Designing a Yoga Studio (November 2003)

ORIGINAL QUESTION

From Holly Lovejoy

If you've had the opportunity to design a yoga studio, I'd love to hear from you. The health club where I teach 3 classes is expanding and is considering adding a room more suitable to yoga than the aerobics room.  It would be used for other small classes.

I know we need warm, quiet, and clean, but am not sure how to plan for optimum size and shape.  Our current class size is about 12, but I would like to design for up to 30.

Thank you,          

Holly Lovejoy   holovejoy@ticon.net  

Janesville, WI

ANSWERS

From Pamela Blasco (AYT, Oct 99; Yerington, NV)

Dear Holly,

I also feel good ventilation is very important, to be able to have and regulate the fresh air with windows. I also like to be able to regulate my heat thermostat. I also think it is important to consider what you put on the floor. I have a light pad and multi-colored carpet. I am happy with this.

Restrictions on what you can put in the room will determine whether you can use carpet. If meditation will be a consideration, the carpet is nice. You will need to provide a place people can take off their shoes before entering.

I am saying what I consider to be ideal situations. There is always a way to make it work. Are you going to be able to set up an altar of any kind? What kind of classes will be taught in the room other than yoga? These are questions to be considered when planning.

Happy planning, enjoy the process!

Namaste

From Allyson Cannata

Hello,

How fortunate to have a voice in the expansion of your gym, and to be at a gym that values the importance of yoga. I might be able to offer just a few simple comments to consider in the
planning of your gym's addition, as I have taught in a variety of settings, room shapes and sizes.

1. Plan for undecorated wall space that students can practice against.
2. Shape: Although a circular room is quite spiritual and uplifting, check on
the acoustics.  I have taught in a beautiful round room, but the echo made it
difficult for students. A square room with softened corners works nicely if you, like me, tend to
have the students face different directions throughout the class.  This allows all students to see easily (if they are new) and gives a balanced feel to the room.
3. Size: I have no internal tool for size estimates, but in my opinion, a 6 foot by 6 foot space per person is optimal to allow for an entire body to lie down in either direction.  It can also provide each student with a sense of connection without feeling crowded.
4. Although not asked, if you have a say in lighting, non-fluorescent lights with a dimmer are a true luxury and perfect for shifting the mood of the class as you move toward savasana.
5. And finally, no matter what the room actually becomes structurally, it will still become a retreat to inner peace with your love and the love of your students, and hence, a true yoga room.

Love and light to you,

Allyson Cannata, PT, RYT
allyaum@aol.com
760-845-1044

From Susan Hayes, Mtn. Top Yoga Studio, Meadow Vista, CA

Holly:  carpet makes it warm and a bit softer on the tailbone (for floor exercises and savasana), but it's not as good for balancing poses as wood or a sticky mat.

My studio is about 350 sq. ft. and holds 5-6 adult bodies comfortably (plus teacher).  So, figure 75 sq. ft. per person, when designing the yoga studio for 30 people.

Good luck!  Namaste!   Susan.Hayes@adamshayeslaw.com

From Bliss Wood, Nashville, TN  (summer 1999)

Hello Holly,

Really, I think the studio is up to the preference of the people using the space the most.
I will just tell you what has worked for me and then you can make some choices, OK?
I prefer a hardwood surface: it's easier to clean and I feel it is the best flooring for sanitary reasons.  Balance is better felt and achieved by using mats on a hard surface.

The shape of the room, when dealing with such a large group, should be more squared (again, just my opinion) and not so rectangular so you can space your students out evenly and you can see them all better to check alignment and postures.

A soft color on the walls, like a seafoam green, or a camel would be nice.....cozy and warm is ideal so the students will feel comfortable and secure.....makes it easier for them to "let go" into their yoga.  I would avoid stark and bold colors....except for maybe an accent or two......flowers and trifold screens are nice.  Mirrors are very nice in that they allow the students to self adjust and see and feel what they are doing. Have a little out-of-the-way corner in the room for all the props so they are easily accessible, yet not in the way of the class....

Ok, I guess that's enough of my input!  Good luck with your new space!!!!
Namaste!
Bliss