What Makes a Good Yoga Studio Class

What Makes A Good Yoga Studio Class

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It can be a daunting task to find a good yoga studio. Exploring information provided on websites of yoga studios can be confusing. Each studio has its own vision and purpose, which creates their own unique environments. Yoga studio owners and managers should view their websites and offerings through the eyes of potential students.

Good yoga studio classes consider the participants’ goals, types of classes, studio and class atmosphere, class schedules and studio location, and cost of classes.

Not all yoga studios or classes will meet the needs of each student. Everyone has different stresses in their lives, physical needs or restrictions, time available, and money to spend. For clients to maintain and benefit from their membership, a good yoga studio will offer classes that meets their needs. 

Participants’ Goals

Successful yoga studios understand the needs and goals of their students. When you are developing plans to open a yoga studio and when you annually revisit your studio’s goals and vision, remember you have a studio to meet the needs of your clients. Keep in mind that you want to retain your current customers and continually add new members to your studio. One of the best ways to accomplish this is offering yoga classes for all. 

Many people attend yoga classes to add a reflective time to their day or week. A good yoga class lets your members step away from the stress that is inherent in many lives. Being able to practice breathing methods during class provides a tool for your members to use in their daily lives. 

What Makes a Good Yoga Studio Class

Understanding your members’ purpose(s) for participating in yoga classes will help you determine the types of classes to offer, time(s) of day, and their frequency. You can accomplish this by conducting an annual and a new member survey. Ask questions about the reasons that yoga is important in their lives. Consider including questions to guide people who have not taken yoga classes. Some thoughts to consider include –

  • Mediation
  • Stress reduction
  • Weight loss
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Controlling pain
  • Increasing flexibility
  • Improving balance
  • Developing strength
  • Boosting energy
  • Just because it feels good
  • Days of the week and times of the day for classes should be part of your survey as well. 

Use the responses to guide more questions and future decisions on adding or changing classes offered at your studio. 

Yoga Studio Grand Opening Ideas

Types of Classes 

On your website and other marketing materials, be sure to include descriptions and benefits of your yoga classes. There are many types of classes; some are called different names at different studios. To eliminate confusion, provide clear information about each class. This will also assist people who have not taken yoga before. They will be more comfortable joining classes knowing that they will be comfortable and successful. Some types of yoga to consider including in your studio’s repertoire are – 

  • Hatha yoga is considered a good class for beginners. Often, Hatha covers a broad range of poses and breathing practice. Students will gain a good fundamental understanding of yoga and its benefits. 
  • Restorative yoga has as its goal total relaxation of mind and body for its participants. One’s body is thoroughly stretched through different poses that are held for ten minutes or longer. 
  • Yin yoga, similar to restorative yoga, with longer times holding poses; however, yin yoga’s stretches target participants’ connective tissues. 
  • Iyengar yoga infuses the use of props to assist participants of all ages and abilities. Part of the focus in these classes is developing and maintaining the correct alignment for participants’ bodies. 
  • Vinyasa yoga is often referred to as flow yoga. In these sessions, your yoga studio members will move or flow from one pose to another pose. While moving, students focus on matching their breathing to their poses. 
  • Bikram or hot yoga are performed in rooms that are heated to 105 degrees with its humidity at 40 percent. Students follow a sequence of yoga movements in a ninety-minute class. 
  • Ashtanga yoga is preferred by some of your more experienced students. These sessions are very structured and have six levels of difficulty. 
  • Power yoga is also preferred by those who are seeking a physical challenge along with benefits from yoga. 

There are many other types of yoga classes. Offer classes that your members will be interested in attending. In your studio, you want to match new participants up with classes that they will enjoy and want to do again. Good yoga studio classes will also offer opportunities for your members to challenge themselves physically and mentally. 

Studio and Class Atmosphere 

What Makes a Good Yoga Studio Class

Matching studio members to classes in which they will be successful is one step to creating a welcoming studio and class atmosphere. All of your studio’s teachers and staff should continually support the values and mission of your studio. The approach when greeting and collaborating with members should be inclusive and supportive. 

Good yoga classes are filled with a mix of all types of people. Your teachers should be able to work with students who are first time participants to those who have practiced yoga for decades. Classes should not have a competitive feel to them. 

Teachers should be clear in their presentation and directions to students. They should model the poses and any modifications to each pose. Positive encouragement should be woven throughout the class. Each student should feel safe in the class to practice. The enthusiasm of the teacher should develop or enhance the students’ interest in the class and practice of yoga. 

Why Yoga Studios Are A Good Investment

Class Schedule and Studio Location 

Good yoga studio classes are only effective if they have students in them. When you were seeking input on types of classes, you added the request for information on times of the day and days of the week. When students are selecting a yoga studio to join, class times are a critical piece of the decision-making process. Classes need to be convenient for people to easily attend. 

Additionally, you want a fairly consistent schedule. There may be times you want to try new classes or class times, be sure to communicate in advance to all of your members. When you have class times, days of the week, and teachers for the class, try to maintain the schedule. Developing relationships between teachers and students and between classmates adds to the value of the class and studio to its members. 

Another factor when selecting a yoga studio is its location. For most people to sustain their attendance at classes the studio needs to be readily accessible. Novelty locations seem appealing, and they certainly can be a respite from daily responsibilities. If you choose a novelty location, be sure there are or will be other reasons that make it a destination spot for your members. 

Cost for Classes

What Makes a Good Yoga Studio Class

Understanding your customers is an important element in determining your price structure. Your customers and what they are looking for in a yoga class should have been part of your business plan. These desires will impact the design of your studio. If your customers want a lavish studio with costly amenities, then the cost per class will be more than at studios with fewer amenities. 

Some studios charge participants for each class they attend. Other studios have a monthly fee with a range of the number and types of classes members can take part in. When potential customers are looking for a good yoga studio class, they often seek studios that offer free sessions. Consider this in your price structure. You can offer free trial classes with a discounted membership to encourage new people to try your studio. 

To offset some of the costs of running your studio and classes, think about selling merchandise with your logo. This will add to your revenue stream and provide subtle advertising for you. 

Four Things That Make A Yoga Studio Great

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot perform a pose during class?

Do not worry about being able to perform all poses during your yoga classes. Good studios will have instructors that will explain to their students the expectations of the session. Good teachers will share ideas of what to do instead of poses you are not able or comfortable to perform. 

What is prenatal yoga?

Prenatal yoga classes are designed for people who are expecting a child. Most of these classes can be attended as a couple or an individual. They are intended to help with discomfort that can be associated with pregnancy. These sessions can also provide a means of support for attendees.

What is aerial yoga?

Aerial yoga blends many of the physical poses of yoga with aerial performance arts. Many aerial yoga classes utilize silk fabrics or hammocks instead of the traditional yoga mat. Aerial yoga enhances the development of your upper body and your body’s core strength to perform the movements. 

What is couples’ or partners’ yoga?

Couples’ or partners’ yoga is structured so that two people are needed to assist each other in performing poses. These classes provide a combination of boosting communication skills between two people and enhancing the level of trust. These sessions can also be an intense physical workout. 

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.