A barefoot woman walks through a sunlit studio with a tranquil and satisfied smile retrieves her shoes and bag, leaving Yoga Vida NYC more limber than she was before she arrived.
Located on 99 University Place, Yoga Vida NYC is a serene utopia embellished in harmonious tones of amber, copper, and burgundy. Its owner, Mike Patton, gave to breath Yoga Vida on January 4th, 2010, offering New York City dwellers a new array of classes, with quality and personal instruction and for an affordable price.
“It was a raw shell on December 4th, the first day we brought a 2x4 in and built the whole place,” said Patton. And he is increasingly proud of his new business and determined to spread the values of the studio.
For Patton and Yoga Vida’s committed instructors it is vital to “grow this place with our philosophy,” stressed Hilaria Thomas, one of Yoga Vida’s instructors and an experienced yoga teacher for over four years.
“I love teaching and I love yoga. And to have the opportunity to build something from the ground up from nothing, is like a dream come true,” added Thomas.
The passion that both Patton and Thomas possess for the innovative studio has driven the unique characteristics that Yoga Vida illuminates. Not only does Yoga Vida have some of the most affordable prices for classes, it also offers a range classes with varying levels of difficulty. Another feature are the restorative workshops, targeted to the older and injured yoga audience, in which they may experience an hour or so of prolonged and relaxing postures.
And for students who want to increase their flexibility to great music, Yoga Vida offers classes on Fridays with themed music, including Bob Marley, The Notorious B.I.G., and The Grateful Dead. On Saturdays, the studio hosts a class with live music and alternating bands.
“[Students] get all hyped up about the live music,” said Patton. He is dedicated to “making it as light and as fun as possible but also having real value and having a purpose. Not just getting in there, making you sweat, and kicking you out. But teaching you along the way: ‘This is how you do it, this is why you do it.’ Instead of just saying ‘Do it.’
Because of Yoga Vida’s young age, however, classes do not fill up as quickly as desired.
“We’re still in the process [of opening],” said Patton, “It’s a process through and through. And we are making progress.”
Yoga, in particular, is a sharp business to invest in. Now, more than ever, yoga practice is becoming increasingly popular. According to Inc. magazine, close to 14 million Americans state that a doctor has recommended yoga to improve health and have spent nearly $5.7 billion—87% more than in 2004—on yoga equipment, products, and clothing in 2008.
However, along with the growing popularity, also comes the stiff competition.
“According to estimates from the Yoga Research and Education Center, there are some 50,000 yoga teachers in the United States and as many as 30,000 places to take yoga classes.” Reported Jennifer Davies, a staff writer of the Union-Tribune.
The yoga industry, on the other hand, is still a victim of the current recession. “Expenses include rent, advertising and wages for additional teachers. The uncertain economy also makes it a touch-and-go proposition because exercise is often one of the first things people cut out of their budgets,” wrote Davies.
Patton has also felt the pressure of the business and “the amount of risk on the table. Every month you have to pay your bills and you can’t really get around it.”
Nevertheless, Patton is devoted to making Yoga Vida a success and his financial background assists in keeping the studio afloat.
A graduate of economic studies at Princeton, and a former futures broker at The Bear Sterns Companies, Inc. before its collapse, Patton enjoys the endeavors and rewards that his new business has to offer.
“The structure of the days has been beautiful. The first thing I do every morning is take off my shoes and scrub the floors,” said Patton. “There are parts of me that really enjoy that. I’m more challenged than I ever was working at Bear Sterns.”
Thomas’ confidence lies in the individuality of Yoga Vida. “The trick is going to be to maintain the essence of who we are. Which quality yoga at an affordable price.”
The inevitable uncertainty and concerns have inspired Patton to run a bright yoga studio, built on enthusiasm and commitment. And his appreciation for the art of yoga increases with every passing day.
“Without [yoga], I wouldn’t be here doing something very different and be nearly as happy and even at the point where it is so uncertain, I’m happier at the end of each day than I’ve ever been,” exclaimed Patton.
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