Grip The Mat

The experience is difficult to describe as it truly combines many unique disciplines that are not yet mainstream. GTM leverages wireless headsets to broadcast both music and yoga instructors cues during practice. The headsets are by Sound Off Experiences with an audio quality and fit that makes you feel as though you were in a «normal» walled yoga studio (aka you don’t notice the headsets unless you try to put a cheek to the mat). The headset enables GTM instructors to take the yoga experience to almost any location with limitation being the number of headsets. The headsets are not ambient noise cancelling (attending a recent outdoor DC event, I could still hear police sirens and a helicopter).
GTM co-​owners have that «IT» factor that make successful entrepreneurs. They have partnered well to build their brand image (notable partners are Reebok, Sound Off Experiences, SkinnyGirl, Cava Grill, Kind Snacks and DC Events). The co-​owners keep humble, focused and gracious as witnessed by their Snap Chat, Journal (blog) and Instagram posts. Each co-​owner takes a turn providing instruction during the event and by all accounts are fantastic instructors. They offer hands-​on assistance during large group classes and have a staff who also facilitates corrections and/​or assists with deepening of the poses. The strategy of instructing for your own business is solid initially, but it may not be sustainable if they choose to grow (only time will tell). I truly believe each co-​owner loves the practice of yoga.
The experience left me feeling creative, inspired and open. (I’d say it differs slightly from a traditional Vinyasa-​style class only in the location and cue delivery method.) In reflecting on my experience, I think the headsets, while allowing you to focus inward, don’t allow you to «hear» your own breath or that of those around you. Most seasoned yogi’s like myself (nearly 20yrs with 2x week practice) will ultimately notice this void of breath which connects you to the community. The loss of the breadth connection may be why I felt less «connected» to community. My feeling is the co-​owners may recognize this void and this is why you will see yoga is partnered with a social event. Now where I struggled was making that «re-​connection» to the community going from yoga to an open bar social dance party. There is a large span of demographics, so it might be worthwhile to consider a social party with open bar and dance floor, but also something like a slackline challenge with «social» instructor, something to help the introverts out in a social setting as not all are looking to alcohol for social skills.
I have three suggestions that I feel will imprint and convey better to encourage more and better social interaction:
1. Consistent messaging for #Hashtags for events (aka, you want people to find you).
2. Get more playful! Have the yogi’s touch each other, stand on each others mats, introduce themselves to someone new. (Getting back to the loss of the unified breath, how can you help us find a connection and realize we each are human and share the same light)?
3. Have a mantra, it can be #CheersAndNamaste but be sure to end class with this mantra. This is your «separator» and final thought that should be taken with the yogi into the social event.
I look forward to attending more events and feel they will only grow!