Studio Environment

02-11-2007, 06:46 PM

Hi Everyone -

I'm about to go into my second year of business with a small yoga
studio. [Ashtanga Vinyasa] And would love some feedback on a couple of
things.

1. [most importantly] Air circulation: The studio is beginning to take
on a kinda sweaty odor [like most ashtanga studios I've been in]. It's
quite small in size. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for
keeping the air clean and smelling fresh.

2. Temperature: What have your experiences been regarding temperature
[good/bad]. Some students clearly prefer the studio warmer, some
cooler. Of course I can't please everyone, but I welcome your thoughts.

3. Music: It has been my preference to play music some of the time,
but not for an entire class. Curious to hear what you all feel about
music during class.

Thanks much for your comments and suggestions.
Peace
Diane

02-12-2007, 08:30 AM

I always think the smell of some nice incense (like nag champa) is a huge improvement on the sweaty smell Astanga studios inevitably get. It also marks the environment as being different and can aid in concentration during the practice. I also prefer a warm (bordering on very hot) studio, but you may wish to make sure people know to expect this and bring a sweat towel and wear appropriate clothing.

Personally I prefer quiet during most of a practice, but some teachers whose classes I've attended have used a little music very successfully during led classes, especially at the beginning and end of the class, during pranayama and relaxation prior to the full corpse pose (itself done in silence).

----- Original Message ----
From: Diane Scobie
To: ashtangayoga (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com
Sent: Sunday, 11 February, 2007 11:46:50 PM
Subject: [Ashtanga Yoga] Studio Environment

Hi Everyone -

I'm about to go into my second year of business with a small yoga
studio. [Ashtanga Vinyasa] And would love some feedback on a couple of
things.

1. [most importantly] Air circulation: The studio is beginning to take
on a kinda sweaty odor [like most ashtanga studios I've been in]. It's
quite small in size. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for
keeping the air clean and smelling fresh.

2. Temperature: What have your experiences been regarding temperature
[good/bad]. Some students clearly prefer the studio warmer, some
cooler. Of course I can't please everyone, but I welcome your thoughts.

3. Music: It has been my preference to play music some of the time,
but not for an entire class. Curious to hear what you all feel about
music during class.

Thanks much for your comments and suggestions.
Peace
Diane

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02-12-2007, 09:00 AM

I really don't like music during ashtanga classes
(you're supposed to be focused on your breath!). And I
think it's better when the room is warmer, this allows
to go deeper into the posture and the sweating is a
desirable consequence of the practice.

That's my point of view,

good luck with your studio,

Amanda

02-12-2007, 11:02 AM

--- In ashtangayoga (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com, "Diane Scobie" wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone -
>
> I'm about to go into my second year of business with a small yoga
> studio. [Ashtanga Vinyasa] And would love some feedback on a couple
of
> things.
>
> 1. [most importantly] Air circulation: The studio is beginning to
take
> on a kinda sweaty odor [like most ashtanga studios I've been in].
It's
> quite small in size. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for
> keeping the air clean and smelling fresh.
>
> 2. Temperature: What have your experiences been regarding
temperature
> [good/bad]. Some students clearly prefer the studio warmer, some
> cooler. Of course I can't please everyone, but I welcome your
thoughts.
>
> 3. Music: It has been my preference to play music some of the time,
> but not for an entire class. Curious to hear what you all feel about
> music during class.
>
> Thanks much for your comments and suggestions.
> Peace
> Diane
>
Diane,

I too have a small studio where I teach Ashtanga yoga from yama to
smadhi I find that if I set it to 75-80 degrees all are happy (the
temp varies from summer to winter respectfully).

I use an air purifier always and humidifier as needed and have a
linolium tile floor that I sweep and mop regularly I open the windows
when there is no class or during meditation sessions (weather
permitting)

As for music I find that it is helpful for begining studients, it
helps them to focus but for more advanced students finding stillness
with only there mind and bodies is important.

I hope this is helpful. Though, most importantly, I think is the
consistantcy of your teaching methods. Try not to very too much from
what is taught in Mysore.

Nameste,
Jeff C

02-12-2007, 02:19 PM

Hi Diane,

I have a yoga studio in Albany/Berkeley in California and I can share
with you what has worked here at Vara.

1. I purchased a dehumidifier and run it after Mysore and the led
Ashtanga classes.

2. Students can always take a quick step out of the room if they are
too hot. It's much harder for students to get warm if the room is
too cool, so we tend to heat the room warmer.

3. Our students in the led vinyasa like classes prefer music; we did
a poll. Some of our teachers teach without music too. You might
want to do a questionnaire.

Good Luck,
Jennifer Epiphany Long

Jennifer Epiphany Long
Founder & Executive Director | Massage Therapist | Yoga Instructor |
Wellness Coach
Vara Healing Arts
Massage, Yoga, Sauna & Wellness Center
850 Talbot Ave @ Solano
Albany, Ca 94706
jennifer (AT) varahealing (DOT) com
510.526.9642 office
www.varahealing.com

Hi Everyone -

I'm about to go into my second year of business with a small yoga
studio. [Ashtanga Vinyasa] And would love some feedback on a couple of
things.

1. [most importantly] Air circulation: The studio is beginning to take
on a kinda sweaty odor [like most ashtanga studios I've been in]. It's
quite small in size. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for
keeping the air clean and smelling fresh.

2. Temperature: What have your experiences been regarding temperature
[good/bad]. Some students clearly prefer the studio warmer, some
cooler. Of course I can't please everyone, but I welcome your thoughts.

3. Music: It has been my preference to play music some of the time,
but not for an entire class. Curious to hear what you all feel about
music during class.

Thanks much for your comments and suggestions.
Peace
Diane