You’ve probably seen them on a studio calendar: a Saturday afternoon “handstand lab,” a “full moon sound bath” or a “Bhagavad Gita reading group.” If you’ve ever wondered what a yoga workshop actually is, and whether it’s worth giving up a weekend afternoon for one, here’s my take.
What is a yoga workshop?
A yoga workshop is a longer, focused session on one topic. Where a regular class covers a little of everything in about an hour, a workshop takes time to go deep into a single theme.
That theme could be physical, like backbends or arm balances. It could be philosophy, meditation, sound or Ayurveda. It could be something completely different, like yoga on a farm or on a paddleboard.
Workshops usually include more teaching and explanation than a class, more time for questions and often a smaller group.
How is a workshop different from a regular class?
Time. Workshops are usually longer, so there’s room to break things down and practice slowly.
Focus. One theme instead of a balanced, all-around class.
Teaching. More explanation of the why behind what you’re doing.
Community. You often meet people with the same interests, and conversations tend to continue after.
Registration. Workshops are usually separate from your membership and need to be booked ahead. At our studio, pre-registration is required for all workshops, and members get 5% off in-studio workshops.
Kinds of yoga workshops
Here are the kinds of workshops we host through the year at our Rockville Centre studio.
Asana intensives
Masterclasses and labs that deepen your physical practice: advanced backbends and inversions, handstand and arm balance labs, hands-on assisting for teachers and guest master classes with visiting teachers.
Philosophy and sacred texts
Yoga Sutras study series, Bhagavad Gita reading groups and meditation foundations. These are wonderful for students who want to understand what yoga really is beyond the poses.
Sound and vibration
Kirtan nights, crystal bowl sound baths, gong meditation and mantra with movement. Our monthly kirtan is a lovely place to start.
Healing and restorative
Reiki circles, women’s moon circles and men’s sun circles, breathwork journeys and restorative yoga nidra immersions.
Wellness and lifestyle
Seasonal Ayurvedic cooking, herbal apothecary and tea ceremonies, ritual making and seasonal wellness.
Special experiences
SUP (stand-up paddleboard) yoga, yoga on the farm, beach sunrise and sunset flows, puppy yoga, festival days and eclipse ceremonies.
Family and relationships
Mommy and Me yoga, family yoga days, couples and partner yoga and bachelorette or milestone celebrations.
Is a yoga workshop worth it?
I think so, for a few reasons.
You learn faster. One focused afternoon can teach you more about a pose or a concept than months of quick cues in class.
You get unstuck. If your practice has plateaued, a workshop on one area often opens something up.
You try something new. A sound bath or an Ayurvedic cooking class can introduce you to parts of yoga you didn’t know you’d love.
You connect. Workshops are where a lot of friendships at our studio begin.
Do you need experience to take a workshop?
Most workshops are open to all levels. Some, like an advanced inversion lab, are better once you have a steady practice. The description will usually tell you who it’s for. If you’re not sure, ask the studio. We’re always happy to point you to the right one.
If you’re brand new, a beginner-friendly workshop or a sound bath is a gentle first step. Our class types page is also a good place to find your footing in regular classes.
What should you bring to a yoga workshop?
- Your mat, or rent one at the studio
- Water
- Comfortable layers
- A notebook, especially for philosophy or teaching workshops
- Anything specific listed in the description
Can you take workshops online?
Yes. If you can’t make it in person, our on-demand workshops let you watch on your own time, anywhere. Topics include yoga nidra, Ayurveda and asana, an introduction to trauma and yoga, self-love and inner inquiry, winter herbalism and more.
How to choose your first workshop
If the calendar feels like a lot, here’s a simple way to pick:
- Follow your curiosity. What have you always wondered about? Start there.
- Think about what’s missing. If your practice feels stuck, an asana intensive may help. If your mind feels busy, try meditation or a sound bath.
- Bring a friend. Workshops are more fun shared, and a friend makes trying something new easier.
- Start with a short one. A sound bath or kirtan is a gentle introduction before a longer intensive.
Above all, choose something that excites you a little. That’s usually a sign you’re ready for it.
A note on cancellations
Workshops and events at our studio are non-refundable unless the studio cancels. If you can’t attend, you can transfer your spot to someone else with advance notice. It’s worth checking the policy at any studio before you register.
Find your workshop
Every week something wonderful gathers at the studio. Take a look at the calendar, pick something that makes you curious and come try it.
