Yoga is more than a practice that involves bending and twisting your body into impossible positions. It’s a practice that also exercises the mind, heart and soul. Over the years, Yoga has evolved into a lifestyle experience that can be enjoyed in your living room, bedroom, garden, patio, and if you can make the trip, a yoga studio.
But there is a lot more to yoga than sun salutations and deep breathing. Have you ever wondered how your yoga instructor became an instructor? Did you know that if an individual wanted to teach yoga, they would have to register for a Teacher Training Program? Have you ever wondered what makes a good yoga studio? Below are 10 interesting facts about yoga studios and yoga teachers that were pulled from a number of wellness blogs, yoga journals and health magazines.
1. A good yoga studio should have wooden floors, a wide open space, dim lights, proper ventilation and mirrors.
2. Yoga Studios generally have a color scheme for their walls, ceilings and general area. According to getholistichealth.com, a studio with properly integrated colors will add life and vitality to the space.
3. In recent research conducted by The Yoga Alliance, statistics showed that yoga practitioners choose their studios based on cost, convenience and high quality instructors.
4. There are six qualities associated with yoga teachers who are excellent at their craft: Their knowledge about yoga poses. How helpful and approachable they are. How clear they are with instructions and how skilled they are at giving adjustments. They're also warm and friendly before, during and after a class.
5. Did you know that for every yoga teacher that is in a studio teaching a class, there are two more yoga enthusiasts in Yoga Teacher Training working towards a certification?
6. If a yoga practitioner was interested in becoming a teacher, they would have to register for the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program.
7. When they are practicing their breathing or doing the downward dog, 98% of yoga teachers can be found doing other physical activities such as running and cycling.
8. Although it may seem like a small number, 20% of yoga teachers in the United States have been practicing for more than 10 years.
9. Most Bikram Yoga Studios have a peculiar odor to them. The smell can be attributed to the amount of sweat that is produced during a class.
10. Have you wondered if your yoga instructor has a day job? There’s a high chance that they do. According to The Yoga Alliance research, statistics reveal that only 29% of teachers rely on yoga as a primary source of income.
These are just a few interesting facts about yoga teachers and studios. Are you a yoga teacher who leads retreats? Use WeTravel's trip planning tool to plan your next yoga retreat. Are you a yoga lover looking to go on a yoga retreat? Browse our list of yoga retreats ready for you to sign up!