Yoga elements

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I am currently working on developing a studio where 4 styles of yoga will be offered. One of the barriers to entry I have found is that many people who want to try yoga are slightly put off by the ‘religious’ aspect. Another is that they do not really know what style of yoga would be a good fit. My approach is to ‘rebrand’ the classes as the 4 classical elements; air, water, earth and fire, with air being a vinyasa, water - hatha, earth - Iyengar, and fire - Ashtanga. The 'element’s have been explored before, but mainly as feng shui. I chose the Greek elements to help ‘bring Mohamet to the mountain.’

I am interested in your experiences and your feedback. Please feel free to share with me.

#2

Hi there FlexPenguin

I think it’s fantastic that you are thinking of offering four different styles of yoga - it gives people choice and a broader perspective on things.

Education about yoga will always be a big part of any yoga venture. I personally think that it’s because the benefits from the practice and the philosophy are quite “foreign” to a majority population who are used to more physically obvious, material, or survival-related priorities. So from the perspective of this “big-chunk” of the population, the reasons for signing up to do yoga in whatever shape or form, may fall quite low on their hierarchy of priorities.

However, the interesting thing to note is that if people understand and become aware of the life-transforming benefits from exploring yoga, they might actually put it higher on their priority-list - for they will get the results which I feel we, each of us, are searching for, i.e. looking good AND feeling really good inside at the same time, clear-minded, focused, knowing what I want and having the focus to create it, the sense of freedom that comes with aligning my mind-body-and spirit, happiness as a manifestation of conscious-living, etc.

From my experience, I have come to realise that committing into any yoga venture is signing up to be part of a “higher-purpose” much bigger than myself - that is, contributing to human consciousness, and to the transformation that is currently taking place in human evolution - people are “waking up”, learning about consciousness and living consciously. And it is inherent in the nature of this work to narrow the gap you have stated here and I’ve mentioned above - the gap between the common physical material priorities, and the non-tangible seemingly esoteric benefits from yoga.

It is good to acknowledge that gap - and the fun part is finding different ways to communicate in a way that can be understood, and as you say “not put people off”. This is something that I am exploring with Live Yoga Life on going. Some tips I’d like to share that I’ve found useful:

  1. Begin by reflecting on what assumption you are making about your target market or the people you wish to attract. This may sound irrelevant, but it will determine the choices you make moving forward. Are you assuming they are powerful or weak? It is common to assume people won’t understand it. Your energy and what you decide to do when you “put it out there” will be different if you assume they are powerful beings. With Live Yoga Life, I chose to acknowledge that people are powerful and very smart. And it is true online - people make choices and know what they want in 3 seconds!

  2. Next is articulation - this involves stepping into people’s shoes and understanding where they are and what works for them, and what outcomes they are looking for. A very good yoga business model in terms of marketing and languaging that has impressed me is Dru Yoga - check out their website - if you can get hold of their book “Stillness in Motion” - you will see what I mean. They are very outcome-focused and are very effective at making yoga “real” for people.

  3. Focus on the outcomes - for example, language the goal-oriented benefits people will get from practising your Hatha Class, etc. etc.

  4. Labelling and images need to “click” with the goals or outcomes people want - remember, we are all looking for the same things in the end - i.e. getting what we want, and happiness! :slight_smile:

I hope you find this helpful.

#3

LYL - thanks for your input. The Dru Yoga website is great. I am coming from the perspective that my prospective clients are ‘empowered’ and intelligent. My primary aim is to provide a ‘neighbourhood’ studio experience. Yoga has become a big part of modern culture and no longer resides in the fringes, and many people understand the benefits but may need a place of entry that does not threaten or impose upon their comfort zone.

My life’s work experience has been in creative marketing and leadership. I can begin this project on my own, but would love to have a partner who is a knowledgeable teacher with studio management experience. Finding an individual like that has been a challenge, but I remain hopeful.

#4

I have not found people to be concerned about religious aspects of yoga - except on the internet and in the minds of some uncomfortable teachers who seemingly haven’t looked deeply enough into the issue to answer such a question for themselves.

From a business perspective it’s a very interesting idea. Best of luck with your re-branding and solvency.

#5

Where/ what country is your studio located?

Choose a good business-model. From my experience teaching and working closely with the teachers on Live Yoga Life, every studio - like any business - has a business-model. Most of the teachers on LYL have studios, and it’s interesting how they each thrive or barely-survive depending on their business-model.

The yoga industry is a bit funny. Quite different, as you may already know, from the fitness industry. For example, one of the yoga studio-owners we work with hails from the fitness industry and decided to open up a lovely up-market yoga-pilates club in Sydney CBD, offering $AU65 fortnightly direct-debit from your account and all the yoga you want. The studio is doing well, but not as good as their fitness clubs - reason being is that with that business-model, a gym/ fitness club survives with low over-head expense because not a lot of people get “hooked” going to the gym daily. Whereas with yoga - people get “hooked” and they come everyday. Hence the overhead expense is still quite high.

Some studios have a business model where they open-up for classes, but don’t really cultivate that sense of community from the studio. So people don’t hang around the studio like an ashram, let’s say. Students come and go. From experience, these studios just break-even from the classes. They really generate the money/ energy/ and following, to keep the whole thing going from teacher-training, or running retreats, or if you have a “star teacher” - overseas workshops with big numbers generate most of the revenue - like a Simon Low or a Donna Farhi.

The studios I have found to be most effective run it as a buzzing-community - the best I’ve seen is Triyoga in Primrose Hill in London, (go to triyoga dot co dot uk…:)). And a very similar model here in Sydney, is Samadhi Yoga, (go to samadhiyoga dot com dot au…:)). Samadhi is run by Katie Manitsas who was the studio director for Triyoga years ago, hence the similar business model. Triyoga is amazing. It’s a yoga School, not just a studio. Beautiful studio-spaces, perfect location, and they have tons of events and guest teachers coming from everywhere, everyday, everyweek. It’s a busy operation. Students hang-around, practice there, live there… They have their own cafe/ boutique shop downstairs, and they have their marketing down to a tee! It’s taken them years to bring it to this level, and today it’s it’s own breathing organism that can pretty-much survive on it’s own.

Key here of course is - as you may already know - the choice depends on what you are passionate about. You can choose a business model that works, but of course, if that’s not what you’re passionate about, it will always end up as “work”, i.e. painful. :slight_smile:

#6

Ill ask this with all gentility so you’ll know I’m curious not confrontational ( in this instance).

If the assumption is that a student is “empowered” then does it not follow that they are moving through something uncomfortable every single day of their lives? It seems to me that is the very definition of empowered. And, if that is so, how can there also be a defined barrier to entry called “comfort zone”. Empowered people don’t really have comfort zones. They’ve scaled those long ago in order to earn such a title, no?

[QUOTE=FlexPenguin;19490]LYL - thanks for your input. The Dru Yoga website is great. I am coming from the perspective that my prospective clients are ‘empowered’ and intelligent. My primary aim is to provide a ‘neighbourhood’ studio experience. Yoga has become a big part of modern culture and no longer resides in the fringes, and many people understand the benefits but may need a place of entry that does not threaten or impose upon their comfort zone.

My life’s work experience has been in creative marketing and leadership. I can begin this project on my own, but would love to have a partner who is a knowledgeable teacher with studio management experience. Finding an individual like that has been a challenge, but I remain hopeful.[/QUOTE]

#7

IA - Thank you for that most excellent question. By empowered I mean to say that they are authorized to make singular decisions without (much) validation from others. They may seek feedback, but ultimately can decide what course of action is best for them. That does not preclude them from succumbing to cultural ‘comfort zones’.

As far as barriers - I have a friend who will not consider yoga as anything other than a ‘girlish’ exercise. I notice that there are many men on this board, but at my studio - in which I practice 3 times a week - am often the only male in the room. Like it or not, this is a perception and a limiting belief shared by a lot of men in western culture. Luckily, this can now be easily addressed as many professional sports people are openly crediting their success on their regular yoga practice. This is one avenue to a lowered barrier for men. There are many others.

Another example - I was approached at my gym by someone who asked “you do yoga, eh?” I replied “yes”. He said he always wanted to try yoga, but didn’t know anything about it. I told him I practice Ashtanga and he might try finding a studio near where he lived. Two days later he approached me again and asked, “what type of yoga do you do again?” The names of the yoga styles are so unfamiliar to some that it almost prohibits them from even attempting to start. Coupled with the prospect of chanting and, well …

From what I can see, there are many people who are aware of the benefits of yoga, but need a ‘comfortable’ way to get into it. Some gyms offer this and people take this option, even thought it is really not the proper environment. I feel there is a need for an alternative approach. And, if in the course of practicing yoga at my place someone wants to go deeper - all the better!

I must say that since joining this board I have found, through members like yourself and LiveYogaLife, many ways that my ideas can be realized.

#8

LiveYogaLife - I am living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The demographics and city layout is very different than anything in Europe. Calgary is a city of 1 million, average age is 34, average income is >$65K. As with most mid-west cities in Canada and the U.S., the majority of people live in the suburbs. The downtown is evacuated after 6 pm, unlike London, or even Toronto, where there is still a lot of activity as many people live downtown.

Most of the studios here congregate near the outer skirts of downtown, mainly because that is where the teachers can afford to live. So, their models are very similar to the one you describe - an owner/operator with about 25 - 30 classes per week, some workshops, teacher training, etc. They are all closed/locked during class preventing any street traffic - those who may be curious, or want to shop in the tiny ‘boutique’. Not much commuity. The studio I practice in now is very much like that and I love it, but it is not my model.

This has much to do with financing, but also with dogma and lack of entrepreneurial experience (maybe). Because I want to locate my studios where the people live my concern is instructors. As you know, yoga instructors do not earn a lot of money. Many are college or university students, or tend not to live in the 'burbs, so travel becomes expensive. I have to find a way that allows them to be compensated for the extra hour or so of travel.

#9

[QUOTE=FlexPenguin;19524]IA - …I was approached at my gym by someone who asked “you do yoga, eh?” I replied “yes”. He said he always wanted to try yoga, but didn’t know anything about it. I told him I practice Ashtanga and he might try finding a studio near where he lived. Two days later he approached me again and asked, “what type of yoga do you do again?” The names of the yoga styles are so unfamiliar to some that it almost prohibits them from even attempting to start…[/QUOTE]

Yes I get this. If you worked in a bar and drank genmaicha you might have a few people approach you, want to know what it was, perhaps even question your masculinity. The venue appears to have something to do with the collective perceptions - as does the city in which the venue is located. But as we used to say in coaching “you only have to beat the teams you play”.

#10

Hi Flex,

I like what you are proposing. Here is perhaps a another idea. I organise what I call “Yoga off the Mat days” where I select a day, usually a Saturday afternoon where I give students who want to know more than just the vanilla stuff we discuss in class. In my case it is usually free of charge, but I am sure you can easily translates this into another aspect of your studio. You can call this the fifth element, i.e ether.

#11

Hi Flex

There’s quite a bit to explore there… without getting into the demographics and details to your vision (which we can explore), here are some ideas in the meantime…

A few ideas that come to mind - - If you are practising at any studio that is well-reputed for community, a wise option would be to offer to open a “satellite” or sister-studio if they are interested. Of course, you will need to feel genuinely aligned with the energy of the original studio. This will be easier on your part as the good-will and credibility is already existing, and you immediately have support as - if the original studio agrees to this proposal it indicates that this is aligned with where they want to take their business, and they will want to make it work.

Another lovely thing to do is to mentor with a teacher who has done this before. I mentored with a very wise teacher here in Sydney, Eve Grzybowski, when I first graduated from teacher-training. I was particularly interested in being confident and versatile with teaching and executing adjustments then, however, there was another young teacher around my age who was mentoring with Eve to learn how to run a studio that got handed down to her. You may or may not necessarily need a business partner, however, mentoring with someone who’s ‘been there, done that’ is always an enriching and comforting experience.

Re compensating teachers for travel, that might be a good opportunity to start a community. Samadhi here, for example, allows all their teachers to attend any of their classes for free - (1) it supports them as part of their ongoing training as teachers, and (2) it adds to the volume of classes (always looks good to have more people on the floor!). They also have a small locker area for teachers with 1 set of bunk beds where teachers can rest between traveling, or even stay overnight if they finished a late class. Teachers love this support as they feel looked-after.

A separate idea for “community” is to encourage karma yoga - by offering free classes in exchange for any services you need, like if you need someone to do admin or pick up the phone, or keep the studio neat and tidy. That way the place is well-loved. People love to be part of something good. And it’s always nice walking into a studio that feels “lived-in”… :slight_smile: Of course you can offer proper wages and a more permanent position as you get revenue in and things stabilise.

Hope you find this helpful…

#12

Hi [B]IA [/B]& [B]Flex[/B]… on this subject. Which really deserves it’s own thread as it’s a great topic to exchange views on, on it’s own…

I will answer your question in an indirect way, [B]IA[/B], by sharing or expanding more about where I was coming from when I asked FlexPenguin this question in the earlier email.

In yoga, “Namaste”, like many words uttered frequently, can become cliche. Namaste - “the Divine in me bows down to the Divine in you”. And along with that is the often mentioned but rarely extensively explored concept that “you are whole, perfect and complete”.

Taking this into daily like was very interesting in the beginning for me, as I was raised Catholic and hence, that brings with it all the fractured guilt feelings of never really feeling good-enough, feeling “incomplete”, born a sinner and perhaps slipping into heaven by-the-skin-of-my-teeth if I’m good and repent consistently in this lifetime…“the undeserving”…etc.etc. :slight_smile:

Anyway, without getting side-tracked into religion, the point is that, I wasn’t exactly feeling “perfect, whole and complete”. And my perception of others was far from them being them being “perfect and complete” either. What is within is mirrored without, so to speak.

So here came the question of how to integrate this concept of Namaste, of celebrating human divinity, in daily life. It puzzled me. A wise teacher came to me at the opportune time who allowed me to begin to understand this. He gave me feedback and said I was by nature a kind and giving person who is genuinely interested to help other people. The problem was, I often (if not always) see the person I need to help as being weak and fractured (me the “helper” being more powerful than them, “the helpless”). Of course - this was because the underlying assumption I have of myself (which I’ve made-up in my head) was also that of being weak and fractured. So when I give someone feedback with the intention of helping them, the assistance is “tailored” to their weakness. And hence is not in service of their highest good. It is in essence a reaction to my underlying fears. I would proceed differently if I acknoweldged their strength and divinity.

The underlying decision I have before making any decision is that which I propagate and nurture, by giving more power to it through my actions.

At that point, I realised that my decisions would be very different if I celebrated the other person’s divinity, i.e. their own true power… and that of mine. The shift was and continues to be significant. Specially for example, when I teach yoga. I teach very differently if I assume my students are weak, as compared to seeing them as perfect and powerful beings. It is only when I take the latter perspective that I can teach the class completely in service to their highest good. Without any of my “baggage” getting in the way.

The good thing is - it’s a “quick fix”. Since I made-up the first dysfunctional assumption “in-my-head”, I can just practice choosing a different assumption “in-my-head”. :slight_smile:

So, [B]IA[/B] - as I said a rather long-winded answer to your question. Perhaps to answer your question more directly - about “comfort-zones”. I find “personal power” to be very different from being “empowered”. The perception of being seen to be powerful can be superficial. I think in this human journey, each of us to some degree will always be exploring “stepping into our personal power”, i.e. our own true power as beings. And so long as we are on this journey, we will always be pushing past our comfort-zones - as we continue to study ourselves [B](Svadyaya - 8 Limbs, “Study of Self”)[/B], & learn more about ourselves and who we are. Unless of course we choose not to participate in this life and stay within our physical comfort-zones - but even then we are confronted by our unsettled and unfulfilled spirit.

Namaste…

[quote=InnerAthlete;19515]Ill ask this with all gentility so you’ll know I’m curious not confrontational ( in this instance).

If the assumption is that a student is “empowered” then does it not follow that they are moving through something uncomfortable every single day of their lives? It seems to me that is the very definition of empowered. And, if that is so, how can there also be a defined barrier to entry called “comfort zone”. Empowered people don’t really have comfort zones. They’ve scaled those long ago in order to earn such a title, no?[/quote]

#13

Not sure if this answers your questions so perhaps just something to ponder… A local studio has opened up in the suburbs where I live. Along with Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin Yoga etc. they also offer classes with names such as Yoga Flow, Yoga for Abs, Yoga Tone, Free Your Hips, Beginner Basics, Iron Yoga, Runners Yoga, Gentle Yoga, pre-natal Yoga etc… class names that may appeal to and draw in the everyday person that may know nothing about yoga… or to the yogi, as you are suggesting, that may not be interested in the “religious aspect”.

#14

LYL- When I first developed my idea for Yoga Elements I approached my studio owner and she now provides me with advice and direction. I have been meeting weekly with different prospects and someone will present themselves eventually.

I am not an instructor, although I plan on becoming one on a rudimentary level. I prefer to partner with good instructors who know their stuff and I can do what I do best.

Missi - Great ideas that allow people to be introduced to a wonderful, life-changing (in my case) practice. I like the idea of offering several styles of yoga because it allows me to recruit instructors from a wider, deeper pool, and students can select a style of practice that fills their needs.

#15

Flex – a scrap idea to keep for later: a model such as you describe will attract folks who are definitely exploring. I think you’ll want a method of purchasing classes, like a punch card, that gets people into each tradition of yoga you are offering.

#16

I am now 2 months into my journey of Yoga Elements and what a great one it’s been so far! The idea of offering 4 styles based in the traditions is welcomed completely by my students, and teachers.

Although some students will gravitate to one style, I find this is mainly due to schedule and they will often attend another class series when they have the opportunity. Several of my students have embraced the idea of the 4 elements completely and attend each series during the week. They have so much fun with the concept and have incorporated the ‘language’ of the studio in their everyday speak. It is a wonder to hear them explain the series to other people brought in as guests. And, when me or my instructors speak to propective students, they ‘get it’ so easily and can imagine a style or styles that appeal to them, then scour the schedule to see how they can fit it in.

Because I live in a smaller town a short distance from a large city, we have become a bedroom community. At first, I thought it would be difficult finding instructors. But, once I opened up and changed that in my mind, I found deep resource of instructors, many of whom live here, are mature, have been teaching for many years, are deeply trained in many disciplines, and can often teach all of the 4 styles at my studio. It doesn’t get any better than that! And they are also having so much fun with the program and teaching each other.

I also practice what I preach and attend a Fire class on Monday morning, an Air class on Wednesday evening, a Water class at the end of day Friday, and an Earth class to ground me on the weekend. Again, if I want to focus on Ashanga (my ‘home’ practice), I have several opportunities to do so.

I know that many studios offer many styles of yoga, and few remain that rigidly stick to one discipline. This is probably due to western cultures ingrown ADD, where we have grown used to changing channels every 8 minutes. That habit is perpetuated in our kids for certain. Ahh…but that is another topic thread altogether :slight_smile:

#17

It sounds so wonderful Flex! Good for you. You had a vision and followed it through.

I just love the concept of the “elements” and evidently others do also! What inspired you?

Wishing you nothing but continued success and happiness today and always.

Shanti my friend.

#18

After a long time such a good thread! Thanks to Flex and all the posters.

My two pence here. Practice is the key. For all newcomers, you can collect some form of Deposit which is returned in instalments in recognition for regularity. Once Yoga becomes a habit, no external stimulus is needed.

A teacher should always keep learning and share that experience on “off the mat” days. Self-study is another Yoga must and can be imbibed through personal example.

#19

Sounds great, congrats!

#20

[QUOTE=Suhas Tambe;67634]After a long time such a good thread! Thanks to Flex and all the posters.

My two pence here. Practice is the key. For all newcomers, you can collect some form of Deposit which is returned in instalments in recognition for regularity. Once Yoga becomes a habit, no external stimulus is needed.

A teacher should always keep learning and share that experience on “off the mat” days. Self-study is another Yoga must and can be imbibed through personal example.[/QUOTE]

What a great idea! I will work on something like this, yes.