How to Find the Right Yoga Studio

There are several reasons you may be looking for a yoga studio – maybe you’re just starting out and want to take classes, you’re ready to move beyond YouTube videos to practice with others, or you’re moving to a new area. No matter what the reason is, if you are looking for a yoga studio, it’s important to find a place you feel comfortable and able to grow.

In Ashtanga yoga, a rigorous type of yoga dating back 5,000 years, there is an idea of Yoga Shala. “Shala” is Sanskrit for home, and a yoga shala is, at it’s core, a home for yoga. It’s meant to be a place that goes beyond teaching, it’s a nurturing space to share experiences and grow together. While our Smithfield yoga studio teaches Hatha yoga, a less rigorous method, we still believe it’s important to find your yoga shala, so we’re sharing some tips to help you find the right yoga studio for your needs.

Map Out Nearby Yoga Studios

The first thing you’ll want to narrow down is how far you’re willing to drive. You may fall in love with a location and click with the instructor, but if it’s an hour drive, that may be too difficult and expensive to maintain. Set a radius from your home or work that you’re comfortable with, and search within that area to find the best yoga studio.

Consider What You Want from Yoga

There are several reasons people practice yoga. Some people are seeking a blend of physical and spiritual exercise while others want a more demanding physical workout. Others may be seeking a way to stay active that’s gentle on their joints or to ease chronic pain. When you discover what your goals are, it’s easier to find your yoga shala.

What Kind of Yoga is Right for You?

If you are just starting out, you may not be sure what type of yoga you’re looking for because there are several different styles. For example, Bikram yoga is a specific sequence of moves that take place in a heated room, while Hot Yoga are yoga moves that differ from the Bikram sequence but are still in a hot room. Ashtanga yoga is a rigorous method that follows a specific sequence of poses and links every movement with breath. This method can be physically demanding, while Vinyasa is a more fluid, movement-intensive sequence that differs between classes.

Hatha yoga is a blend of styles that blends yoga poses and postures with breathing exercises to focus on reducing stress and increasing strength and flexibility, as well as peace and joy. Because it’s generally less rigorous, this method tends to work well for those just starting out or those seeking a more relaxed style.

There’s no method that’s better or worse than another, it’s just important to find which one is right for you!

Having the Best Experience in a Yoga Studio

When you’ve chosen a yoga studio to try out, here are some things to look for to know if it’s a location you want to come back to and that can eventually turn into your yoga shala!

• The class moves at a pace you’re comfortable with, neither too slow or too taxing, and aligns with the program description.
• The teacher’s instructions are clear, easy to hear, and understand.
• The teacher provides personalized attention, respecting boundaries and limitations, but also helping you safely move into poses.
• You feel comfortable asking questions and addressing any concerns about poses, breathing, or how you can adapt the movement to any physical limitations you may have.

Most of all, you feel inspired and want to come back to continue your yoga journey!

Visit Our Yoga Studio in Smithfield, NC

If you’re in the Smithfield area and are looking for an experienced instructor and a safe, nurturing environment, check out our schedule of classes at The Yoga Connection! We teach Hatha yoga at a variety of skill levels to help everyone grow at every stage. To learn more, reach out to us at  919-971-1431.