Are you preparing to return to public yoga classes? Are you thinking of switching studios? Are you just beginning your yoga journey and want to know what to look for when choosing which yoga studio to attend? Just as all yoga teachers are different, all yoga studios will have their own unique aspects. From high-spec minimalist studios with mood lighting and ultra fancy equipment, to spaces with a deep sense of community and lineage, and perhaps more ‘traditional’ styles of yoga.
Whichever studio you choose to practice in, it’s important to consider that a yoga studio isn’t just made of bricks and mortar; it’s made of dedication, love and very often it’ll become a place you’ll see as a sanctuary. I rounded up a few of the key things to look for in a yoga studio, as well as getting some first-hand opinions from yoga students around the UK. Read on for our must-know tips!
Accessibility & Inclusivity
“I’d look for a teacher I don’t find intimidating. I don’t want to see photos of someone with their arms and legs in an unreal position”. These are the words of one yoga student who told me what they’d look for in a yoga studio or class, and they echo the feeling of so many others who walk through the doors of any yoga space. Whilst photos of challenging yoga postures or pretzel-like shapes may have been popular around ten years ago when yoga was starting to become a buzz-word, we’ve now started realising how yoga really is something that can benefit everyone, no matter your size, shape, or ability. When looking for a yoga studio, look for somewhere that feels welcoming and includes classes that suit your level of ability. If you’re a beginner, ask if there are classes that focus specifically on beginners, or classes where you’ll be able to learn and become confident with the basics. Ask the teacher for advice on the most suitable class for you, and know that you never have to push yourself into a posture that feels wrong for your body.
Experienced Teachers
We all have to start somewhere, and with new yoga teachers qualifying regularly, there are a lot of classes that may have new teachers at the front of the room. If you’re heading to a yoga studio for the first time however, it might be a good idea to look for a class with an experienced teacher. Not only will the teacher have met and taught countless new students before, but they’ll likely be able to advise you when it comes to using props like blocks, belts and bricks in class. Most yoga studios will have at least a few experienced teachers, so seek them out and try their classes.
Cleanliness
“I’d look for a clean room that isn’t smelly. I’ve been in some hot yoga studios that didn’t smell great before the class even started!”, a yoga student told me when I asked what they’d look for in a studio.
Indeed, especially in a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is something many of us will be looking for when walking into a new studio. Often, yoga studios are actually one of cleanest places you could visit, and they’ll usually be using a diffuser to fill the room with scents of something like Tisserand’s Real Calm or Mind Clear diffuser essential oils. When you’re on your yoga mat, check the floor around you is clean (which is petty important, since you’ll be spending a lot of time on the ground!), but if you want to ensure your own space is super squeaky clean, use the Yogamatters Restore Yoga Mat Cleaner and Dr Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitiser for your own peace of mind.
Different Styles of Yoga
Sometimes we fall in love with a style of yoga that gives us everything we need, but it can really benefit us to change things up a little. Especially if you’re a dedicated hard-core ashtanga or vinyasa flow practitioner, experiencing a restorative yoga or yin yoga class can be a powerful way to bring balance to the mind and body. Whilst some yoga studios specialise in one particular style, others will have a range of classes to suit your needs. Personally, I’d look for a studio that has a combination of dynamic and slower-paced classes, which offers the ability to try different ways of practicing.
More Than Postures
As well as different styles of yoga, experiencing entirely different aspects of yoga can help you deepen your practice and take the idea of ‘yoga’ way beyond the mat. Look for a yoga class or studio that offers pranayama (breathing techniques), as well as yoga nidra or meditation. These types of yoga practice are a great way to experience the more traditional and effective ways of relaxing the nervous system, and can expand your knowledge of yoga itself. Look for yoga studios that offer workshops on yoga philosophy too, which will give you an insight into the rich and fascinating history and meaning of yoga.
Equipment
Not all yoga studios offer equipment, but if they do, it’s a great way to try yoga mats or bolsters, before purchasing your own, and means you don’t have to carry yours if you’re travelling on foot or bicycle. Restorative yoga classes are a great way to practice using props, as most postures require the use of them. Experience what it’s like to use a cushion or sandbag in a restorative posture. Use blocks to support you in an asana, or get to know how it feels to practice on a grippy high-quality mat, versus a slippery one!
Whilst we’re on the subject of equipment, many people I asked said they’d want a studio that has somewhere safe and secure to store belongings. If you’re not able to bring your personal items into class with you, make sure the yoga studio has lockers or a secure room to store them in whilst you’re practicing.
Teachers Who Stick Around
One secret sign of a good yoga studio is often the fact that the teachers actually want to be there…. If a yoga studio treats their teachers well, it’s likely they’ll also be thoughtful of their customers too, and having a solid group of yoga teachers that have stayed with a studio for a long time is a great way of knowing that they’re most likely happy to be there too! Look also for classes where the teacher is consistent; if you know that your yoga teacher is going to be there for class week after week – rather than jetting off to retreats and adventures – it’s easier to start building and enhancing your practice, and getting to know their style. If you’re interested in signing up to a yoga teacher training programme, try to practice often with one of the teachers who will be leading the course.
Somewhere To Park
A surprisingly popular factor in what to look for in a yoga studio, seems to be parking availability. Most people who expressed what they’d look for in a yoga studio told me it would be important that there was somewhere easy and free to park, so they wouldn’t be worrying about discovering a parking fine after class! It may sound funny, but if your yoga studio has somewhere you can park without stressing out about it whilst you’re trying to relax in savasana with your lavender-scented eye pillow, it’ll make a big difference to how calm you feel before and after visiting the studio.
Good Vibes
Sometimes you just ‘know’, don’t you? The energy a space holds can be more powerful that anything material within it. If you walk into a yoga studio and instantly feel relaxed, welcome and part of a community, trust your intuition that it’s a sign you’ve probably found the studio for you!
