Introduction
Yoga is a powerful exercise and meditation practice that has grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years. Practicing yoga can provide an array of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits including better flexibility, improved posture, increased strength, improved heart health, more balanced emotions, reduced stress levels, and improved overall well-being. Not only do these benefits apply to individuals who are looking to improve their fitness goals, but it is also used by many practitioners for spiritual growth and self-healing. In Massachusetts, there is an abundance of yoga studios that offer various classes like Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Bikram Hot Yoga — all dedicated to helping people reach their full potential through regular practice.
In Massachusetts, many yoga studios have been open throughout the pandemic as they are considered essential health services due to the fact that they offer physical and mental health therapy treatments. Since in-person classes can be risky during times of heightened concern for communicable illnesses such as Covid-19, some studios have switched to virtual seminars or outdoor practices to keep participating students safe. Many of the open studios are abiding by strict social distancing protocols such as requiring preregistration for classes or endowing one-way traffic patterns throughout the facility. Studio owners and employees alike must also be sure to wear masks at all times and frequently disinfect surfaces throughout the day in order to maintain a safe atmosphere for in-person classes.
History of Yoga in Massachusetts
Yoga has been an important part of Massachusetts life for centuries. With its roots in India, the practice of yoga gradually made its way across the world before settling in Massachusetts. This form of mind-body exercise and mindfulness originated as a means to achieve enlightenment and spiritual development through physical poses and breathing techniques. From there, it flourished into one of America’s most popular forms of exercise.
It began to gain traction in America during the 1890s when Swami Vivekananda visited Boston and sold books on yoga philosophy. Then shortly after his visit, the first yoga studio opened in Massachusetts – The Boston Yoga School – under the direction by Yogi Gupta. Over time, more studios followed suit around the state offering a variety of classes ranging from traditional Hatha to Ashtanga and Power Vinyasa Flow.
Today, yoga is widely practiced throughout Massachusetts with many wellness centers, health clubs, and dedicated studios scattered across neighborhoods both small and large. While some studios have temporarily closed due to Covid-19 regulations since March 2020, many venues have implemented virtual Zoom classes or physically distanced practice sessions that adhere to strict guidelines outlined by local authorities so customers can safely take part in their favorite classes once again.
What Is the Latest News on Re-Opening Yoga Studios in 2021?
As of now, some yoga studios in Massachusetts have begun to slowly reopen with health and safety protocols in place. Reopening plans need to be approved by the local boards of health and must follow physical distancing requirements and other safety measures. Studios must limit capacity to 40% or a maximum of 25 people depending on the size of the studio, and require masks for all participants at all times except when doing strenuous physical activity. Participants are required to bring their own mats, towels, blocks, blankets and props; communal items like straps will not be supplied. Studios also must abide by enhanced ventilation requirements set forth by the state.
Questions to Think About Before Re-Opening a Yoga Studio
Yes, yoga studios in Massachusetts are open. Each studio is taking different levels of precautions to ensure the safety of staff and their patrons. It is important for all studios to evaluate the regulations in their area, as well as create and adhere to best practices when creating guidelines.
Before re-opening a yoga studio, there are some important questions that need to be asked and answered. These include: Is there enough space available in the studio to allow for socially-distanced classes and activities? What COVID safety regulations have been issued by local authorities and how can these be met? What other measures should be taken such as cleaning protocols and temperature checks? Will masks be required at all times during class? How can the classes be structured to ensure everyone’s safety while still providing a meaningful experience? What provisions will be made for members who may not feel comfortable coming into the studio or participating in group activities? How will online classes be structured or adapted if needed, including payment methods? Finally, what refund policies will be in place for cancelled or postponed classes due to illness or safety regulations? All of these considerations need to thoughtfully taken into account before re-opening a yoga studio.
Considerations for Designing a Safe Yoga Studio Environment
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect communities around the country, many yoga studios in Massachusetts are slowly reopening. While this is a positive step forward for those who rely on yoga as part of their physical and mental health routine, safety remains a top priority. To ensure the safety of both staff and clients, studio owners must adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to designing a safe environment for their facility. Some considerations include:
1. Social Distancing: Yoga studios should design space that allows clients and instructors to maintain an adequate level of social distancing while participating in activities or utilizing equipment. This could include reducing class sizes and installing low-contact support systems such as yoga walls or straps instead of traditional hands-on assists from instructors.
2. Sanitation Protocols: Hygiene protocols should be implemented throughout the studio that are heavily focused on frequent and thorough cleaning of all classes spaces before and after use with antimicrobial and antiviral disinfectants. This could also include regularly wiping down props with alcohol-based solutions and providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the studio for all clients and staff members.
3. Medical Screening: All studio staff, teachers and clients should be screened regularly for any COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the facility—this could include temperature checks at entrances as well as personal coaching on anything regarding symptomatic identification or preventative measures they can take during this time.
4. Masks: Clients will be required to wear face masks while participating in indoor activities in line with local regulations; this may extend to outdoor classes as well depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, there should be facial coverings available upon request at each instructor’s disposal in case some students come into class without one prior to beginning practice
List of Available Yoga Class Resources in Massachusetts
Yes, yoga studios in Massachusetts are currently open. There are many physical classes available for residents to join, although these may be limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there are many virtual classes and other resources available.
In Massachusetts, the Yoga Place offers a variety of different types of classes. They offer both in-studio and online classes to meet their customers’ needs. Their classes include slow flow or invigorating vinyasa, Yin and Restorative yoga, meditation sessions and Sound Healing Music Meditations. They also offer private, semi-private and corporate lessons at all of their locations across Massachusetts.
Alternatively, Fishtown Yoga is another popular studio located in Gloucester, MA. This studio has been providing yoga classes since October 2010 with hot and non-heated styles such as Vinyasa Flow, Basics, Restore & Relaxation, Core Conditioning and Dynamic Yin among others. The classes offered range from beginner level to advanced group settings that facilitate a safe learning environment for all levels of yoga practitioners from newbies to dedicated practitioners who have had years of experience practicing this healing art form. Fishtown Yoga offers both outdoor youth programs as well as private instruction for those interested in developing a deeper understanding of this practice or simply introducing themselves to it for the first time.
For people looking for more flexibility when attending virtual or online classes from home or away from the studio there are many websites offering various yoga practices like Mind Body Soul Yoga (MBSY), which provides hundreds of different class options available to stream at any moment on any device through their virtual platform YogaLifeStyle TV (YLS TV). MBSY’s coaches expertly blend movement with mindfulness practices that make each class accessible suitable for all physical levels while at the same time deeply nourishing your soul whether you need an intense class that leads you into deep moments of blissful meditation or a calming relaxing session where you just unwind and relax with soft soothing music guiding your movements every step of the way.
Conclusion
Yoga studios are open in Massachusetts amid the global pandemic, yet those who may be more vulnerable to Covid-19 are encouraged to take classes online. For those who can participate, in-studio yoga classes give practitioners a much needed break from the stress of life during this difficult time. The ability to interact with an experienced yoga instructor and other members of your local community is invaluable when facing anxiety over not only the pandemic but all the other uncertain events happening in our day to day lives. Additionally, taking a yoga class can help strengthen both your physical and mental health when these times call for us to boost resilience and stay present within our own bodies. Lastly, it can actually be even more powerful when taken with an open mind and willingness to move emotions that often feel overwhelming while connecting with like-minded others who have also chosen to embrace a positive practice during these challenging times. There’s no doubt that yoga provides tremendous benefits both physically and emotionally—now more than ever!
I am passionate about yoga and this is my blog. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 5. Yoga has transformed my life in so many ways and I love being able to share that with others. My hope is that through this blog, I can help people learn more about yoga, connect with other yogis, and find inspiration to live a healthier, happier life.
