walk in the door. Please silence your electronic devices and leave your worries at the door. Ring tones, alarms, and notification sounds can be disruptive to classes in session and also our team members working in the lobby during class.

Sign up in Advance
Sign-up in advance for all classes online or via the Walla app. This will help get everyone in the door and ready to roll out their mats as smoothly as possible.

Studio Code of Conduct

At Yoga Off East, we are committed to providing a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all who walk through our doors. Our Code of Conduct reflects both our community values and the foundational principles of yoga. We ask all clients, teachers, and staff to uphold this shared standard so that every person feels safe, respected, and supported.

Core Principles

Our Code is grounded in the ethical foundations of yoga, especially:

• Ahimsa (Non-Harming): We commit to kindness and respect in all interactions.
• Asteya (Non-Stealing): We honor others’ time, space, energy, and boundaries.
• Saucha (Purity/Care): We care for our shared space and maintain personal hygiene and appropriate conduct to foster a healthy, clean environment.

Community Expectations

To maintain a positive studio environment, we ask everyone to:

• Respect personal space and boundaries. Always ask for consent before engaging in physical contact, including hugs, adjustments, or close greetings.
• Be mindful of verbal and non-verbal interactions. Over-familiarity, unsolicited advice, or excessive involvement in others' practice or personal space can feel intrusive.
• Honor the quiet and reflective nature of the studio. Please keep noise levels low and refrain from disruptive behavior before, during, or after class.
• Maintain personal hygiene. Arrive clean, wear fresh clothing, and avoid heavy fragrances out of consideration for others.
• Support the autonomy of others. Let each student have their own experience— avoid pressuring others to engage socially, attend certain classes, or adopt specific beliefs or practices.

When Boundaries Are Crossed

We believe in clear communication, compassion, and accountability. In the unexpected event that someone’s behavior makes others uncomfortable or violates this Code:


• Our team may have a respectful but direct contact/conversation with the individual.
• Depending on the situation, we may issue a warning, suggest behavioral changes, or in some cases, ask a client to take a break from attending the studio.
• In repeated or serious instances, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate a client’s access to the studio for the well-being of the community.

Commitment to Safety and Belonging

We welcome people of all backgrounds, body types, identities, and experience levels. We want every student to feel safe to be themselves and empowered to explore their practice. This Code of Conduct is a living document—one that grows as our community grows. Thank you for helping us co-create a space where everyone can breathe, move, and connect with authenticity and care.