In this month’s newsletter, The Mat Yoga Studio teased at this year’s spring challenge (beginning in April). And while it was just a hint with more details to come, my interest definitely perked up.
I have looked forward to studio challenges in years past, and of course, continue to look forward to them. Monthly challenges (or any other type) are not unique to this North Dallas studio. Other yoga studios and boutique fitness studios may offer them, so clearly they are something fun for students to participate in. And what is a challenge?
A studio challenge might be taking X number of classes in a month (or other defined period). It might also be challenges to take different classes or try different things around the studio – I’ve seen these more like a bingo card than keeping track of classes. And I still remember one option from years ago to take savasana for the whole class! That was not on my card, but I did take a class with someone who was able to check that box after class ended. Since that time, there have been times where I have considered it – see? One more example of challenges offering ways and ideas to try something new.
Studio challenges can provide a little push to perhaps try other class formats, either through a square on a challenge card or in the attempt to take a certain number of classes a month. For instance, if you prefer evening classes but are used to taking one style of class offered maybe once or twice a week, you might find you like the other styles offered on other days when you try to fill up your class card.
Since some of us may still be working on those new year’s resolutions for more movement or more calm and you’re trying to establish a habit of making it to class a certain number of times a week – a challenge can also help with that!
And finally, there can be a social component encouraging students you might start to see more frequently, or comparing what challenges are on a card to complete. Years ago, I think one square was even as simple as saying hello to the person on the mat next to you (since then – I don’t need a card to encourage that!).
I for one will be looking out for more information about this spring’s challenge at The Mat. This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
