Because life is so busy in Singapore, a lot of people turn to yoga to find balance, relax, and improve their health. Over the years, Singapore’s yoga scene has grown a lot, and now there are a lot of different kinds, classes, and places to do yoga. But how do you pick the best yoga school for your needs when there are so many to choose from? This full guide will help you make the right choice.
1. Figure out what you want and what your goals are.
Before you start looking for a yoga school, you need to be clear on your goals and preferences. Yoga is a broad practice, and each school focuses on a different part of it. Take a look at this:
Why are you doing yoga in the first place? Do you want to become more flexible, lower your stress, build muscle, or take care of your mental health? Some studios focus on yoga for health, while others are more about mindfulness and relaxation.
Styles of Yoga:
There are many types of yoga, and each has its own benefits. These styles are popular in Singapore:
- Hatha is an easy way to start yoga that focuses on basic poses.
- The focus of vinyasa is on movement and breath in a dynamic, flow-based way.
- Ashtanga is a style that is harder on the body and follows a set order of poses.
- Bikram/Hot Yoga is done in a room that is hot to make you more flexible and help your body get rid of toxins.
- Yin yoga is a style that moves slowly and focuses on long holds to help you rest and stretch deeply.
- Power yoga is a tough, fitness-focused style of yoga.
- It will help you narrow down your class choices if you know what kind of yoga will help you reach your goals.
2. Look into the studio’s reputation and read reviews.
Once you know what style you like best, it’s time to look into different yoga schools. A lot of yoga schools in Singapore have built up good names over the years. Reading online reviews and quotes is a great place to start. Here’s how to judge the image of a studio:
- Social Media and Google Reviews: Look on Google, Facebook, and Instagram for reviews from students who are now or have been around. Check to see if the comments about the quality of the teachers, the studio, and the customer service is always the same.
- Word of mouth: If you have friends, family, or coworkers who do yoga, ask them what they think. Personal experiences can tell you a lot about the teachers and the studio’s culture.
- Studio Website: The studio’s website has information about their mindset, the classes they offer, and biographies of their teachers. You might also be able to get an idea of how they teach from their blog posts or movies.
3. Look at the instructors’ credentials and knowledge.
The quality of the yoga teachers is one of the most important things to look for in a yoga school. Certified and experienced teachers can help you practice safely and make adjustments for people with different levels of skill.
- Teacher Certifications: Make sure the teachers have certifications from a well-known group, like the Yoga Alliance, which sets guidelines for yoga teacher training around the world. This proves that the teacher has been through a tough training program.
- Certain types of teachers are experts in certain areas, like teaching advanced poses, helping people heal from injuries, or prenatal yoga. If you have specific goals or needs, look for teachers who are good at meeting those needs.
- Style of Teaching: Every yoga teacher has their own way of doing things. Some are more hands-on and offer changes and edits, while others give more verbal advice. Check out a trial class to see if you like the way the teacher teaches.
4. Look at the studio’s schedule and classes it offers.
Being able to choose from different class types and times can really help you find the best yoga school. When looking at the studio’s plan, think about the following:
- Variety of Classes: A good school will have a variety of classes that are good for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students. If you want to get better, it’s good to pick a school where you can keep pushing yourself.
- Class Times: Make sure that the studio’s plan works with your free time. Studios in Singapore usually have lessons in the morning, at lunch, and in the evening. Find a studio that works with the way you live.
- Workshops and other events: Some yoga studio in Singapore hold workshops, retreats, or other events that focus on teaching specific skills or going into more depth about yoga theory. Offering these extra services can be helpful if you want to grow your business.
5. Think about where it is and how easy it is to get to.
Making it easy to do yoga every day is important for sticking with it. It’s important to think about where the studio is and how easy it is to get there when picking one. Take a look at the following:
- Being close to work or home: If you choose a school that is close to your home or office, it may be easier to fit yoga into your schedule. If the school is too far away, it might be hard to make it to class every week.
- Options for Getting There: Find out if the studio can be reached by public transportation or if there is enough parking nearby. People who use public transportation will find it easier to get to studios that are close to MRT stations or bus stops.
- Sound and Environment: Some studios are in quiet places, while others are in busy city districts. Depending on what you like, you might like a room that has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
6. Check out the studio’s facilities
When you visit possible yoga schools, pay attention to how clean and well-kept the spaces are. A clean office is an important part of a good experience. Keep an eye out for these:
- Studio Space: The exercise room should be big, clean, and have good air flow. If you’re going to hot yoga classes, make sure the studio has the right methods for controlling the heat and humidity.
- Props for Yoga: A good yoga school should have yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters, among other things. Find out if you need to bring your own gear or if the studio has it available.
- Bathrooms and dressing rooms: Look for bathrooms that are clean and have lockers and showers. If you want to go to class before or after work, these amenities are especially important.
7. Look at the prices and membership options
When picking a yoga school, price is a big deal. In Singapore, prices are very different based on the studio, the number of classes, and the type of membership. Take a look at these things:
- Drop-In Classes: Many schools offer drop-in rates if you’re not ready to sign up for a membership. You can try out a few lessons this way before making a choice.
- Types of Class Packages: Studios often offer class packages (like 10- or 20-class passes) at lower prices than drop-in fees. This is a good choice if you want to go often but don’t want to make a long-term commitment.
- Memberships: Monthly or yearly memberships may be a better deal for people who practice a lot. Some studios also offer fixed-price packages that include endless classes. This can save you money if you go to more than one class a week.
- Trial Offers: Many yoga schools in Singapore let new students try out their classes for less money. In this way, you can try out the studio’s lessons and atmosphere before committing to a longer-term package.
8. Look at the Studio’s Culture and Community
Yoga is more than just a physical exercise; it’s also a way to connect with other people. The best yoga schools make sure that their students feel welcome and supported, so they can do their best. Look out for these things:
- Community Feel: Does the school help its members feel like they are part of a group? Some schools put on retreats, social events, or group activities where you can meet people who share your interests.
- Inclusion: A good studio should let people of all skill levels and groups use it. One that encourages acceptance and value of each student’s unique path should be chosen.
- School Vibe: Each yoga school has its own vibe, whether it’s cool and modern or calm and old-fashioned. Select the one that fits your personality and the way you want to enjoy the practice.
When looking for the best yoga school in Singapore, you should think about your own yoga goals, the style of yoga you like, and practical things like location, price, and facilities. You can find a yoga school that fits your needs and helps you on your yoga journey if you take the time to compare them based on these factors. In the end, the right yoga school will help you grow mentally and physically and give you a peaceful place to escape the busy city life of Singapore.
