Status Update: A Return Onsite or Stay Put??
Status Update: A Return Onsite or Stay Put??
Here is an overview of where renyoga is at present,
and a call for where you would like it to go….
Situation: We have been invited (much gratitude to our hosts) to return to classes at one (or more) of our sites.
My Thoughts: I have been saying for some time now that I did not expect to return to onsite classes this calendar year, and that I was not interested in being part of any test batches of early returns. That said, I remain open to reviewing the situation and having a frank conversation about it. What I can offer at this point is the following. The “live online” schedule is pretty well established, and I expect to keep it fully intact for the foreseeable future. So those of you who like this routine and are keen to remain offsite, kindly know all our “live online” yoga offerings will remain available to you.
That brings us to the notion of a possible return to onsite classes and what that might look like. My hesitancy is two-fold. First, I have yet to hear about a successful reopening in the US to date. If you know of a region that has achieved success, please let me know. Second, I consider yoga classes to be non-essential gatherings– especially, when both “live online” and “on demand” classes are readily available for those interested. So I am not keen to take any big risks to hold onsite classes. For the immediate future, I would like to sit and watch where the chips fall in the aftermath of this Labor Day weekend. Will we see a flare-up, or will the numbers continue to decline?
If and when we do return, it would begin as a hybrid approach. The “live online” classes would remain as is (or more), and an independent registration process would be put in place for onsite classes, which would start out as one or two classes a week. And those classes would have to be scheduled around the “live online” classes. (Pardon me, as I am still working on that one body in two places trick – I am getting close, but still not quite there yet!)
A return to onsite classes would entail: pre-registration, reserved class placements, no-walk-ins, no refunds for those who miss class, and no unlimited passes as I cannot guarantee your spot in any given class. In addition, the floor would be marked to ensure mats were 6-feet apart, and face masks would be mandatory upon arrival until everyone was safely positioned on their mats. In short, at the outset, things would be radically different from how renyoga used to operate, wherein anyone (and their ten cousins) could drop-in to any class anytime, and those with unlimited passes could casually pick and choose classes as they wished etc.
So this is my overall assessment. Let me also say that I was not planning on making a return per se, only (and to my surprise) a site has graciously been made available to us so I thought I would check-in with you all – the renyoga community – and get a gauge of your thoughts, cares, concerns, and comfort level with the prospect of a possible return to onsite classes.
Your Response: I would be interested in hearing from ALL of you. And I am not invested in any particular reply – just your honest response. So whether you definitely would not attend onsite classes for the foreseeable future, or are absolutely keen to return as soon as possible, please let me know. And if you are anywhere in between, also give a shout out. I simply wish to hear your thoughts, no matter what they may be.
Kindly leave a comment below (anonymous comments are fine), or write me privately here, or text me etc.
Thanks so much, and I look forward to hearing from you. And yes, I relish the day when we can all casually stroll into class, speak face-to-face unmasked, and be care-free with our surroundings.
Kirk and I have been thinking about the general question posed here: when will we be willing to go back to our normal activities and finally decided this: we won’t be pioneers in the movement for three reasons. First, we are in the high risk age category. It’s tempting to think we’re in good physical shape, but that feels like hubris right now. And with more and more evidence that a bout with the virus may leave lasting medical issues, we just don’t want to risk it. Second, the threat of another surge in the fall and winter seems likely. And last, our daughters would be very uncomfortable with it.
So…our plan is to take life very slowly until there is a widely accepted vaccine, or some other major positive development.
Gotcha – thanks Annie & Kirk for your thoughts!!
Satyam, many thanks for all you have been providing during this new and different time. The decision to regather is a tough one – as much as we would love to, there are still risks involved (unfortunately, breathing being the greatest!) Given my age, my job and the wonderful alternatives you are providing, I will forego in-person classes for a while. I agree with waiting to see what the fall brings.
Sure Patti – totally understandable….
I would absolutely consider coming, but I was never the most devoted class participant. A recent study showed a relatively low risk of transmission in yoga classes when social distancing was practiced (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/8/20-0633_article) for whatever that’s worth.
Thank you Stephanie – greatly appreciate the reference to the study – good info to know about.
I consider you to be a VERY devoted participant – always great having you there!!
Satyam – thank you so much for all of your on-line offerings – it has made the difference between feeling like I have a community to engage with versus the feeling of complete isolation (even tho I rarely, if ever, have my video turned on, I still feel a connection). I would not likely return to on-line classes until some type of vaccine is readily available and reliable. That being said, I too will be watching from a distance to see how the virus responds to the change of season and the new flu season approaches. All the best!
You have been a big part of out online community and have contributed a lot – so thank you!!
Many thanks for your thoughts on this issue….
People are back to going to public gyms-I have a good friend in Florida who works out everyday and she has been fine all summer. Probably better than fine since she is getting the benefits of exercise…physically & mentally.
She is in her 60’s so she is a member of the “golden girls” club like so many of us!
Does the site you have in mind have windows/doors that can be opened? Fresh air and yoga mats placed 6 feet apart would be enough for me to sign-up for an evening class.
Thanks Carol for your anecdotal account and interest in onsite classes.
There would be scope to open the windows and get some decent air flow…and yes, we would definitely be 6 feet at a minimum….
Satyam, I am in your camp of thoughts totally! I am in the high risk age group with an add-on of managed diabetes. I’ve been able to manage my health very well at home with all you have to offer and so many workout classes available online. Being the social creature that I am, I can’t wait to be back onsite the way things used to be. However, I’m perfectly happy with all you offer online and will be seeing you virtually for the time being. Thank you so much for all you have done for us!!!!
Hi Mary Ellen, glad to know you are sticking with us online because whatever happens onsite or not, those online classes are set in the schedule for the foreseeable future….
Satyam,
Thanks for the thought you have put into this difficult decision and all of your hard work to make the online classes function so well. They have been a lifeline. I am in agreement with you and most of the comments above. I too am in the high risk group and am not prepared to resume until there is a vaccine.
I really enjoy the online pre-class chats and I do miss the people who, for whatever reason, don’t join online. But returning to “pre-Covid” status is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Thanks Sherrod for your clear take on the situation. I can certainly appreciate what you are saying – maybe our online classes just long enough whereby Zoom can get the music right!!
Thank you Satyam for all you have provided to the renyoga community.
I am mixed. As I live with a high risk partner, I’m not comfortable being in places where I might accidentally catch and transmit to him.
I’ve enjoyed the archive of podcasts, usually enough for me if I do one or two a week. And I like the quick Ab Challenge ones. I try to take a telework break and do a quick round.
I would be better at attending the online classes if I actually put them on my calendar!
Hey Karyn,
Thanks for checking in on this one. I definitely can appreciate the concern you have – very valid indeed.
Glad the podcasts are helping in this period.
By all means, join us in the live online classes – get that on your calendar!!!
I would be thrilled to return Galesville for our Saturday morning sessions, but I also love the flexibility of the live online classes. I will be there to support, in any way I can!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Katy…
Always appreciate your energy and can-do spirit!!
Many thanks for checking in on this one…
Thank you Satyam! I would love to return to an in person class at some point in the future, miss seeing everyone! I am much more disciplined when I go out of the house. There are always multiple chores at home that always seem to take priority in my life these days! I have enjoyed the podcasts when I can. I understand and agree with the concerns of others as well.
So great hearing from you Christina. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, obstacles, and desire to return to class.
One day very soon, put all those chores aside for a moment, and join us live online….it is very easy to participate.
That said, I look forward to when we can meet in person too!!
Satyam, I would attend in-person classes without fear. Looking forward to seeing everyone from Thursday’s class again.
Thanks Nancy for weighing in on this – hopefully we can all gather again before too long….
I am attending more yoga classes than ever before with the availability of on demand classes. But I would also certainly welcome a return to in person classes — subject to location and time. Would be happy return for Saturday and Wednesday classes in Galesville and the Tuesday morning classes when I can get away from work. I see that other events are back in session at the Galesville Hall.
Thanks so much Audrey for your detailed check-in on this – good to hear you are finding the “on-demand” classes convenient. Appreciate the tip about Galesville Hall and I will check in with Holly about what protocols they are taking and what they would expect from us to keep it all safe. Thanks!!
I’ll be glad to return to class sometime, but for now I’m happy with our classes live online.
Good to know – thanks Sandra!!
Hi Satyam,
I wont be attending any live classes for now. But, I very much appreciate your online classes, the yoga community you continue to foster, and your many stories that help us through this difficult time.
Thank you for all that you do!
Hi Birgit,
Thanks for letting me know where you stand on this issue, as well as for your supportive and kind words…
Hi Satyam, I too miss the in person sessions and the different groups of friends who tend to join class at the different locations. However it’s been sweet to see folks online too although not all have managed to make the shift for a variety of different reasons I have no doubt. The zoom classes have been integral to my work at maintaining my physical and emotional wellbeing during this pause, there is no doubt about it. I would probably be more comfortable returning to class in Galesville and at St James sooner than in Dunkirk because of the space and fresh air options. However I am at one with you in not being in a hurry to go there. I prefer to err on the side of being cautious for the foreseeable future. I think for me that would mean through much of the winter assuming we continue to see the rates of infection that we are now seeing. Very grateful for what you are offering for our practice and for checking in on this question!
Many thanks Jeannie for your detailed response, including which locations you would be willing to frequent and what your basic timeframe is for returning.
Till then, glad to hear he online options are working well for you and hopefully more of our friends join in – at the same time I will aim to broaden the offerings.
Thanks again!!