And then there was the new student who came to Yoga Yoga many years back and asked if he could change before class. "Of course," I said and pointed to one of the restrooms.

When he emerged a few minutes later, he walked past me and the teacher of the class. He appeared to be wearing an abbreviated Speedo swimsuit that probably would have been banned on better European beaches. No shirt and no shame.

The teacher looked over at me. "You," she said, "need to talk with him."

Well, as a new student he certainly knew how to get our attention. I followed him into class.

"Welcome to Yoga Yoga," I opened. "Have you done yoga before?" I figured this might be a safe way to begin a conversation with a 95% naked man.

"Yes," he replied. "In India."

"Ah," I said. "Where it's hot?"

"Yes."

"Well with our air conditioning, you might want to wear something that will keep your spine covered and warm. It will be better for your practice," I explained.

By this time he had looked around the room and saw that compared to him, everyone else was dressed as if to attend an Amish wedding.

"I'll put on a tee-shirt," he said.

"And maybe something else less constricting?" I offered hopefully.

When he came back to the class, he certainly had the teacher's attention. She watched him carefully throughout class to make sure everything stayed tucked away during the sun salutations. While setting a new standard for yoga fashion Dos and Don'ts, he also managed to get special attention in what was his first (and actually last) class at Yoga Yoga. The point of this sordid little tale is that there is a much better way to get recognition and guidance from your yoga teacher.

A secret that many yoga students, particularly new ones, may not know is that yoga teachers do some of their best work after class with their students. The minutes after a class are the best time to get the attention of your teacher, and ask a question that may have come up during your practice. It's a great way to get clarity about a particular pose or technique, get advice about your home practice, or perhaps to ask about the next step in your development as a student. You might even get advice about other classes and teachers to take. I have found most yoga teachers to be very generous with their time after class. They truly love yoga and are happy to share what they know with those who have questions or curiosities.

Of course, you will have to be mindful of other students who may also have questions, and take care to share this after class time. Often it may be best to speak with the teacher after leaving the classroom, to make space for the next class.

The other good time to get you teacher's attention is before class starts, particularly if you have a condition that may affect your practice in class. Any new injuries or changes in your health condition should definitely be discussed before class begins, if possible. Feel comfortable to approach the teacher outside the classroom before class begins, or in the first few minutes as the students and teacher settle in.

Sometimes students may feel they should not bother a teacher who is preparing to teach, but the teacher will definitely want to know about your special needs preferably before class starts. During the class itself, it is best to be mindful that the teacher will be directing their attention all around the room and observing everyone. Questions should only be asked during class if you are uncertain whether something is appropriate or safe for you to be doing. Otherwise, save general questions for after the class.

Often students believe that teachers do not want to be distracted or bothered before or after a class. This is not true! (At least at Yoga Yoga) You should feel this is part of what you are paying for to receive instruction and guidance. Don't hold onto a question or a feeling that could easily be addressed by your teacher.

If you feel like you need more personal attention than an after-class conversation can satisfy (something that takes more than several minutes), then you might consider scheduling a private class with the teacher. A private class usually lasts about an hour to an hour and a half. In this venue, you can receive full one on one, personal attention for an extended period of time.

Or you could just wear a Speedo. But that only works once.

For more information or to schedule a private class, please contact privates@yogayoga.com.

Click here to read past articles from Mehtab!