I’ve practiced yoga for a minimum of 3 times a week for over the past two years (minus the month I suffered a knee injury). I’ve learned that each yoga studio is different. Some teachers and greeters remember your name, even if you haven’t visited for months. Others have great post-workout snacks and beverages. Some have a great aura, while others are bare bones. The common thread that weaves them all together is yoga- and even that is of different qualities.

What is Yoga Vagabonding?

Yogaic vagabonding refers to a student who does not practice solely at one yoga studio. I can hear the studios of the world cringing at the “occasional” student. We’re not talking about the once-a-month student though. A vagabond regularly attends the same classes, but not necessarily at the same studio. They cherry-pick to attend the best classes with the best teachers, or classes that address what their body needs right now.

What’s the Benefit to You?

Our bodies love predictability and patterns. Train muscles via the same every workout, every day, and you encourage growth atrophy. By performing the same poses, sequence, or style of yoga or exercise, you actually inhibit your muscles from being surprised. (Hot yoga lovers, this refers to you too-sorry!) Rather than breaking down your muscles, leading to more defined muscles, your growth is stagnant. By vagabonding and always changing it up, more of your muscles can be challenged and your fitness progresses.

Vagabonding is fun. When you practice different styles, your workout is always interesting. You’ll learn different things, whether you’re the strongest or the least experienced in the class. You get to network with more yoga students from different studios. And the best of all- you attend the classes of all the best teachers!

There is one benefit to studios (other than having a strong student practice there). When you purchase individual classes or packages, it brings in more money per student, per class, than a straight membership package. So there is something for the studios with students engaged in vagabonding.

How to Be a Yoga Vagabond

To effectively pick classes, you need to experience them all! Go to a new studio and purchase a one week-class for new students. Attend as many classes as possible in that week. Mix and match teachers any styles. Found a new favourite class or teacher? Great. Purchase a 5 or 10 class pass and try to incorporate into your schedule. You’ll get an idea of whether you want to continue. If so, get on their mailing list. If there are any specials or promotions, snatch them up!

If not, move on to the next studio!!!

What’s My Vagabond Sched?

Without divulging too much, I will reveal that I have one mandatory moksha class a week, one capoiera class a week, and one “whatever I’m in the mood” for class.

Become a vagabond yourself and live with minimal commitment. You’ll keep things interesting, learn from the best teachers and escalate the success of your workout.

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