Praveen Reddy’s passion for fitness and yoga has driven him to create a remarkable community of wellness enthusiasts. His story unfolds as he transitions from a fitness trainer to the founder of Goa Yogashala, where tradition and modernity harmoniously blend.
Background and Inspiration
Praveen’s inspiration to start Goa Yogashala emerged from his love for the beach and his understanding of the growing demand for yoga in Goa. Initially, he offered drop-in yoga sessions to the local community and tourists. However, he soon realised that the limited durations of these classes left little room for comprehensive explanations. Despite ample practical experiences, students often struggled with uncertainties regarding the deeper and philosophical aspects of yoga.
As time progressed, more students and yoga enthusiasts connected with Praveen, expressing their desire for a comprehensive course encompassing not only the physical dimensions but also pranayama, meditation, philosophy, and other essential elements. These requests catalysed his vision of establishing a community that would unite yoga lovers from diverse traditions on one platform. Thus, Goa Yogashala was founded, a name signifying a beautiful Goa and a Yoga Shala, where the Sanskrit word ‘Shala’ means “Home.” It became a home for yoga in the beautiful setting of Goa.
At Goa Yogashala, authentic yoga knowledge related to multiple forms of yoga is imparted, with thoughtful modifications to ensure modern minds, especially Westerners, can easily understand the deeper concepts traditionally rooted in Vedic or ancient Indian teachings.
While practising and teaching at numerous yoga schools across the Indian subcontinent, Praveen realised the remarkable demand for yoga courses and retreats. This prompted him to successfully organise these sessions for visiting tourists and local communities in Goa.
A Journey in Yoga and Wellness
Praveen’s journey in yoga and wellness began with his background as a fitness enthusiast. He always treated his body as a temple, working as a fitness trainer for corporate clients. However, in 2013, after completing a comprehensive yoga training with a friend, he experienced the profound and magical effects of yoga, both inside and out. This inspired him to delve deeper into yogic studies and explore various forms of yoga.
Initially, Praveen loved dynamic practices such as Ashtanga Vinyasa. However, he soon understood the importance of static and relaxation forms to balance the whole energy system while working on strength, flexibility, and power. Subsequently, he began conducting yoga sessions for clients and local communities while travelling to popular yoga destinations in India. These sessions proved successful and further inspired him to pursue this path. Eventually, he decided to establish a stable yoga business in Goa, one of his favourite locations in India. Thus, the beautiful idea of Goa Yogashala was born.
Program Offerings at Goa Yogashala
Praveen’s decision to offer various yoga styles, including Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin, and Vinyasa, at Goa Yogashala was driven by the diverse needs and preferences of yoga practitioners. Recognizing that some seek the classical form of Hatha Yoga, while others desire the physical challenge and intensity of Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow, and still others prefer the calming and meditative aspects of Yin Yoga, he created a program that caters to these diverse needs.
The selected forms of yoga complement each other in unique ways:
- Ashtanga Yoga is known for its dynamic and physically demanding practice, raising energy levels, building strength and flexibility, and helping in mind control.
- Hatha Yoga focuses on static postures and alignment, helping to hold and balance energy through controlled and mindful practice.
- Vinyasa Flow creates a harmonious flow of movement and breath, connecting energy flow with movements, promoting cardiovascular health.
- Yin Yoga is a deeply relaxing practice that involves holding postures for extended periods, releasing tension, completely relaxing the body, and recovering energy, contributing to deeper well-being.
Unique Aspects of Retreats
The retreats at Goa Yogashala distinguish themselves by offering a diverse mix of yoga styles, allowing participants to enjoy all aspects of yoga and experience total wellness. In addition to yoga, the retreats include mindful meditation, pranayama, and Ayurveda sessions, ensuring that visitors feel fully rejuvenated within a week. These sessions equip participants with easy learnings that they can incorporate into their daily routines, making themselves more productive in both personal and professional spheres. For added enjoyment, the retreats include local attractions and excursions, making the holiday a memorable experience.
Teacher Training Specifics
Goa Yogashala maintains high standards for its instructors to ensure that participants receive the best yoga education and experience. Instructors are required to have a minimum of five years of teaching experience along with certifications such as a master-level degree in yoga and physical fitness from a certified university, and certified yoga teacher training with a minimum of ERYT 300 and ERYT 500, demonstrating a deeper level of expertise and commitment to their practice. Practical teaching experience in various settings, including yoga studios, retreats, workshops, and teacher trainings, is highly valued. Moreover, instructors are encouraged to continually expand their knowledge and skills through ongoing education and professional development, ensuring they stay updated with the best practices in the field of yoga. Above all, instructors must be dedicated practitioners committed to their personal practice.
Ensuring Quality and Consistency
To ensure the quality and consistency of training programs, Goa Yogashala conducts regular assessments of instructors’ performance through class observations and student feedback. This ensures that the curriculum and all aspects of the courses and yoga events meet the highest standards. The management team, including the founder and lead teacher, Praveen Ji, monitors the effectiveness of training programs and the performance of instructors and other staff, ensuring that standards are consistently met.
Clientele and Market
Goa Yogashala primarily targets students from European countries and the UK region. International students find out about the school through Google and social media, especially Instagram, where the school actively engages with its audience. Word-of-mouth publicity is also a powerful source of new students, as participants often share their positive experiences with friends, family, and in personal blogs, leading to a steady stream of referrals.
Operational Challenges
Running a yoga school comes with its challenges. Managing seasonal fluctuations, especially during peak seasons, is a significant challenge. During peak seasons, accommodating a larger number of students while maintaining program quality can be difficult. Conversely, during the off-season, managing operational costs and maintaining staff engagement can be challenging. Regulatory compliance, particularly supporting the visa processes of international visitors and adhering to local business regulations, can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, keeping up with digital marketing trends and ensuring high visibility in search engine results demands constant efforts and resources, especially in the competitive world of numerous yoga schools and teacher training programs worldwide.
Adapting to Changing Trends
Goa Yogashala has proactively adapted to changing trends in health and wellness tourism to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of students. By offering multi-style yoga programs, including Ayurveda, nutritional counselling, and sound healing, the school has expanded its offerings to include a broader range of holistic wellness practices. Specialised workshops and retreats focusing on specific wellness areas, such as stress management, weight loss, detoxification, and mindfulness, cater to the growing demand for personalised and goal-oriented wellness experiences.
Digital transformation has been embraced to reach a wider audience and accommodate those who cannot travel. Goa Yogashala has developed an online presence through virtual yoga classes, workshops, and webinars, allowing students from around the world to benefit from the school’s expertise and stay connected with the community.
Recognizing the increasing importance of sustainability in tourism, the school has implemented eco-friendly practices. This includes using organic and locally sourced food, reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting eco-conscious behaviour among staff and students. Emphasising the importance of building a supportive and inclusive community, the retreats and programs are designed to foster connections among participants through group activities, shared meals, and open discussions. This sense of community enhances the overall wellness experience.
Collaborations with international wellness centres, yoga studios, and health professionals have been actively sought. These partnerships help the school stay updated with global trends, share best practices, and offer diverse and enriched experiences to students.
Marketing Strategies
Digital marketing, particularly search engine ranking and social media marketing, has proven most effective in attracting international students. Goa Yogashala actively engages its audience on Instagram and Facebook by sharing photos and videos of ongoing yoga classes, retreats, fun activities, and local excursions. Reels on Instagram are particularly engaging. The school’s Facebook page serves as a hub for the community, sharing details about programs and linking with Instagram posts. Engaging with Facebook groups related to yoga and travel communities through comments and messages helps maintain an interactive and responsive presence. The website features a blog with articles on yoga, wellness, nutrition, and personal growth, providing in-depth information and insights to educate and inspire readers.
Gathering and Utilising Feedback
Goa Yogashala places high value on feedback from students to continuously improve courses and services. In-person feedback is prioritised to understand students’ experiences in real-time. Feedback forms and post-class surveys are also used to gather input on the quality of classes, curriculum relevance, facilities, and suggestions. Multiple channels, including in-person conversations and direct email to management, make it easy for students to voice their concerns. Prompt responses to complaints and issues ensure students feel valued. Depending on the nature of the complaint, alternative options, compensations, or remedies may be offered to affected students.
Future Plans
Goa Yogashala always looks to grow and evolve to better serve students and meet the changing needs of the wellness community. Future plans for expanding and diversifying offerings include introducing more yoga styles such as Kundalini Yoga, Aerial Yoga, and Ayurvedic therapies. Advanced workshops for those who have completed teacher training will deepen their practice and teaching abilities. Collaborations with international yoga studios, wellness centres, and health professionals will enable joint programs, workshops, and retreats, enriching student experiences and expanding reach. Community outreach initiatives will make yoga accessible to underserved populations, offering scholarships, discounted classes, and organising community events in partnership with local organisations to promote health and wellness.
Contribution to Community and Environment
Goa Yogashala supports the local economy by prioritising sourcing goods and services locally, hiring local staff, and recommending students buy local products. Beach and community clean-ups are regularly organised, where staff, students, and local volunteers come together to clean and preserve the beautiful natural surroundings of Goa. Cultural events and performances actively engage with local artisans and cultural groups, fostering a sense of community.
Sustainability practices are integrated into daily operations. Students are encouraged to follow a plastic-free policy, using reusable water bottles, bags, and containers, and avoiding single-use plastics. Food is sourced from local, organic farmers and suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and promoting healthier, pesticide-free produce. Biodegradable and eco-friendly products are used for cleaning, personal care, and other daily needs, reducing environmental impact and promoting healthier living conditions.
Personal Insights from Praveen Reddy
The most rewarding part of running Goa Yogashala for Praveen has been witnessing the transformative journeys of students and the positive impact on their lives. Seeing students progress in their yoga practice, achieve personal goals, and experience physical, mental, and spiritual growth is incredibly fulfilling. The vibrant and inclusive community built at Goa Yogashala fosters connections among participants from diverse backgrounds, creating a supportive network that extends beyond their time at the school.
Hosting international students and interacting with people from around the world enriches Praveen’s understanding and appreciation of different cultures. The cultural exchange broadens perspectives and fosters mutual respect and learning. Long-term relationships and an ever-growing network of students are immensely rewarding.
Balancing personal life with the demands of managing Goa Yogashala requires mindful planning, setting priorities, and maintaining regular yoga practice and a healthy lifestyle. As a yoga teacher, Praveen prioritises his own practice, with regular yoga and meditation sessions helping him stay grounded, manage stress, and maintain physical and mental well-being. Delegating responsibilities to a dedicated and capable team allows him to focus on strategic aspects of the business while having time for personal pursuits. Finding joy in both aspects of life helps maintain a positive outlook and overall satisfaction.
Original interview: Fitness to Yoga: Praveen Reddy’s Goa Yogashala Story – ItsGoa
