The popularity of yoga and pilates has exploded around the world in recent years. Today, there are more than 40,000 pilates and yoga studios in operation in the U.S. alone. This means that no matter where you live, odds are that you have at least a handful of studios in your area to choose from when you want to get in a good stretch, a great workout, and some rejuvenation.
Practicing yoga somewhere is always better than nothing. But the studio that you choose can have a big impact on your practice. A great studio with a vibe that suits your personal style can inspire you to practice regularly, improve your skills, and make yoga a regular part of your routine, without breaking your budget. The wrong studio will leave you feeling less than inspired and may cause you to lose your motivation before you ever have a chance to start working on your skills.
Finding the right yoga studio for you doesn’t have to be a challenge. If you’re searching for a new spot to get your zen on, keep reading to learn a few tips to help you choose the right yoga studio for you.
Choose a Yoga Style — Or Several
Before you can choose a studio, it’s important to narrow down the style or styles of yoga you’d like to be able to take classes in. If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, you might already have an idea of the types of classes you prefer. But if not, it’s a great idea to choose a studio that offers a variety of types of classes, and that cater to different experience levels.
This will give you a chance to try out different classes to see what you like. You may find that you love one style of yoga in particular, or that you enjoy having the ability to mix things up. If you’re brand new to yoga, consider starting with a Chair Yoga or Mindful Flow class. Looking to test your skills and challenge your body? Power Yoga or a Pilates class is a great way to get your heart pumping and enjoy a great workout alongside a good stretch.
Get Clear About Your Goals
It’s not necessary to have a specific goal in mind in order to start enjoying yoga. But if you do have a goal in mind, you’ll want to get clear about that goal and what you need in order to achieve it when you’re choosing a studio.
Maybe you’re a beginner, and your goal is to start a regular practice. Or perhaps you’re an experienced yogi with dreams of getting trained as a yoga instructor. Finding a studio that can help you achieve your goal is important.
Search in Your Area
If you find yourself having to drive a long distance to get to your studio of choice, you’ll likely find more excuses to skip a class when the time comes. Whether you’re running late from work, had a long day, or have things to do at home, having a studio that’s conveniently located close to your home is a great way to stick to your practice.
Of course, if you love a studio that’s located a bit further away from home than you’d like, ask yourself how you can fit that into your weekly schedule. Consider attending weekend classes, or check to see if they have evening classes that align with your work schedule and other obligations.
Consider Your Schedule
Are you someone who likes to start their day with a yoga class? Or maybe you squeeze in some practice after work, on your lunch break, or just after you drop off the kids for school? If there’s a time of day or a day of the week that works best for you, check with any studios you’re considering to see if their schedule aligns with your own.
Much like choosing a studio that’s located close to home, having a flexible schedule of classes that works well with your own busy schedule is a great way to stay committed to your practice and to get to more classes each week.
At Sun Rock Yoga, we offer a variety of classes each day, with a varied schedule that gives you tons of options to choose from. Start your morning with a rejuvenating early Vinyasa Flow, squeeze in Chair Yoga at lunch, or stop by after work for some Power Yoga. You can always check out our online schedule to see what’s available each day or throughout the week and conveniently book your classes online.
Give the Studio a Test Run
The best way to decide whether or not a yoga studio is right for you is to give it a test run! Stop by the studio you’re considering and try out a class — or several! If you’re new to yoga, we recommend trying out a class that’s designed for beginners or that specifically welcomes individuals of all experience levels.
At Sun Rock Yoga, we welcome new yogis with our 30 for $30 pass! For just $30, new Sun Rock Yogis can try out 30 days of exciting, challenging, and relaxing yoga classes. This is a great opportunity to see how you like the studio or to try out different styles of yoga. You can also use this opportunity to see which classes best fit your weekly schedule.
Choosing the Right Yoga Studio for You
Finding the right yoga studio for you is a great way to make regular practice a habit, and to inspire yourself to hit the mat. From trying out a few classes to making sure that the studio is close enough to home with a schedule that fits your own, these tips are a great place to start. Once you’ve narrowed your options, the best thing to do is to try out some classes — don’t discount the importance of how a class makes you feel! You want to make sure that you’re leaving your class feeling relaxed, supported, and healthy. If you’re not, it’s time to check out a new studio.
At Sun Rock Yoga, we welcome yogis of all ages and experience levels. With a variety of classes to choose from, our class schedule makes it easy to find a class that fits your schedule so you won’t find yourself forgoing your practice when life gets in the way. Stop by today to see for yourself what our studio is all about!