Practicing yoga at home versus in a studio setting: is one more beneficial than the other?

With yoga's growing popularity, many hopeful practitioners find themselves at a crossroads: to join an in-person studio or to practice yoga at home from a teacher behind a screen? It is no surprise that the market, both the physical and the online ones, are over-saturated with yoga studios, yoga teachers, and yoga influencers. 

You completed YTT,  now you're a yoga teacher.

You have a huge YouTube following, you're a yoga teacher.

You can touch your toes and perform a handstand, you're a yoga teacher.

You have a phone with a camera; BOOM, you're a yoga teacher….

….Obviously I'm being a tad facetious, but it's truly becoming more and more overwhelming to be a student seeking yoga in our modern world. And, listen, I'm not here to discredit anyone, because I truly believe that it's a beautiful shift in the right direction societally for so many of us to be interested in yoga. This is just to say that I recognize how overwhelming/impossible it may seem to start your practice.

So, back to the question at hand - to practice yoga in a studio or at home? Let's break it down into a few categories:

Atmosphere

Studio: A yoga studio is specifically designed to create an environment conducive to mindfulness, introspection, and awareness. One of my personal favorites about studio atmosphere is being in a safe room of shared energies; the feeling of connection and community & knowing there is a shared purpose in the room. Mmmm, that's such a beautiful, empowering feeling. Another perk to visiting a studio is that they typically are stocked with everything you could need to support you in your practice - blocks, bolsters, straps, mats, and other props. And, there's a teacher! A real life, qualified, teacher there to observe you, keep you safe, adjust you, guide you, and well, teach you.

Home: At home, you have complete control over the environment. Upbeat, loud playlist? Done. Candles? Say less. Lights dimmed? Can do. Pants off? Amen, sista. There is no one there to tell you what to do, how to do it, or when to do it. That can be both wildly beneficial or completely unproductive based on your goals. Flexibility, however,  is a guaranteed perk of practicing at home - no worries about being late to class, or what to wear. However, this brings its own set of distractions - your phone, household chores, pets, etc etc … maintaining focus for this reason might require more intentional effort.

Guidance/Instruction

Studio: Going to an in-person class guarantees direct guidance from 

 hopefully experienced instructors (we'll chat about how to choose the right instructor for you another time!) There are truly unmistakable pros to taking a class from an instructor in person - real-time adjustments, refining of personal technique, deeper understanding of modifications/self-adjustments. Instructors may also suggest personalized advice before or after class if that's something you're seeking. To loop back around to an idea I offered up already, the personal+physical connection/sense of community from taking a class in a studio is unmatched.

Home: When practicing yoga at home, the guidance you receive is typically from online classes, apps, or other instructional videos (hello, Instagram). While these resources can be extremely helpful, and how I practiced for my first 6 years, they can lack the personalized attention of a studio class. This may not be a bad thing! Something you may have heard have you attended a Jax class before is; we use the pose to get into our body, not the body to get into the pose. Practicing at home, in a space where you feel comfy and safe may allow you to let go & truly tune inwards - silencing the noise of your busy brain and noticing what the pose has to tell you. Some students greatly prefer the independence that comes with practicing at their own pace, without the pressure of being observed.

Community/Social Interaction (I've mentioned it twice already, might as well give it it's own category.)

Studio: Yoga studios foster a sense of community. Humans, by nature, desire community to some degree. Practicing in a group setting allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and values. Many folks find the social aspect of yoga motivating, and again, the energy of practicing together in a safe space can have profound impacts on mental health. Additionally, regular studio visits provide the opportunity to form relationships with instructors and fellow practitioners, cultivating a supportive environment for personal growth.

Home: Doing yoga at home allows a personal, private, solitary practice; it is intimate, sacred. The act of practicing yoga by yourself, and for yourself may be the catalyst one needs to dive deeper into self-study & self-discovery. You can really get to know yourself on a deeper level whilst practicing at home. This also means you are responsible for holding yourself accountable, which can be both liberating and challenging depending on your personality.

Flexibility/Convenience/Cost

Studio: A significant advantage of joining a studio is the structure it provides. Scheduled classes encourage consistency and discipline, as you're expected to show up at a set time and commit to the session. Studios typically charge for each class or offer membership packages. This is either seen as a valuable investment in your well-being, or a deterrent for those on a budget. As with all things, seasons of life ebb and flow, and priorities change - this is neither good nor bad, it simply is.

Home: When practicing yoga at home, you have the freedom to practice whenever you want - 5 minutes in the morning, a quick 15 minutes while dinner cooks, 10 more before bed. There's no need to worry about class times or commuting. For some, this flexibility is the ultimate convenience. For others, it is easy to let this freedom slip into procrastination. A home practice is however, a much more affordable option. There are countless free, or low-cost online platforms that offer high quality yoga instruction.

Ultimately, the choice between practicing yoga at home versus in a studio depends on your personal goals, preferences, and lifestyle. 

Which is better? That's a great question - you tell me 😉

I recommend exploring both! You can read all the blog posts in the world, but there is nothing more beneficial than first-hand experience, delving into both options, then asking yourself which you prefer (it may end up being a combination of both!)

The key is to find what resonates with YOU -  find what leads you back home to yourself.