As we approach the holidays, now’s the perfect time to support the businesses you love. Whether it’s opting for a gift card stocking stuffer or something as simple as leaving a review to show your gratitude—supporting your local studios is a great way to spread the holiday cheer.

Here are some clear (and effective) ways to help support the studios you know and love a little extra during the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Invest in a membership at your favorite studio

 Studios rely on a steady stream of memberships to keep them running. As the year ends, buying a membership is the best way to show them (and yourself) a little extra love. Not only are you setting yourself up for a wellness-focused 2022, you’re also ensuring the future success of your fave studio. That’s a win-win. Need a little help finding the right membership to invest in? This blog has you covered. 

2. Harness the (real) power of retail 

Thinking of buying some new yoga pants or a mat? Or, if you’re still working out from home when you can’t make it to the studio, maybe you want some blocks and bolsters to enhance your practice. Before heading to a store or going online to big-brand websites, see if your local studios have anything to offer. They’ll often have their own websites, photos of retail on their social media accounts, or even discounted prices for items in their studio store for active members. Even something small like making a purchase through your local studio can make a world of difference for them. Plus, you’ll pretty much be a walking advertisement for the studio—and maybe you’ll meet some new workout buddies wearing it!   

3. Look into hybrid

With most people traveling or rushing to get everything checked off their list before the end of the year, this season can be chaotic. Fortunately, many studios have embraced the hybrid approach and offer both in-person and virtual classes. This gives you the flexibility to work out with your favorite studios from wherever you’re headed this holiday season. (Yes, that includes an inch from the couch. We see you, post-turkey hangover.) If you’re pressed for time because of seasonal shopping or festivities, live stream and video on demand allow you to squeeze in much-needed movement while still supporting your local studios, too.   

4. Give a friend the gift of wellness

Want to let someone know you’re thinking of them this holiday season? Show how much you care with a gift card for an intro offer at your go-to studio. Or, give the gift of ClassPass. Your loved ones can try classes at studios they’ve always had on their bucket list, and maybe even find their new favorite routine heading into January. Plus, it's a gift that keeps on giving—the recipient will have the opportunity to attend multiple days (if not multiple weeks of) classes. Bonus points if you attend class with them.

5. Shoot them some stars  

How do you find the best new studios (or restaurants, coffee shops, hair salons, etc.) to try? You probably start by browsing around in your area and then check out the reviews to see what other people have to say about it (see How to Find the Top Yoga Studios and Classes in LA). Reviews are a great way to find out what a specific instructor is like, what you need to know before attending a class, and whether or not it sounds like what you’re looking for. Many studios also use these reviews to market themselves—sharing them on social media to attract new clients. So, if you have a studio you love (and you want to spread some love their way), shoot them five stars. They’ll appreciate it.   

6. Follow and share 

Most studios have Instagram accounts where they post new classes, studio updates, photos of their instructors and awesome retail products, and even videos you can follow along with. If you want to help your studio gain some attention and attract new clients, just follow, like, and share their posts! Want to go the extra mile when you’re in-studio? Hop on Instagram before class and snap a photo with your favorite instructor to help promote the studio. Be sure to tag them, the business, and any of your besties sweating it out with you.  

Or follow us on Instagram to find new studios!  

7. Refer friends and family  

When it comes to supporting your local studios, bringing in new people is at the top of the list. If you have a local studio you absolutely love, chances are your friends and family will love them, too. Have loved ones in town for the holidays? Invite them to join in on some of your favorite classes. Not only will you get the chance to move and spend time together, but you’ll show your go-to studio some extra support as well.

8. Try a holiday-themed class

Studio owners love to revamp their class offerings and schedules during the holidays. It’s a great opportunity for them to spice things up (preferably, with pumpkin) and spread holiday cheer. It’s also a great time to motivate their clients by giving them a head start on any upcoming wellness resolutions. Taking advantage of these holiday-themed classes and challenges spreads morale and cheer (something we could all use). Seeing high attendance numbers motivates your local studio owners and instructors, too.  

9. Show your appreciation

Right now, community is so important. Show your studio how much their business—and the sense of community they create—means to you with a hand-written note. It’s a simple act of appreciation that will mean the world to them. Just like they push you to keep going when you’re struggling to make it through a workout (we’ve been there, too many times to count), going out of your way to tell them you see and appreciate their effort can also inspire them to keep pushing through a hard time (2020 and 2021 haven’t been the easiest). After all, the holidays are a time for expressing gratitude, right?

This holiday season, our studios still need us. And there are so many ways we can support them as they continue to rebuild after the last couple of years. So, purchase that membership (because showing up for yourself is always a good idea), bring your loved ones to a class, share on social, and give them a bit of extra love this year. Your support goes a long way in ensuring the future of your favorite studios.