The Business of Yoga: How to Name a Yoga Class

Wondering how to choose the best name for your yoga class? You’re in the right place. When it comes to the business of yoga, name matters. The right name can mean the difference between a full class and a small turnout.

When running a yoga class, the teacher, location, and content can make or break your success. Because of this, many teachers spend weeks planning the perfect course structure and scouting the right location. What many of them don’t realise, is that the name of your class can make just as much of an impact. Your name is the first thing your students will see, so it needs to send the right message.

For example, there is a huge difference between “Yoga Level 2” and “Yoga Warrior”. The first gives students a general idea of what the session will be – postures that a mid-level student would be familiar with. However, there are so many types of yoga that simply saying “Level 2” isn’t descriptive enough. There are so many variations of what “Level 2” might be. A name like Yoga Warrior, on the other hand, gives a clear indication of the tone of the session.

So, how do you choose the right name? Here, we explore that in more detail with the business of yoga: how to name a yoga class. By the end of the article, you’ll have a name that’s so great that students will be queuing up with their yoga hoodies.

How to Name a Yoga Class

Consider Your Audience

When choosing a name for your yoga class, the first thing to do is consider your audience. If you’re teaching a restorative evening session, including the time of day with a relative image can make your class sound more inviting.

Use Descriptive Words

Descriptive words that evoke a feeling or emotion can create a name that appeals to more people. If you need more direction, write down three words that you want students to feel at the end of your session. Do you want people to feel relaxed, chilled and warm? Or do you want to invite feelings of energy, strength, and invigoration?

Find a Balance Between Descriptors and Concrete

While descriptive words can work well, names that are too flowery can have the opposite effect. The name of your class should still sound like a yoga class, but with a bit more information about what to expect. For best results, you need to find a balance between the descriptors, such as peaceful, powerful, or relaxed, and the concrete, such as restorative, Ashtanga, or prenatal. Try brainstorming a range of different names and playing with them on a piece of paper. You can then see which words work well together and which don’t. One thing to be aware of is the length of the name; names that are too long can be difficult to remember.

Consider Short Names or Alliteration

Alliteration can work well, as can short one-word names. Names like “Yogafit” and “Buti” work because they are short and memorable. This is the same idea as singers and actors going by just one name. Longer names with rhyming or alliteration work because they are intriguing and fun to say. “More Core” and “Flow Fitness” are fun and also give a clear indication of what to expect from the class.

Utilise Sanskrit

If you teach traditional yoga classes, you could play around with Sanskrit words. However, make sure your Sanskrit is on-point before doing this; there’s nothing more embarrassing than finding out your Sanskrit terminology is incorrect when you’re supposed to be a yoga expert! Also, bear in mind that some names may have been trademarked. Depending on the trademark, it may only cover books, products and videos, or it may cover in-person classes, too. If you want to check if a word or name carries a trademark, you can easily find this information online.

Checklist

To find the best name for your yoga class, follow the steps below.

Brainstorm

First, get a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. On the right side, note down feelings that you want your class to evoke. On the left, write down what the session will entail. If you’re stuck for words, use a thesaurus to help you with alliteration and rhyming.

Check Your Terminology

If you’re using a language that isn’t your first language, make sure your terminology and spelling are correct. This is particularly important if you’re including Sanskrit words.

Check for Trademarks

Once you’ve found a name you love, check that it’s not trademarked. This can be done via the gov.uk website or the Intellectual Property Office’s online journal. If you have a name that you love, register it to protect your idea.

In Summary

So, there you have it – the business of yoga: how to name a yoga class. When naming your class, remember that your name is a reflection of your style. People will get an idea of what your class entails simply by reading the name. If you come up with something that doesn’t reflect your vibe, you’ll end up attracting the wrong type of students.

If you work in a studio or gym where the classes are already named, ask your manager if they are open to using a new one. If they say no, don’t panic. You can still use your new name online and on your business cards and yoga gift cards. For instance, if the class is pre-named “Vinyasa Flow” and your brand is named “Flow Fitness”, you can advertise your class as “Vinyasa Flow with Flow Fitness”. Just make sure that your name fits the nature of your class and you’ll be just fine.