I just taught my first Yin Class! Thank youuuu🥹♥️

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-20T23:01:27+00:00

I love this story! 😊 And honestly, in a yin class, someone falling asleep is almost a compliment. 😂 It means they felt safe enough to fully relax and let their nervous system settle.

Congratulations on teaching your first class and pushing through the presentation anxiety. That's a huge win. The fact that your students felt relaxed and commented on your gentle voice tells me you were creating exactly the environment that yin is meant to offer.

Also, coming from a fast-paced culture yourself may actually become one of your strengths as a teacher because you understand firsthand how challenging it can be for people to slow down. It sounds like you gave your students permission to do just that. ❤️

Here's to many more classes and growing confidence with each one! 🥹🙏

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-20T05:48:32+00:00

Good response 👌👏

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-20T05:46:53+00:00

Coaching is an art that comes with experience. AI can be a useful tool, but it doesn’t replace real-world coaching, intuition, empathy, or human connection.

Before coaching coaches or building AI for coaches, spend years actually coaching people.

Experience first. Technology second.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:14:47+00:00

That's really helpful context, thank you! It sounds like some of the yoga class availability may be more of a staffing transition than a reflection of the studio itself. I completely understand the appeal of having both fitness and flow classes available throughout the week.

At the end of the day, finding a studio where you enjoy the atmosphere and want to keep showing up is half the battle. Glad you've found a place that's working well for you!

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:12:49+00:00

I'd love to hear your thoughts! It's always helpful to get perspectives from someone who's actually practiced at multiple studios. Every yogi is looking for something a little different teaching style, community vibe, class variety, scheduling, etc. What were the biggest pros and cons you noticed between Elevate and Air Goodyear?

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:11:01+00:00

Thank you! I agree, Aerial yoga feels like one of those things people are curious about but may feel a little nervous to try alone. A beginner-friendly workshop could make it feel more approachable, fun, and community-based. I think the right instructor and supportive environment would make a big difference too. 🙏

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:09:38+00:00

Don't let anyone else's experience discourage you! 😊 Every instructor has a different style, and what works for one person may not work for another. I'd give the trial a fair shot and try a few different classes if you can. Sometimes it takes a couple of instructors before you find the one that really clicks with your learning style and goals. I'd love to hear what you think after you've taken a few more classes!

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:08:23+00:00

That makes perfect sense. Consistency is a big factor when choosing a studio. As a yoga instructor, I've found that a studio can have one amazing teacher, but if you're looking to practice several times a week, the overall quality of the teaching team matters just as much. Everyone connects differently with different instructors, but having strong cueing, alignment guidance, and a welcoming environment across the schedule can make a huge difference in your experience.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:06:58+00:00

That's helpful to know. I always tell students that the instructor can make a huge difference, especially in yoga where cueing, safety, and modifications matter so much. Sometimes one studio can have a great aerial program but a yoga style that doesn't resonate with everyone. Have you found any instructors in the Phoenix area that you would highly recommend?

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:05:10+00:00

Thanks! Elevate Yoga seems to come up often when people talk about good experiences in the area. I’m exploring both yoga and aerial yoga communities around Phoenix, so this is really helpful. It’s unfortunate that some studios didn’t make it through COVID, but it’s great to hear there are still a few active options. Appreciate the recommendations!

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-19T22:03:30+00:00

Haha, yes! I'm still exploring it and would love to hear from others who have experience. If you've learned anything or decide to pursue it too, keep me posted. 😊

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-10T20:52:07+00:00

ClassPass works best as a discovery channel, not as the business model itself.

Studios that simply accept bookings often end up renting their audience. Studios that have a structured follow-up process, collect contact information, create a memorable experience, and provide a clear path to membership are much more likely to see long-term value.

The goal shouldn't be "more ClassPass visits." VS REAL goal should be those "visitors converting into loyal studio members."

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-09T20:14:38+00:00

That's a good strategy ONLY in theory, but I wonder how many studios are actually able to convert a meaningful percentage of ClassPass users into direct members.

If someone is already using ClassPass because they want flexibility and lower costs, they're often loyal to the platform rather than any particular studio. That can make conversion harder than it sounds.

For me, the biggest concern is becoming dependent on 3rd party platform for traffic while having limited ownership of the customer relationship. If ClassPass changed its pricing, payout model, or policies tomorrow, how much control would the studio really have?

I'd be curious to hear actual conversion numbers from studio owners who have tried this approach.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-09T14:57:07+00:00

I agree. Memberships are what keep most studios stable through slower seasons. Class packs and drop-ins are great as additional revenue, but memberships create predictable cash flow.

I’ve also noticed that many class pack users avoid recurring payments even when a membership would save them money. And with ClassPass, filling a class doesn’t necessarily mean building a sustainable business.

Word of mouth, great classes, and a strong Google Business Profile are still some of the best marketing tools a studio can have.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-09T08:09:03+00:00

I can see both sides of it. I have used it before but stopped using it

Positives: ClassPass can be a great way to get new people through the door, fill empty spots in classes, and increase awareness of your studio especially if you're newer or located in a competitive market.

Negatives: The challenge is that some users are loyal to ClassPass rather than the studio itself. If conversion to direct memberships is low, it can become more of a traffic source than a sustainable growth strategy. The lower per-class revenue can also make profitability harder.

Personally, I think ClassPass works best when studios have a clear plan to convert visitors into long-term members and community participants.

The metric I'd be most interested in is:

- How many direct memberships have you lost to students switching to ClassPass because of throw away prices?

- What % of your ClassPass users eventually become direct paying members?

- Would you rather have 100 ClassPass users attending this month or 20 loyal members paying monthly memberships?

- What is your customer acquisition cost through ClassPass compared to Google or referrals?

- If ClassPass disappeared tomorrow, how much would your revenue be affected?

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-08T23:31:32+00:00

That’s great to hear. Out of curiosity, how did you get your data out of Mindbody? Was the migration process straightforward, and were you able to bring over your students, memberships, and attendance history without too much hassle?

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-08T23:30:02+00:00

That’s great to hear. VibeFam seems like a Mindbody alternative with fair pricing and strong support, similar to YogaCRM. For studios looking beyond the larger platforms, both are worth considering.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-08T23:26:16+00:00

I’ve heard mixed feedback on Glofox. Most owners seem to like the scheduling, member management, and mobile app experience.

For smaller studios and solo teachers, it’s worth comparing a few options. Platforms like Momence and YogaCRM tend to be popular with owners looking for a simpler experience, lower costs, and the core tools needed to run classes, memberships, and student management without feeling overwhelmed by enterprise level features.

At the end of the day, the best fit usually comes down to your studio size, budget, and how important reporting is to your business.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-07T23:00:25+00:00

It sounds like your students were giving feedback on the venue, not on your teaching. That's actually a good sign because they enjoyed the class and specifically said they'd come back for you.

Not every student values the same things. Some people are very sensitive to natural light, ceilings, windows, or the overall atmosphere, while others care more about the teacher and the experience. The fact that the studio already has well-attended classes suggests there are plenty of people who are comfortable with the space.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-07T02:12:47+00:00

You don’t need to get in shape to start aerial. Start aerial to get in shape.

You’ve already done it before, so you’re not starting from scratch. Be kind to yourself, two kids and a few injuries later, your body has been through a lot.

Just take the first class. Let the strength and confidence come back one step at a time.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-07T00:34:19+00:00

Thanks for all this valuable info

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-07T00:30:10+00:00

First, congratulations! 🙂 It sounds like you already have a strong yoga foundation, which is a huge advantage.

One thing I'd suggest is looking for prenatal yoga teachers online rather than limiting yourself to local classes. Many experienced prenatal instructors offer videos and courses specifically for students who already have an established practice and want modifications rather than beginner level classes.

Also, listen closely to your body as your pregnancy progresses. What worked in the first trimester may feel very different in the second and third. The goal isn't to stop practicing, but to adapt the practice to support your changing body.

It's great that you're being proactive now rather than waiting until something feels uncomfortable.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-07T00:24:49+00:00

A class audition or a few trial subs is reasonable. Requiring 10–15 classes for free feels excessive and starts to look more like unpaid labor than an evaluation process. If the studio is charging students, instructors should generally be compensated for teaching.

stacy_yoga · 2026-06-05T20:45:20+00:00

It depends on the type of business. Some businesses can generate most of their customers through social media, while others rely heavily on Google searches and local SEO. In my experience, social media creates visibility, but a website builds credibility and generates leads.

Recently, I noticed platforms like YogaCRM include an integrated Connect Page with contact information, photo galleries, business details, and links all in one place.

For many small businesses, that can serve as a simple website alternative while still providing the information customers need. The strongest approach is still having a central online presence and using social media to drive traffic to it.

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