6 Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing a Yoga Studio
by Julia Collins
RYT 500, YACEP
If you’ve been searching for yoga near Kent Island or Annapolis, you might feel overwhelmed by the options. Not all yoga studios are the same, and finding the right one can make a huge difference in your practice. Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a new studio to call home, asking the right questions can help you choose the best fit. If you're near Kent Island, here’s what to consider before committing to a yoga studio like Soul Society or any other wellness space.
1. How Experienced Are the Instructors?
The quality of your yoga experience depends largely on the instructors. When choosing a Kent Island yoga studio, look into the teachers' backgrounds.
How long did they practice before becoming certified? A strong personal practice often leads to a deeper, more embodied teaching style.
How long have they been teaching? A skilled instructor with years of experience will offer safer, more effective instruction, whether in hot yoga or a gentle yin yoga class.
At Soul Society Yoga, on Kent Island, all of our instructors have at least 10 years of personal practice and anywhere from 2 - 30 years of teaching experience, with nearly all holding a 500-hour certification—so you’ll be learning from some of the best. Meet our instructors
2. What is Their Yoga Lineage?
Not all certifications or trainings are equal. Some instructors train under renowned yoga teachers, with a lineage that can be traced back to India and the origins of yoga, while others may have taken an online course with little hands-on experience or not gotten a certification at all. Did you know that in the United States, there is no federal regulation mandating yoga teacher certification to instruct others?
It’s important to ask where and with whom the instructors trained if it is not posted on their website.
Did they study with respected teachers?
Do they incorporate traditional yogic wisdom into their teaching?
Or is it simply fitness-based movement?
At Soul Society Yoga, all of our instructors hold a Yoga Alliance certification. What’s more, many have trained with some of the most renowned teachers in the world—sometimes only one or two steps removed from the original sources of these teachings in India. This means you’ll be learning from instructors with a deep understanding of yoga’s history, philosophy, and authentic practice.
In contrast, some studios or gyms may not have instructors with formal certifications at all, or their training may not be rooted in any true lineage. Asking about an instructor’s background ensures you’re receiving high-quality, authentic, and safe yoga instruction.
3. Does the Studio Treat Yoga as Fitness or a Holistic Practice?
Many people seek out yoga for physical fitness, but yoga is much more than a workout. Some studios, including Kent Island locations, focus primarily on strength, flexibility, and endurance, while others embrace yoga as a holistic mind-body-soul practice. It’s important to ask your self what you’re looking for
If you want to build strength and sweat, a hot yoga or power vinyasa studio might be perfect. But if you’re seeking mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation alongside movement, find a studio that honors yoga’s traditions. At Soul Society Yoga, for example, we integrate breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness into our heated and non-heated yoga classes for a balanced experience of physical fitness and soulful well-being, helping you build strength, flexibility, and inner peace both on and off the mat. Explore our classes
4. Is the Studio Clean and Well-Maintained?
Cleanliness is a major factor—especially if you’re practicing in a hot yoga studio. Whether you’re visiting a dedicated yoga studio or a gym that offers yoga, it’s important to check for hygiene and maintenance.
A well-kept space should smell fresh and be properly ventilated. Look for clear cleaning protocols—especially for shared props, mats, and floors. Hot yoga Kent Island studios, in particular, should uphold strict cleanliness standards to prevent bacteria, mold, or skin infections like ringworm (don’t worry—this is rare, but it’s always good to be aware). Ask how often the space is deep-cleaned and whether mats and props are sanitized regularly.
At Soul Society Yoga, we take cleanliness seriously. We use a hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize all surfaces, and every towel and pillowcase—used to cover bolsters during class—is thoroughly washed on-site immediately after use. This ensures that wet towels never sit long enough to foster mold or bacteria growth.
Additionally, our hot yoga studio was built with an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator), which continuously exchanges indoor and outdoor air. This system ensures that the studio is always filled with fresh, clean air rather than recirculated, sweaty air—helping you breathe easier and practice in a truly refreshing environment.
5. What Is the Studio’s Community and Atmosphere Like?
Beyond the classes, a great yoga studio fosters a sense of connection. When you walk into a Kent Island yoga studio, how does it feel? Are the staff and teachers welcoming? Is the energy warm and inviting, or does it feel more transactional?
Some studios, like Soul Society Yoga, offer more than just classes—they create a community. Look for a place that hosts workshops, events, social gatherings, and even special member appreciation events, giving you opportunities to deepen your practice and connect with like-minded individuals.
6. Does the Schedule and Pricing Work for You?
Even if a studio checks all the right boxes, it needs to fit your lifestyle. Look at the class schedule—does it offer times that work for you? If you prefer early mornings, late evenings, or lunchtime classes, make sure the studio accommodates your needs.
Pricing is another key factor. Many yoga studios offer membership plans, drop-in rates, or class packs. If you're just starting out, taking advantage of an introductory offer is a great way to sample the studio before making a long-term commitment.
While price is always a consideration, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best choice. A lower-cost studio might lack experienced instructors, well-maintained facilities, or the sense of community that makes yoga feel truly transformative. Investing in a high-quality studio means better instruction, cleaner spaces, and a more supportive environment—factors that can make all the difference in your yoga journey.
At Soul Society Yoga, we offer a New Member Special: Unlimited Yoga for Your First Month for Just $59—less than the cost of two drop-in classes. It’s what most people do because it’s an incredible value and allows you to explore different class styles, instructors, and the studio atmosphere before making a more significant financial commitment.
We also highly recommend trying different yoga classes, instructors, and studios before committing. If you're new to yoga, don’t give up after your first class! It may take a few tries to find what feels right for you. Explore different class formats, instructors, and environments to discover where you feel most supported and inspired in your practice.
Find the Best Yoga Studio for You
Whether you're looking for hot yoga, vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, beginner yoga, or a welcoming community-focused Kent Island yoga studio, these six questions will help guide your decision. At Soul Society Yoga, we prioritize expert instruction, a clean and uplifting environment, and a community-centered approach to wellness.
Ready to find your yoga home? Join us for a class at Soul Society Yoga and experience the difference.