Should You Practice Yoga at Your Own Studio?
As a yoga teacher and studio owner, you may have heard the old saying, "those who can't do, teach." But when it comes to yoga, this couldn't be further from the truth! Practicing yoga is an integral part of being a yoga teacher and studio owner, and it can bring a whole host of benefits to your professional and personal life.
Do you practice yoga at your own yoga studio? Do you practice yoga during the class you are teaching? Really, I would like to know because I’ve heard every answer and almost every reason to justify each answer. It’s a very personal thing.
I loved practicing at my own studio so much that I was rarely willing to go anywhere else. Even now, with the studio under new ownership, I still attend classes regularly.
I strongly believe that the best thing you can do as a yoga teacher is maintain your personal yoga practice.
Practice Makes Perfectly Zen
For starters, a personal yoga practice helps keep you grounded and connected to the reason you became a yoga teacher in the first place. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of running a studio, but taking time for yourself to get on your mat is a powerful way to recharge and stay in touch with your passion. Plus, as you continue to grow and deepen your practice, you'll be able to bring even more to the table for your students.
Studios That Practice What They Preach
As a studio owner, practicing at your own studio is also a fantastic way to stay in tune with the culture and energy of the space. Imagine the scenario, you're in warrior two, and out of the corner of your eye, you see a student struggling with a new pose. You can use this moment to make a mental note to address this in your next class. By practicing alongside your students, you gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and better tailor your offerings to meet their needs.
Finding Balance
I will admit that my yoga practice was not my own when in my own studio. I never released my role as owner. Even deep into a posture, I always had an eye turned to the door in case a latecomer showed up or something in the lobby needed my attention. Those proverbial eyes in the back of my head kept a subtle gaze on any students who sat down during class, so that I could discreetly monitor that they were ok and be ready to spring into action if a problem arose.
Did I expect the teacher of the class to be doing these things, as our leader? Sure, I did…but I still saw it as my responsibility as the studio owner, no matter what.
Studio Culture
Yoga practice in my own studio also allowed me to keep that ever important thumb on the pulse of the studio. After all, aren’t those moments on the mat what it is all about for our students?
I wanted to know exactly what was going on during class: How is the teacher, how is the class, how are the students?
I also liked supporting my teachers by being in their classes. My presence as owner, teacher, and student helped solidify a cohesive studio culture.
I don't know if other owners feel this same way, which is why I'm opening up this conversation here for all of us. Most owners I’ve worked with practice alone and don‘t take classes on a regular basis at their own studio. I even know one owner who has a membership at 2 other studios and gyms so that she can escape being the owner in the room and fully soak up what she needs from class. She feels too distracted when she tries to practice in her own studio.
From an owner point of view, being a student constantly reminded me of the struggles our students face. I experienced all the reasons not to come to class, all of the excuses. It guided me to know exactly what to say to keep my student body engaged and motivated. This helped me with my messaging for advertising and on social media.
In Closing
In the end, maintaining a personal yoga practice is essential to your well-being and the well-being of your students. So, roll out your mat and enjoy the journey.
Please comment below to share where you prefer to practice and how it guides you.
Thank you for reading sharing and commenting.
Namaste and happy practicing,
Lara
Lara Alexiou was my first yoga teacher. Over the years, she has played many roles in my life: teacher, mentor, boss, friend.
-Giselle Meagher, Owner, Desert Shala Yoga
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