Yoga students have had a new appreciation for the studio and their teachers since the pandemic, said Jennifer Fahler, owner of Good & Twisted Yoga in Chaska.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies relocated and changed to adapt to the new world and way of working. In many cases, activities that were once personal were quickly moved online.
The group fitness industry was no exception.
Online courses have been one way to continue your class and they certainly have advantages. Rolling out of bed for an early class is easier when a participant can do so right from the living room, eliminating the need to commute.
For some people, online classes are the perfect solution for putting fitness on a tight schedule, but for others, it’s just not the same as having a face-to-face class.
RETURN TO PERSONAL
It’s not been a fun year as a business owner, said Jennifer Fahler, owner of Good & Twisted Yoga in Chaska. Teaching people virtually has been a learning curve. The instructors have adjusted well and quickly, but ultimately it’s a relief to be back in the studio doing what they love, she added.
“It was quite a rollercoaster ride for all of us,” said Fahler.
Since returning to face-to-face classes, students have had a greater preference for group classes. People have an appreciation for what they lost for a while during the pandemic, Fahler said.
“I think the most eye-opening thing I see in the studio is this new, simple love for their teachers and this room they can come into,” said Fahler. “I probably sometimes realize how difficult it is to find a place at home where there is no dog on the mat or a child screaming in the background.”
Fahler emphasized that anyone who appreciates small gyms and boutique yoga studios and wants to stay open is more dependent than ever on the support of the community. They have had a tough time since the pandemic.
LIABILITY MATTERS
The owner of Yoga 4 You in Savage, Kelly Larson, is delighted to have the students back in the studio. She posted this photo on social media to share her excitement about having students practice yoga together again.
According to Kelly Larson, one of the owners of Yoga 4 You in Savage, the practice of yoga is about being focused and present in the moment. While students can certainly practice yoga on their own, it will be different if you share it with other people around you, she said.
At a recent yoga retreat, students talked about how much they missed and needed the class time together.
“I’ve never seen so many tears on this retreat,” said Larson. “It was really powerful and I think it’s the people who just feel like they are connected to others.”
Whether people are introverted or extroverted, everyone needs connection, Larson said. She’s extroverted so she thrives on connections and needs people around her to draw energy, she added.
Larson recently shared her feelings about being personal again in a Facebook post. She posted a photo of student shoes in the entrance area of the studio.
“I just posted, for those of you who know me, you’ll know why I enjoy this so much,” said Larson.
“Virtual was great and a great tool, but it can’t replace the personal connection and energy you feel when you’re in person with someone … That’s a big reason we’re even opening the studio to create these connections with people, ”added Larson.
SPIRIT AND BODY
Christine Pedretti has been teaching yoga at the Chanhassen Community Center for 10 years. She has also been teaching Mattes Pilates since her certification two years ago. When the community center began offering group fitness in person again, she wondered if she would do what was best for her students.
“My biggest thing is how you take care of the people in front of you,” said Pedretti. “All my heart really just wants to take care of her.”
Pedretti ensures that security measures are in place, such as: For example, use six feet of string to make sure mats are safely removed. During the pandemic, she saw people dealing with depression because they were denied exercise classes, which is one of their coping skills. She believes that not only does she help people keep their bodies healthy, but also their minds.
For Pedretti, one of the challenges is meeting the needs of her students. Many of her student’s needs have changed and changed since seeing them before the pandemic. Some students have not practiced for most of the pandemic, so are weaker or have forgotten how to do certain things.
With challenges come glimmers of hope. Going back to the reason she does this job in the first place, she feels blessed to help her students and be a part of the improvements in her daily experience, Pedretti said.
“When I have clients looking at me and saying, yes, yes, I have MS and this course is tough, but I know I will get three pain free days … or this is the part of my day that really feels like whether it feeds me or I’ll do it for myself, ”said Pedretti. “It just feels good to be a part of it.”
