10 Alternatives to “Namaste”

For many yoga teachers and students, saying “Namaste” at the end of class has become second nature. It’s often used as a respectful way to close practice. However, in recent years, the word has sparked deeper conversations about cultural appropriation, authenticity, and intention.

Whether you’re looking to be more inclusive, more culturally sensitive, or simply to shake up your routine, if you’re a teacher or student seeking other ways to close a class, here are 10 thoughtful and respectful alternatives.

1. “Thank you for sharing your practice.”

Simple and grounded, this keeps the closing about mutual gratitude. 

2. “May you carry this feeling with you into the rest of your day.”

A gentle bridge between the space of practice and the outside world.

3. “The light in me sees and honors the light in you.”

This keeps the intention behind Namaste but uses plain English and can feel more transparent. 

4. Bow in Silence.

Simply guide the class to take a quiet moment of reflection, bowing the head in gratitude. This can feel deeply spacious, and no words necessary. 

5. A deep collective breath.

Ending with a unifying group breath can bring everyone back into the body and out into the world feeling connected.

“Let’s take one final breath together… and exhale it all out”

6. “Let’s bow to the wisdom of the practice.”

This acknowledges the practice and places reverence on yoga itself, a reminder that it’s not about the teacher or student, but about the teachings.

7. “Be well.”

Warm and comforting, short and sweet.

8. Your Own Signature Phrase

Consider what you want your students to walk away with. Your closing line can reflect your own style or values. Some examples:

“Keep listening inward”
“Stay curious”
“Trust your body”
“Feel good”
“Trust yourself”
“May your practice ripple outwards”

9. A meaningful quote or mantra.

Short quote, mantra, or affirmation. 

“May all beings be happy. May all beings be safe. May all beings be free.

10. “With love and respect, we close our practice.”

This can work for any class and is clear, inclusive, and heartfelt.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to say “Namaste” to end your class with presence and intention. What matters most is how you hold the space and the energy you leave your students with. Choose something that feels aligned with your values, your teaching style, and your community.

Join the Conversation

How do you like to end your yoga practice or your classes if you’re a teacher? Do you have a favorite phrase or ritual?

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The post 10 Ways to End Your Yoga Class Without Saying “Namaste” appeared first on yogasociety.

Just like how there’s a certain set of unspoken (or spoken) rules for the boardroom, the golf course, and the dinner table, there’s also generally accepted etiquette in the yoga studio, and in some ways it’s different from fitness or the gym. Knowing the do’s and don’ts ahead of time helps you to avoid awkward moments and be considerate of everyone in the room. Once you’ve been to a yoga class or two, you’ll understand why it matters, and you’ll be glad you read below! Here are the top ten generally accepted best practices for yoga studio etiquette:  

1. Take your shoes off at the door

Most yoga studios have a no shoes policy. Most studios have an area to leave outdoor shoes near the front entrance, and absolutely no shoes in the practice room. If you’re not comfortable in barefeet, bring clean flipflops or socks for walking around the studio. Yoga is practiced barefoot, but if you must wear socks, wear grippy socks. 

2. Arrive a few minutes early

Be punctual. Why it matters:

• Gives you time to settle in
• Prevents disturbing others already in meditation or savasana
• Many studios won’t allow latecomers for safety and flow

Most studios won’t allow latecomers into class even if you’re a minute late, and some even charge you for missing the class. If you’re late and the studio does allow late entry, take extra care to arrive and settle in quietly. 

3. Don’t bring your stuff into the yoga room

Bring only what you need into the room:

• Your mat
• A water bottle
• A towel (for hot classes)

Leave your phone, bag, and any other distractions outside or in the designated area. 

4. Silence your phone

Don’t bring your phone in the room. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person whose ping breaks the vibe for the whole room, especially during savasana. Put your phone on airplane mode or DND. Yoga is one of the last few places where being fully present is encouraged. A lot of people come to enjoy the designated time to fully disconnect. 

5. Don’t talk during class

It’s totally okay to say hi or introduce yourself to the person next to you before/after class, just keep it soft and respectful. There’s no talking during class. 

6. Be mindful of where you place your mat

Studios often have markers for where mats go. If not, the unspoken patterns are:

• Stagger: don’t block someone else’s view 
• Leave space for the teacher to walk around (generally a foot)
• If the room is filling up, stagger your mat to make space for others 

Be generally aware of your surroundings so you don’t knock your waterbottle or other bodies whilst on your mat. 

7. Be respectful during class – oming, sounds

Yoga involves twists, folds, and movement. It’s natural for your body to release tension and sometimes unexpected sounds. Sometimes there’s oming or chanting in class. Don’t make a big deal, and don’t laugh. 

8. Don’t compare yourself to (or stare at) others

It’s tempting to look around especially if you’re unsure about a pose. Yoga is a personal practice. 

• Watch the teacher for guidance
• Use mirrors to check alignment (if available)
• Stay inward – nobody is watching you as closely as you think

9. Wipe down your space

If you borrow a mat or equipment (ex. blocks), wipe them down after class. Most studios provide wipes or disinfectant spray. If it was a sweaty class, clean up your sweat marks on the floor. 

10. Stay for Savasana 

Savasana (the final resting pose) is not optional. It’s where all the benefits of your practice integrate, and it’s arguably the most important pose (read more here). Absolutely don’t disturb the peace and if you must leave early, let the teacher know beforehand and exit quietly before savasana begins. 

Read more: Don’t Skip Savasana: Why It’s the Most Important Pose

Bonus: Yoga Etiquette FAQs

1. Is it rude to leave class early? 
Leaving early isn’t ideal, especially during the final relaxation (savasana), which is considered a key part of the class. If you must leave, let the instructor know beforehand and exit quietly before savasana begins.

2. Can I ask questions during class?
It depends. In most studio classes, it’s best to save questions for after class so you don’t interrupt the flow. If you’re confused or uncomfortable, quietly ask the instructor when appropriate, like during a transition or while they’re walking around. 

3. Can I use my phone during class?
No. Phones should be silenced and put away before class starts. Using your phone during class is distracting to both you and others.

4. Do I need to say “Namaste” at the end?
Only if it feels right for you. There’s no pressure to say it if it doesn’t resonate.

5. Can I go shirtless as a guy?
It depends on the studio’s culture and your comfort level. Especially in hot classes, it’s not uncommon for men to go shirtless and women to wear a sports bra. When in doubt, ask or observe what others are doing. 

Join the Conversation

Did any of these surprise you? What’s one unspoken yoga rule you think everyone should know?

The post Yoga Studio Etiquette: 10 Unspoken Rules of the Mat appeared first on yogasociety.

What is Savasana?

Savasana (aka Corpse Pose) is the final pose of most yoga classes.  As the name suggests, you lie flat on your back and allow your entire body to relax into stillness. While physically it may look like you’re “just lying down”, there’s way more to it. Savasana is very intentional and can be deeply restorative: the goal is to allow the body and nervous system to reset and integrate everything it experienced in the practice internally.  

Why is Savasana Important?

Savasana has a number of important benefits for the body, mind, and nervous system.

🧘‍♀️ 1. It Allows Your Body to Integrate the Practice

All the movement, breath, and energy you created during your class needs time to land. Savasana gives your nervous system the chance to absorb the benefits of the practice and shift from “doing” to simply being.

🌿 2. It Calms the Nervous System

Savasana activates your parasympathetic nervous system, the rest-and-digest state that helps your body relax, repair, and restore. After dynamic movement or deep stretching, this helps bring balance and grounding to both body and mind.

🧠 3. It Trains the Mind in Stillness

We’re so used to rushing from one thing to the next. Savasana teaches presence without effort. It’s a form of meditation in stillness, and often the hardest part for people who are always on the go. Over time, it strengthens your ability to pause, listen, and just be.

⏸️ 4. It’s a Moment of Closure

Skipping Savasana is like walking out before the credits roll in a movie or stopping midway through a sentence. Savasana provides closure and a sense of completion to your practice.

What If You Find Savasana Challenging?

Especially if you’re new to yoga or tend to have a busy mind, it’s totally normal to find savasana challenging or even feel agitated at first. Stillness can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable to those who are used to always being on the go. But like any part of the practice, it gets easier with time. Finding stillness in savasana truly is a skill!

Try these tips:

• Focus on your breath.
• Do a gentle body scan from head to toe.
• Use a folded blanket or bolster to feel more supported.
• Let go of the idea that you have to “do it right”. Just allow yourself to be

Final Thoughts

Savasana is not just a feel-good “nap” bonus at the end of class. It’s an essential part of the yoga journey. Whether you’re there for the movement, the mindfulness, or both, honoring Savasana is a sign of respect for your practice, your teacher, and yourself, and you’re selling yourself short on a number of benefits by skipping it. Next time you find yourself tempted to roll up your mat early or feeling annoyed, try finding stillness and know that rest is productive. You might just discover that the stillness is the most transformative part of all.

Tips for Teachers

• Leave enough time! Don’t rush it. Allow adequate time
• Set the tone: Dim the lights, adjust the music (turn it down/off), and use calming cues – just enough to help the students drop in. Avoid over-cueing, leave lots of room for silence
• Hold space for stillness, even if it feels uncomfortable
• Offer grounding or tactile cues: Give hands-on love, be mindful of consent 

The post Why Savasana Is The Most Important Pose appeared first on yogasociety.