****PSA: I've been to Yoga Bliss over 30 times in 4 months**** ONLY…read more
My experience at Yoga Bliss was disappointing, particularly given that this is a business built around wellness, accessibility, and creating a welcoming environment. After months of attending classes and investing in Yoga Sculpt teacher training, I expected a more supportive and professional experience.
When I initially joined through ClassPass, I was never given a tour or a proper introduction to the facility. I had to figure out amenities, including the bathrooms and showers, on my own. A welcoming first impression matters, especially for new customers.
My biggest concerns involve health, safety, and communication. During a Vinyasa Flow class, the air conditioning was inadequate, and I had to leave the room twice because of the heat. I have a heart condition that makes excessive heat a health concern. Neither the instructor nor the staff member I encountered checked on my well-being. I understand that fitness classes require effort, but participants should not have to feel that their health concerns are an inconvenience. Checking the temperature and stepping outside when necessary are not attempts to disrupt a class; they are reasonable precautions.
I also have hearing difficulties and cannot always hear an instructor speaking at a normal volume. Respectful, direct communication and reasonable consideration of accessibility needs should be part of a professional wellness environment.
I appreciated Ally's instruction and the opportunity to complete my Yoga Sculpt certification. I am proud of that accomplishment, and my concerns are not a criticism of the training itself. My disappointment is with my broader experience at the studio.
I also had an uncomfortable interaction with Gabby, a fellow training graduate and instructor. Shortly before class, she told me she would see me inside. I had been encouraging her and rooting for her during training, so I was disappointed that our interaction ultimately ended with her blocking me rather than having a direct, professional conversation. If there were concerns about my behavior during class, I believe they could have been communicated respectfully.
I subsequently contacted the studio owner, which she never introduced herself unfortunately I kept thinking her name was Kelly Now I see it's Caroline. Interesting.
Anyways, I explained my concerns in a WARM e-mail and give the business an opportunity to address them or choose to disregard. I also expressed concerns about participant safety, including whether instructors are prepared to recognize and respond appropriately if someone becomes unwell during class. I was disappointed by the overall communication and handling of these concerns.
I am not someone who enjoys complaining, and I genuinely wanted to have a positive experience at a studio where I had invested my time, money, and energy. Unfortunately, the combination of these experiences left me feeling unwelcome and uncomfortable.
I would have appreciated more communication, consideration for participant well-being, and a more professional approach to addressing concerns. I ultimately decided to take my business elsewhere.
I hope the studio takes this feedback seriously and considers how it can improve the experience for future participants, as well as many of my friends no longer being committed to this unfortunate studio.
Reread if you're thinking of going,
Warmly,
Sarah K.
INSTRUCTOR GABBY PHILLIPS.
