First, we would like to thank the many members and friends that have reached out to us in support during this time. This has been a difficult and trying time for individuals, families, and businesses alike. We are grateful for the wonderful and supportive community of yogis that love VIDA and want the studio to thrive. It has been heartwarming to receive so many expressions of love and support from VIDA members and friends. It has also been fun to see many of you participate in challenges through social media and see engagement in those taking independent classes from VIDA instructors.
We would also like to thank those that have purchased gift cards. We are planning a special Friends & Family event in June as a thank you. If you would like to purchase a gift card as a sign of support, these can be purchased through our website and through the VIDA app. These gift cards do not expire and can be used to purchase clothing, mats, corkcicle or anything else in the boutique. Anyone purchasing a gift card of $250 or more will have their name incorporated into commemorative art in the studio as an expression of our gratitude. Thank you.
Second, since the beginning of the social distancing and lockdown mandates, many people have reached out to us about offering virtual or online classes. We understand the void created by not getting to practice at VIDA. However, we feel strongly that part of what makes VIDA so successful is the overall experience offered in the studio. In addition to this, there are so many high-quality, well-produced, professional yoga and fitness services offered online at a reasonable cost. The studio experience cannot be replicated in any online format and we did not feel it was good business to charge for a homemade, minimally produced yoga class to replace what members are accustomed to in the studio.
FINALLY! Based on just released Tennessee state and local government guidelines, we are now thankfully faced with the challenge of how to reopen VIDA. We feel the emphasis must be on reopening safely while adhering to the recommendations as closely as possible. The suggested guidelines for gyms and fitness centers are very restrictive for a boutique fitness facility like VIDA. Along with continued social distancing recommendations, restrictions on common areas, locker room facilities, and limited group class capacity are all significant challenges to normal operations at VIDA. We are working around the clock to ensure that we can open VIDA with a limited and restricted schedule starting Monday, May 4th, 2020.
Because we cannot offer services to the fullest extent, we have decided NOT to restart memberships until VIDA is much closer to full-operating capacity. We will be offering a very limited schedule initially and overtime add classes to accommodate demand within the state’s guidelines and our facilities’ capacity. In the meantime, we will be offering pricing for single classes at $15 a class. Classes will be limited to 15 participants per class. Because classes are limited and capacity is limited, all classes must be prepaid, are non-refundable and non-transferable. Although this is not ideal, it is imperative in allowing access for all.