I’ve never been someone who regularly visited the gym or worked out on a fixed schedule. Like many other Dallas residents under a home quarantine though, my schedule freed up and I decided to try out different online workout programs. I started to gain an appreciation for the importance of a regular workout schedule due to the strengthening of the immune system, the lowering of anxieties, and the structure it can add to a daily routine. Having some form of physical stress release is crucial in this global pandemic, but how much has exercise courses changed during the COVID-19 quarantine? A noticeable example is the various yoga studios throughout the DFW area who have been bracing for large changes to occur. Some of these group classes that are close-knit, intimate, and place an emphasis on breathing can be a risky spot for individuals with preexisting conditions. Yoga Alliance, the world’s largest yoga nonprofit association, states that the benefits of yoga are needed now more than ever and changes can be made to compensate those that are uncomfortable with close contact. I reached out to Bianca Rochell, a talented DFW yoga instructor and creator of Yoga by Bianca, to get a better understanding behind these changes.
Hello Bianca, can the close-knit community of yoga sessions be held together through virtual programs?
These changes during this challenging time have been tough for all of us and the yoga community has certainly been hit hard. I believe having healthier practices and encouraging people to be more respectful of each other’s space and cleanliness has been helpful for us, but there are many changes that have diminished our community. Many studios have closed because they can’t afford to stay open from the shutdown. However, the most challenging change for many Yoga Instructors is the loss of connection with our yoga community. It is not the same as getting to physically be in a space and hearing other students breathe and let go or give adjustments to someone who is need of relief. The community will always be connected, but we need our physical space back.
What health measures have been placed to ensure the safety of students?
Health measures vary from studio to studio, but I’ve seen studios bring in special cleaning teams that specialize in removal of bacteria, which is great. Stepping up cleaning standards is something we all needed so I’m grateful for that.
What are the key advantages and disadvantages to teaching virtually versus coaching an in-person class?
I don’t think there is a comparison to teaching in-person versus virtually. The in-person experience is significantly better from a community building perspective, the connection, the motivation, seeing and feeling the passion of your class. That’s all hugely beneficial and healing for both students and teachers. The virtual experience is disconnected because you’re not getting the same type of connection which is important for yoga from a therapeutic standpoint.
Have any pricing or membership structures changed due to COVID-19 or are there any predicted changes?
Many have had to lower costs of classes significantly, which is not good for the Instructors and studios in order to survive. The numbers of participants are low because people are afraid to be around others (which is completely understandable), but that makes it difficult to operate and stay open. Regarding predictions, I believe we may see more closures in the future as long as we have this level of uncertainty within our government and how they handle the pandemic. However, I truly hope that we see more collaboration from studios and that yoga becomes more of a focus than it is. It should be a priority to take in school because of how many benefits it provides for life.
With many Dallas residents bored at home seeking new ways to exercise, has your marketing changed to find new untapped demographics?
Yes, marketing has significantly changed in order to move with the changes of the time we are experiencing.
Are there any yoga trends that can be expected in a post-COVID Dallas?
My hope is that Satya, cleanliness, is the new trend and will continue to be as much of a priority going forward as it is now for all of our safety as we seek to rebuild and heal.
