Whether you’re an experienced yogi or just getting your feet wet with an introductory class, finding a space that inspires you is one of the most important parts of your yoga practice.
Whether you practice outdoors or indoors, there are many ways to create an environment that feels like home in even the most unlikely places. And if you’re looking to make your outdoor yoga studio more accessible for all types of practitioners, here are seven tips on how to do just that!
Good outdoor yoga studio design ideas include providing shade because of the sun and heat, using water features to help soothe visitors and plants, utilizing a patio, shed, or awning for extra storage and shade, lighting, and aromatherapy.
Why You Should Invest in Your Outdoor Yoga Studio
An outdoor yoga studio is a great investment to increase your business and boost its value. Outdoor yoga studios can be used by clients of all ages and skill levels, depending on the type of equipment you have available. For example, if your outdoor yoga studio has ropes hanging from trees, you could offer classes geared toward those new to climbing or who want to learn more about it. The same goes for other types of equipment like trapezes or swings – they can be set up in different ways so that students get a full range of workouts.
Shade
To keep your students comfortable in the summer heat, you’ll need to find shade for them. Shade can be provided by a tree or awning that provides shelter from the sun’s rays. But you can also create shade using an umbrella and canopy system on the deck or patio area outside your studio.
If you don’t have enough space for a large deck or patio area, consider adding a wall or building that will provide some relief from direct sunlight during outdoor yoga classes in warmer months.
You can also find portable shade systems that are easy to use. These systems consist of a protective canopy and an anchor plate that attaches securely to the ground. The canopy protects from direct sunlight while allowing airflow, so students won’t get too hot or sweaty during class.
Water Feature
Water features are great for creating a relaxing atmosphere, but they also provide other benefits: they help create soothing sounds and attract birds and other wildlife. Adding a water feature to the space can enhance an outdoor yoga studio. A water feature can be done in several ways, such as installing a fountain or waterfall or creating a small pool that could also double as an area for people to sit and relax.
The size of the water feature will depend on the size of the outdoor yoga studio. If you have a small space, it might be best to use a smaller feature like a fountain or birdbath. For larger areas, consider adding a pond or pool that anyone can use for swimming during the summer months.
Plants
Plants are a great addition to any yoga studio because they can improve your environment and health.
Plants help the environment by reducing CO2 emissions, filtering indoor air pollutants, improving humidity levels, and creating a more pleasant atmosphere. All these factors contribute to a healthier living environment for everyone in space, which is something we all want!
Plants can also be a great addition to your yoga studio because they provide a calming atmosphere, which is essential for relaxation.
Suggestions for plants include:
Clivia: These plants are known for their ability to help people relax and feel more peaceful in their environment. Clivia plants can be placed near entrances to impact your yoga studio’s ambiance immediately.
Valerian: Valerian is a beautiful plant with green stems and white or red flowers. Valerian plants are known for their ability to help people relax, feel more peaceful in their environment, and healing properties.
Passion Flower: Passion flowers are known for their ability to help people relax and feel more peaceful in their environment.
White Bird Dragon Tree: The white bird dragon tree is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant. This tropical plant has green leaves with white veins that fan out from the center of the plant, giving it a delicate appearance. The white bird dragon tree can reach up to 25 feet tall when fully grown and requires very little maintenance.
Patio, Shed, or Awning
A patio or shed is a good place to store your yoga props and a place to change. It can also be used as an outdoor studio space with additional seating and shade. If you opt for a patio or shed, ensure it is well-ventilated and not too dark.
A good patio should also have a safe surface and be easy to clean. A patio with a wooden floor is ideal as it is durable, sturdy, and easy to maintain.
Awnings are a great way to extend your outdoor space and make it more comfortable. They provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain, making them perfect for yoga classes. It should also have an adjustable height to be used in different seasons.
The awning should be easy to install and remove. It would help if you also considered its weight as it will depend on how much you want to carry. If you are looking for an easy-to-install, lightweight awning, opt for one with a simple frame design that can be folded up when not in use. Weigh the different options above before making your decision.
Lighting
Lighting is an important factor in outdoor yoga studio design. It plays a significant role in creating the perfect ambiance for your class. In addition, it also helps you see your students clearly and allows them to see their instructor.
When choosing the right kind of lighting for your outdoor yoga studio, consider these points:
- The type of light
- Whether you need natural or artificial lighting, the size of your outdoor yoga studio will be an important consideration. Installing artificial lights will be ideal if you’re planning to host larger classes.
- The positioning of your lights
- The placement of the lights is important in creating the perfect ambiance for your class. You can either place them above the students or hang them from trees, closer to eye level.
- Lighting can be provided by natural light or artificial light. Natural light is free and does not require any maintenance costs on your part; however, it may not always be available when you need it most—like during monsoons or after sunset at nightfall. Artificial lighting can come from overhead fixtures (usually halogen lights), wall sconces, or track lights (commonly used on buildings). These lights are more powerful than those that come with overhead lamps and provide better illumination around campus grounds. However, they have high maintenance costs since they require regular bulb replacements every few months depending on how much time the lights are switched on per day/week/month, etc.
- If you are looking for a more durable and long-term solution, solar lighting is the way. Solar lights are powered by small batteries that store energy from the sun during daylight hours and can last for months or even years if properly maintained. Since they don’t require any wiring or additional electricity source, they make maintenance easier since there aren’t any wires to fix when they break down due to wear and tear.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are aromatic substances extracted from plants and flowers. They can be used in many ways, including massage, diffusers, and inhalers. Essential oils have a direct impact on mood and emotions as well as physical health. Due to their powerful properties, you should use caution with essential oils – but this doesn’t mean you should throw out your essential oil collection.
Essential oils can also create an inviting environment for yoga practice outdoors or studio. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate essential oils into your design plan for an outdoor studio space, here are some ideas:
- Add fragrance by adding lemon grass or lavender plants around the perimeter of your yoga area.
- Use aromatherapy candles made from soybean wax in decorative containers that complement your outdoor space.
- Use aromatic plants such as rosemary and mint to create a natural garden. Feel free to experiment with different blends of essential oils that complement your outdoor yoga space! If you’re looking for an all-natural scent, try the following combinations: Lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil Citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit. Add a few drops of these oils into the water, then pour them into small spray bottles. Spray onto yourself before class to reduce stress levels
These are just some of the ideas to consider when you are designing your yoga studio. Your space should be where you feel comfortable and can focus on your practice without distractions. The more time you put into creating an inviting environment, the more satisfying it will be for you and your students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Creating a calm and peaceful environment is essential for students to learn yoga at any level. Using certain scents and placement of furniture or mats can make a difference in creating an inviting atmosphere.
Blue is calming and soothing, while purple creates a peaceful environment. The bright yellow infuses energy into any outdoor or indoor space. Blushing pink and white also creates a calm environment.
To learn more about starting your own Yoga Business check out my startup documents here.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Yoga Fan
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online yoga business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a yoga business owner in public at a studio or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Yoga Business Boss: I want to help future yoga business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.