6 "Weird" Public Behaviors That Are Normal At a Yoga Studio

One of the great things about finding a favorite yoga studio is that it starts to feel like a second home. You feel good the moment you step through the door. Kinda like being a regular at a neighborhood bar (cue the Cheers theme song), except it's probably a bit better for your liver.

At a yoga studio, no one bats an eye at many things that might not fly in other public places. There's a freedom that lets you get comfortable with your practice and feel more in touch with yourself. (Of course, there are some things that you shouldn't do at a yoga studio, but we'll save that for another post.)

If you're new to yoga, or taking your practice public for the first time, here are six behaviors that are totally normal at a yoga studio:

1. Walking around barefoot

Not wearing shoes may get you thrown out of many restaurants, but barefoot is the norm at a yoga studio. Shoes and socks are not worn when practicing yoga and no one expects you to put them on the moment you leave your mat. In fact, most studios ask that you don't wear shoes in the practice area at all. Show respect by leaving your shoes in the lobby.

2. Sitting alone with your eyes closed

How long can you sit with your eyes closed in public before someone comes over to see if you're okay? Closing your eyes and sitting quietly is one of the easiest ways to let go of some stress, yet it's something most Americans rarely do. Luckily, this is completely normal behavior at a yoga studio, not just during practice, but whenever you have a few free minutes before or after class.

3. Sweating, a lot

Yoga is a lot more strenuous than people tend to expect, especially if you're taking a vinyasa (power yoga) or Bikram class. There's nothing wrong with working up a sweat. It's a healthy part of exercise and nothing to be embarrassed about. Just be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after class.

4. Crying, unexpectedly

Emotions are stored in your body. It's something you hear yoga teachers say, but may not fully understand unless you experience it yourself. As you deepen your practice, and your muscles release, you may be surprised by sudden, inexplicable tears. It's a pretty common phenomenon in yoga, particularly with hip-openers. Don't worry if it happens to you. You aren't weird and it has likely happened to others in the room as well. Try to enjoy the release.

5. Stretching it out

Have you ever been standing in a long line at the post office or grocery store and desperately wished you could just drop into a quick forward fold to stretch your back and hamstrings, but you don't because you don't want to look weird? (Or is that just me?) Well, when you're hanging out at a yoga studio, there's nothing odd about taking some extra stretches before or after class. Just be gentle before your muscles are warm.

6. Talking to strangers

Yoga studios often promote a sense of community and many students are open to friendly conversation (before and after class--never during practice!) Don't be afraid to say hello, as long as the other person isn't meditating or resting in child's pose. Finding friends who share your love of yoga is one of the benefits of practicing at a yoga studio.

You never know what you will find when walking into a yoga studio for the first time, but try to be open to the experience. With steady practice, you just might find your own home away from home. A place where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came.