The Future of Yoga is Hybrid
While yoga is an ancient practice, our modern world has had a significant impact on how we practice yoga today. Online yoga classes and courses have surged. The COVID-19 “new normal” has changed the way we do fitness—perhaps forever.
We believe that the future of yoga is hybrid—a mix of in-studio and online teaching methods. In this article, you’ll discover all you need to know about the importance of a hybrid yoga business model, and what you should keep in mind when approaching this new business model. We’ll also cover how best to start up your own virtual wellness studio with Marvelous!
The Online Fitness Boom: A Shift in the Industry
Since the pandemic began, “stay home” has become one of the most important ways of keeping ourselves safe and healthy. But, for many people, staying fit is just as important as staying home. Because of this, the online fitness and online wellness industries have accelerated much faster than expected.
Of course, the online fitness industry is not new. The ease, convenience, and flexibility that online fitness classes bring is something that many teachers, trainers, and businesses have been moving toward for years. For some people, online classes are preferable because they fit better into their busy schedules.
However, there are and always will be those who prefer a physical gym or studio visit and face-to-face group classes or personal training.
Because COVID-19 spread so rapidly, most of the world’s fitness studios and gyms had to close due to safety reasons. Without already having the option for online classes in place, many closed their doors permanently.
What’s more, there was a massive shift in the home fitness industry in 2020. Many more people invested in at-home gym equipment so that they could stay fit while stuck at home during lockdown.
Given this trend, fitness instructors have had to become more creative with the way they teach their classes. Digital fitness brands are now in direct competition with brick and mortar fitness businesses. In fact, 73% of people followed pre-recorded workout videos in 2020 as opposed to the meager 17% in 2019.
This online wellness boom has changed the way we keep ourselves fit—and may be here to stay.
Is Virtual Yoga Here to Stay?
Just like the rest of the fitness industry, yoga studios have moved online in this pandemic-driven era. So is virtual yoga here to stay?
Virtual yoga classes have been a growing trend for years, but it is only recently that some brands are seeing a big increase in engagement on their online platforms. More and more people are turning to at-home yoga, not only for the physical benefits but for the mental health benefits as well.
Ease + convenience
The ease of practicing yoga at home has become more evident to yoga students. They can access classes and training whenever they want to. This lets them fit in their workouts around their own schedules. No more sitting in traffic on the way to the gym or rushing to get to a class after work.
Virtual yoga allows a great degree of flexibility so that yoga students can fit their workouts comfortably into their daily lives.
Lower overheads
Untied from the physical yoga studio, teachers are realizing the cost benefits of a virtual studio. You don’t need to lease a studio space when you can create your videos and live-stream your classes online from anywhere. No studio nearby? No problem. Travel costs also fall away. Overheads become significantly lower.
A hybrid yoga studio model
We’re not saying that the future of yoga is exclusively virtual though. There are many people who would rather practice yoga in an in-studio setting if they had the opportunity to do so. We believe that the future of yoga is, in fact, hybrid.
As things begin to return to normal, many students and teachers may opt for offline classes again. Many may choose to stay in their virtual studios and some yoga teachers will adopt a hybrid yoga business model. The right fit will depend on your preference and what allows you to achieve the best results possible.
The future of yoga, and indeed all fitness trends, can and should be looked at as a mixture of online and offline classes. A hybrid future supports everyone.
What Does the Future Hold for Fitness Trends?
Studios need to be available any time and anywhere
As the fitness industry changes, so do people’s expectations of what they get out of the studio or gym they belong to. Gym-goers and yoga students now expect the option of either an online or an offline class experience.
The ability to offer both offers your students convenience and flexibility. So, it’s important to try to implement both if you want to keep your business booming.
The future of yoga studios seems to be a hybrid business model that allows students the choice. Some people, having experienced online classes, don’t want to go back to the old way. Others can’t wait for an in-person class.
So, studios need to be “anytime, anywhere”. Wherever the consumer goes, yoga studios should follow. Allow your students the ability to have control over where and when they can practice yoga. Otherwise, you may find a drop in business.
Group training
Group training has always been a great way to practice yoga. Many see it as a place for genuine human interaction. A hybrid yoga future can take advantage of this fact. Online classes on platforms like Marvelous can allow people to interact with others from the comfort of their own homes.
Of course, in-person group training will never go away. But, it will be different too. Precautions must be put in place to ensure the health and safety of all those involved. Online classes can help to support more students while the physical yoga studio keeps safe distancing in place. Whether you choose offline or online classes, you should be able to feel safe and secure.
The future of group training should therefore put safety first. Online group classes are a great way to achieve this.
Why a Hybrid Yoga Studio is the Future
Clearly, this new world of fitness and yoga has ushered in three types of people:
those who prefer online classes
those who prefer to practice in groups and face-to-face
and those who enjoy being able to do both.
So, a hybrid yoga studio is the future!
Teachers will want to be able to offer options for all three of these types of people or risk falling behind the times. This is also a great way to increase yoga teachers’ own options for revenue generation.
And it doesn’t stop there! You can also take advantage of other online platforms such as blogs, social media, and YouTube. These are great forms of marketing for your online AND offline classes. It’s important to use the different channels you have available to you so that your students and people interested in yoga can find you easily.
Many people have been practicing yoga teaching in-person for years. It’s only now that online teaching is becoming more important than ever. So, what options do teachers have for teaching yoga online? How can you take advantage of the online yoga boom? How can you set up a virtual studio that really works? Find out in the next section!
Teaching Yoga Online Has Never Been Easier
Setting up your virtual yoga studio is quick and easy with Marvelous!
At Marvelous, we want what is best for both online yoga teachers and students alike.
Our platform allows you, as a teacher, to quickly and easily set up your new virtual yoga studio. With an easy-to-use interface and interactive platform, you can teach yoga online in no time!
Not only is it great for you, but it’s an easy way to connect with your students. You can hold group classes, one-on-one classes, in-person one-off events like workshops, and even things like meal prep!
This aligns with the future of yoga where classes need to be “anytime, anywhere”. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Final Thoughts
As you now probably realize, it’s clear from this article that the future of yoga is hybrid. You’ll want to be able to offer both online and offline classes to allow your students the control and flexibility that they desire. Many of us already know how to run and operate an in-person class, and switching to online classes can seem extremely daunting.
Luckily, there are apps like Marvelous that can make this a whole lot easier for you. Keep in mind that the post-COVID-19 consumer will always be looking for the best option for themselves and their fitness needs. Our changing world doesn’t need to be such that you lose your business – rather, adapting to it and overcoming obstacles can and will help you as a yoga teacher to keep your business flourishing!
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