5 Things to Know Before Joining a Yoga Studio

February 20th, 2015

Thinking about signing up with or switching to a new yoga joint? Hold your asana, there are few things you might want to check out to make sure it's the right place for you.

Here are the 5 things to know before joining a yoga studio.

1. Teachers. Know this - teacher preference is 100% personal. Who you love could be like fingernails on a chalkboard for someone else, so be sure to take a class with a few of the stable instructors at a studio before you sign on the dotted line. While you're at it, ask around to make sure the studio doesn't go through teachers like amaranth in a pasta colander. You don't want to be breaking in a whole new roster every two months.

2. Schedule. All the best classes with the best teachers will do you no good if the classes happen when you're at work or sleeping. Be realistic about when the best time for you will be and then find a schedule that suits it. All the best intentions in the world are pointless if getting to class becomes inconvenient or impossible. If you've got a flexible schedule, look for variety to make sure you're getting the most out of your potential new studio's offerings.

3. Flexibility. No, not the kind you need for an impressive hands-to-heels wheel. The kind that means when life gets in the way, your studio will understand. Say you want to take a month off during the busy summer months - can you suspend your membership? Or, maybe you want to try before you buy - do they have a punch card system that allows you to dabble before you drop a chunk of change? Do they have the option to pay as you go or can you pre-pay 6 months at a time? A good studio knows that flexibility isn't just for the mat.

4. Community. This is the intangible element but it can be a big part of yoga becoming a habit. Does the community at the studio reflect you and what you want? Do you prefer a quiet and reverent community or a fun-loving gang of rowdy yoga-dabblers? Maybe you're more suited to a small group in a small space that likes to linger after or an anonymous, get-in, get-out big group. Is yoga an exercise or a spiritual journey for you and do you want your community to reflect that? Believe it or not, the best teachers in the best spaces can't make the community right for you. Pick one that suits you and it will give you one more reason to get to class.

5. Ease. Let's face it, committing to a yoga routine can be a challenge - especially when life throws curve balls. That's why it's so important to consider the ease of getting to class. Is it close to home or work? Can you walk, bike or drive there (and find parking) easily? Are there a variety of times that work for you? Do they have the facilities to help you refresh after a class so you can go back to work or out for dinner? Don't give yourself any excuses before you even start. Yoga should never be a pain in the ass, so keep it easy.

Forget the old adage 'you get what you pay for.' When it comes to selecting a yoga studio, the value comes from how good a fit it is for you, your approach to yoga, and your lifestyle.

Select your studio carefully and you'll be happy on the mat and off.

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