Now that it’s possible to get back to yoga studio practice, what should you look for when choosing a studio?
Since the pandemic, studios have closed. New studios have opened.
Students who once had favorite places to workout, may discover they now have to find new yoga schools. And, students who discovered yoga online may now find themselves searching for their first “real” yoga studio.
And for those looking to change their practice up a bit… or even wanting to open their own yoga studio, what should you look for in a yoga school?
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What Makes a Yoga Studio a Good Pick?
Good news or bad news first?
Well, the bad news is there’s no easy answer to what makes a good yoga studio. This is partly because when it comes to choosing a yoga studio or yoga school, there are subjective variables at play. For example, a good yoga studio to one student might be a quiet and sparse (or minimalist design) studio. For another, a bright, colorful, or loud yoga studio with cool wall art, like graffiti designs, might be a perfect choice.
However, the good news is that students may have more than one yoga studio to choose from in their area, especially as yoga grows in popularity. So, if you have choices and can weigh different studio features, offerings, and perks, you will likely find a studio that works for you.
Things to Consider in Choosing a Yoga Studio
Here are some of the things you may want to consider in choosing a yoga studio. Differences here might help you decide what is a “good” yoga studio for your practice yoga or for a yoga teacher training.
1. Environment
What’s the environment like? What’s the vibe or energy of the studio? Does it feel relaxed? Energized?
Do you feel safe and comfortable in the studio space? I’m talking at peace, free to be you on your mat, and at ease.
2. Teachers
What about the yoga teacher(s)? Do they teach the style you seek? Do they seem passionate, encouraging, and friendly? Or do they seem short-fused, impatient, or apathetic?
Do you enjoy their teaching, voice, presentation, control, direction, and variety of classes? Do you like their teaching style?
Are the teachers qualified? Do they have recognized yoga certifications? Do the teachers seem knowledgeable and experienced? Or, if it’s a new instructor, does the yoga instructor seem self-assured, even if nervous, and open-minded and enthusiastic about teaching and learning from her own teaching experiences (or mistakes… yep, even new and experienced yoga teachers mess up from time to time)?
3. Schedule
Do class schedules work for you? Is there enough variety to keep you active and practicing when you want to during the week?
4. Location
Is the studio located in an area that works with your schedule? And is it close to where you live, work, or near where you shuttle the kids to activities? Is it in your neighborhood or do you have to cross town and arrange transportation to get to it?
You’re most likely to stay consistent with your studio practice if it’s in a convenient and easy to reach location.
Summary Checklist: Choosing the Right Yoga Studio for YOU
Choosing the right yoga studio and experience for you involves subjective criteria. You may discover that you luck out with the first class or studio you try. You might also find that you discover a good studio for you by “trial and error.”
Whatever you do, try not to get discouraged with yoga or your personal yoga practice if you visit a studio and have less than an awesome experience.
Not every studio or teacher will work for you. However, keep in mind, that just like non-yoga fitness workouts, not every experience is the same. Some workouts are better than others. Sometimes we’re in the ‘right’ mood, other times we’re not. Sometimes instructors are too chatty, sometimes a workout room is too cold or too hot, and sometimes it’s you have a less than stellar class (and the next time it rocks). This also applies to yoga practice.
So have fun trying studios and taking yoga classes with different instructors until you find your place. A yoga studio to call your own. Home.