When it comes to establishing a yoga practice, an overlooked factor of staying committed is finding a yoga studio that meets your needs. It is important to remember that “meeting your needs” is personal and subjective. So you must be clear about your intentions behind the yoga practice. Together, let’s explore some questions to consider before finding a yoga studio. After you’re clear on what you are looking for in a yoga studio, we will discuss finding the best location to address your preferences.
As you ponder these questions, it may be helpful to journal or jot down some notes on your phone. Try to be as concise and honest as possible – remember, no one will see your answers. Truthful responses will ensure you connect with your subconscious motivations, potentially leading to a more profound commitment to the practice.
10 Questions to Consider Before Finding a Yoga Studio:
- Why is a yoga practice important to you? Have others said you “should” do yoga? If yes, how does that resonate with you?
- How much do you know about yoga? Interested in learning more about the history of the practice?
- Are you passionate about the physical results or medical benefits a yoga practice can bring you? Are you looking for better sleep from yoga?
- Do you know about the mental benefits of a yoga practice? Is it necessary for you?
- Is a spiritual connection to the practice something you are looking for – or does that feel uncomfortable?
- Do you know and understand the different types of yoga classes offered and the benefits of each?
- Is practicing with others something you’d like? If yes, are you looking for socialization? Camaraderie? Both?
- Would you consider yourself a beginner or intermediate yogi? Remember, this has nothing to do with your fitness level, flexibility, or strength. Instead, it is related to the amount of time you have practiced yoga.
- What type of environment is vital for you in a yoga studio? Are you looking for a lot of high energy, or is a more calming and relaxing environment better for you?
- Finally, what is your budget, and what can you expect to pay for a yoga session in a yoga studio? Does it align with your budget or not?
Consider your answers carefully. Now, it is time to find a yoga studio that most aligns with your goals.
Step 1 to Finding a Yoga Studio – Research and Narrow
Research Class Types
Suppose some of the questions above highlighted some areas you were unfamiliar with, such as yoga class types, the spiritual side of yoga, or the mind-body connection. In that case, YouTube is a great place to explore!
You can research and experiment without a significant investment of time or money. Additionally, online videos are an excellent resource. They can help identify the most beneficial type of yoga and the right instructor for you. We will touch on this more in a bit.
Research Yoga Studios
There is a lot of information available online about most yoga studios. You can gain information about the studio from their website, their social media, online reviews, and from asking others. With COVID-19, many studios began offering yoga classes online. This may be another excellent opportunity to test out a yoga studio, class type, and instructor.
Many local gyms and fitness organizations also offer yoga classes. If the energy of a fitness studio is more in line with what you are looking for, find out if they offer any yoga classes and if that may be a good fit. Additionally, if you are already a gym or fitness club member, ask them to consider a yoga class not currently on their schedule.
While doing research online, be sure to look for different symbols and languages, such as Sanskrit, on their website. This will help you understand if the yoga studio takes more of an Eastern or Western approach to yoga. Either method is acceptable, but finding what feels right for you is essential.
Does the thought of chanting makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, it may be best to steer clear of yoga studios that focus more on the Eastern traditions of the practice. However, for others, the opposite is true. Others may feel uneasy with a studio that doesn’t honor the cultural significance and history of yoga. Finding a studio that doesn’t meet these needs and values could make you feel uneasy.
When looking at the website, review pricing options or a complimentary trial class option. Explore the class schedule to ensure it works for your calendar. If diversity is important to you, note the representation of people, gender, and body types represented on the site or social media.
Narrow it Down
Once you have completed your research, narrow your list down to 2-3 yoga studios you’re interested in visiting. You may want to call ahead and ask for a tour or to chat with someone who can at least show you around and allow you to feel if the yoga studio is the best fit for you. Let them know the intent of your visit, so there isn’t any confusion on their part – you aren’t coming to sign up or practice at this visit. The purpose of this visit is to help you find a yoga studio that is good for you.
Step 2 to Finding a Yoga Studio – Visit
On the day of your scheduled appointment, come prepared with a list of questions you may have after viewing their online presence. Also, be sure to arrive with factors identified as important to you from the question set above. Finally, come prepared to discuss the type of class you are looking for, and if you’ve found an instructor you like (either from prior sessions or from watching YouTube, take note about what interests you from that instructor) and be prepared to share those details.
When looking for a yoga studio, especially if it is the first time you are visiting, know you will likely enter the studio with your shoes removed. This customary practice honors the tradition of yoga and is also vital to the overall cleanliness of the space. To avoid confusion or take one by surprise, it’s necessary to set expectations. Also, you will find that some yoga studios are tranquil and calm. Try to remember to silence your phone before entering the studio to avoid any awkward moments.
Welcome area and tour Centerpeace Yoga and Wellness in Kent, OH
In addition to getting your questions answered, a visit will allow you to test your comfort level with the studio policies and offerings. Some things that may be important to you are access to yoga props. Does the studio provide mats and props? Is there an additional charge for community prop usage? What are their cleaning policies around props? Find out if any classes have an additional charges. Many yoga studios offer specialty classes that are often more expensive than mat classes. It is best to ask these types of questions on this first visit. Transparency is key.
Props and specialty props
During your tour, you will likely learn additional services provided at the yoga studio location. If possible, try to balance the conversation; finding a yoga studio is similar to a first date. You are trying to learn about the studio, and it is also crucial that they know about you. A great studio will want to understand your needs and will hopefully make suggestions of classes and instructors that may be a great fit.
Step 3 to Finding a Yoga Studio – Select a Class and Instructor
Hopefully, at your studio visit(s), you were able to learn more about introductory classes offered at a reduced rate, complimentary, or full price. The next step to finding a yoga studio is to take a class. The yoga studio is a key piece of the puzzle, followed by the perfect style and an instructor who matches your needs. Attending the session will solidify that you have made a good decision when finding a yoga studio.
By this point, you have identified a class or two that sound interesting and match your schedule. If there is more than one class or timeslot that sounds like a winner, it’s time to learn more about the instructor and make a decision. Learning about the instructor can be a little more difficult without spending time with them, so we recommend that you pick a class and plan to arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to this class.
Choosing what to wear to a yoga class can also be intimidating. Clothes that are easy to move in are essential, and typically, pants and shirts that are tight to the body are suitable for a yoga session. Tighter clothing prohibits the outfit from getting in the way of your movements. However, if yoga pants aren’t your thing, choose something comfortable for you and show up with confidence. Layering clothes is another option – allowing you to show up and begin class in layers and remove them as necessary once people are focused on their practice vs. others in the space around them. Finally, prepare to be barefoot or to wear toe grip socks, specifically designed for yoga.
Take a look at 10 qualities that make a great yoga teacher.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Many studios have policies against heavy fragrances to protect those with allergies, so it may be best to leave the scented lotion or perfume behind. We recommend you bring a water bottle, a hair tie if you have long hair, and your yoga mat if one is not available to use or rent. You’re now ready to introduce yourself to the instructor.
Most yoga studios ask the instructor to arrive at least 30 minutes before class starts to allow new student introductions. Use your early arrival time to let your instructor know why you chose this class, what you hope to gain from the session, and any prior injuries you have incurred or are currently nursing. Sharing this information is incredibly important for the instructor to know to provide appropriate options and cue modifications during the class. Notice your comfort level with the instructor at the meeting and note how you feel during the practice. All of these subconscious reactions will play a part in whether or not you decide to return to this class.
Following your meeting, find a place to set up your mat. Choose a space that feels comfortable for you. If you have trouble seeing or hearing, you may want to settle in closer to the instructor. If you feel more secure in a spot towards the back of the room, that is OK too. You can always follow the other students in the class on poses for which you need a little more instruction. Remember, the energy of the class is the combination of the studio environment, the instructor, the poses, and everyone in practice – this includes you!
Step 4 to Finding a Yoga Studio – Integrate and Evaluate
Following the practice, if it feels right to you, check in with your instructor. Share anything that you particularly liked about the class. If you appreciated the teaching style, ask if that instructor has other offerings, either at this studio or another. Doing this will allow you to try another yoga studio if anything was missing in your experience.
If the yoga studio was a fit and you enjoyed the class but didn’t vibe with the instructor, that is OK. Review what it was like you liked about the experience and what felt a little off for you. Feel free to share that feedback with the studio owner, who can then recommend another class, instructor, or studio. Helping others to find a yoga studio that serves the person is hopefully a top priority for most studio owners.
Perhaps the class was too slow or too challenging for you. That information is also valuable to share with the instructor, who can recommend a different class type or instructor that may be a better fit for what you are looking for in your yoga journey.
A day or two following the experience, you have the opportunity to notice any changes you have experienced since the class. How does this feeling compare to the intentions you set out for when finding a yoga studio? Are there any surprise feelings that you’ve had, good or bad, following the experience? Do you feel comfortable going back to this studio? Or has your quest to find a yoga studio still unfulfilled? Any answer is perfectly acceptable as this is your experience.
Recap to Finding a Yoga Studio
While it may feel a little overwhelming, following the steps recommended will help you find a yoga studio that checks all of your boxes. Yoga is a very individualized practice with a lot of external factors that weigh into your experience.
- Be honest and intentional about finding a yoga studio – what is important to you, what types of classes are you looking for, is there anything more you need to know before getting started?
- Research – gather information about the studio, class types, costs, etc., and narrow down your choices to a few yoga studios.
- Schedule a visit – check out a few studios so you can find which one has the vibe that you want.
- Attend a class – After finding a yoga studio, choosing a suitable class and instructor is essential – it’s hard to know if a class and teacher will meet your needs until you go to a session.
- Evaluate your choice – following the class, decide if the session, instructor, and studio met your needs and if you will go back in the future
Remember, if the studio, class, and instructor combo you chose doesn’t feel right, don’t give up! You can always go back to the drawing board to finding a yoga studio, teacher, and session that is more your speed. Once you find the winning combination, let the magic of yoga do the work!
Shanti Arunkumar, Senior Contributor At L’Aquila Active
Learn more about Shanti by reading her bio below.
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