May 2008
responses to the essay questions will be put up here in time, check back
88 people responded and filled out surveys. 86% of the respondents are yoga students who come frequently: one to three times a week. There was little representation of new people and beginners as one might expect. (Not every one responded to all the questions and that is why many statistics will not add up to 88.)
As expected, 82% (or more, 4 people left it blank) of the surveys were filled out by women.
Age Diversity
One interesting observation is the even distribution of age groups within the student population. There is roughly an even mix of 20, 30, 40 and 50 year olds who practice at Eyes. 48% of the population is over 41 years old. 6% of our population is over the age of 61. This result would probably be very different at other studios that I have practiced at, either being heavily skewed to the younger crowd or the older crowd. Eyes seems to attract a more even age distribution.
As far as priorities, what cumulatively matters most to our students is ... exercise (24%). This was determined by adding up first, second, third, fourth, fifith and sixth priorities separately and then multiplying each group by 6,5,4,3,2,1 respectively. The differences between Stress Relief, Mental Clarity and Spirit (20%) are not statisically significant. Overall, everyone can agree on exercise. But the indiviual breakdown categories are interesting as you will see.
When asked "what do you appreciate most about yoga classes at Eyes (circle only one)", one third of the respondents checked off many answers or supplied their own individual response which was not one of the choices in the survey. It said "circle only one." They didn't follow what the survey asked, which is interesting in itself: (independent thinkers.?) Eeking out second place, Spirit was the most common response. A statistical tie for second place with the same amounts for stress relief, mental clarity and exercise. A representative sampling of the 34% write in responses were glowing with ecstatic praise: "High quality of every teacher" "heart, passion, intelligence and talent combined""authentic yoga""safe, welcoming environment." Bless you all.
"Spirit"
Either its real important to you
or it is not
An interesting dichotomy showed up. Many people responded that "spirit" was their first or second priority and wrote about how they felt very stongly about this. And there was also a strong representation (41%) of students for whom this is definitely not why they come to Eyes (4th - 6th priority.) Mind you, this is not beginners saying this, but the survey's population of very dedicated 1 - 3 times a week yoga students. At least, we all agree on exercise....
Yoga teaches "equanimity", remaining clear and balanced, equal minded towards all persons, postures and situations. But when it comes to what is most important, students overwhelmingly responded that who is teaching the class is the most important factor. Type of class came in second.
While "cost" got zero votes, remember that this survey is from the active yoga population. Usually, the first question beginners ask on the phone is "How much does it cost?" Later on they find out that you can't compare yoga centers by cost alone.
Not enough time, or work was the most popular answer. Interesting that the write in answer "baby sitter" got 5 responses. Again "too expensive" got only one vote. Some of the "babysitter" write in responses added that expense is an issue. A double issue.
90 minutes by far was the most popular response (61%). People who liked the 2 hour classes, while in the minority (19%) were very strong about their preference and wrote in about it.
Many people wrote in about how they strongly object when class doesn't end on time.
The drawing for the Grand Prize of a Jade yoga mat, yoga bag and free class was held at 6pm, Thur June 5, 2008. Congratulations Deenie Pacik. You are our Grand Prize winner.
