The Story Behind Our New Terms of Service (or How COVID Turned My Teaching Practice Upside Down)

In March of 2020, none of us could predict how the pandemic would unfold and change all of our lives. That second week of March, all I knew was that people were no longer keen on coming to yoga classes in person and it was time to pivot to an online format. “Two weeks” was the word on the street as Governor Newsom made the stay-at-home order on March 19. My gut told me it was going to be longer than that…much longer than that, but of course I had no idea what was in store. I figured I’d just keep teaching online until there was no longer interest. Honestly, I expected that to be some time in the summer of 2020- by then all of the students who had been practicing with me in person prior to the pandemic would have given birth. While classes were not nearly as big as they were in the studio, I was surprised to find that new students continued to enroll. Occasionally there would be a class below the three person minimum and it would be canceled, but that was a pretty rare occurrence. 

Online classes continued successfully through 2020 and I feel confident that I have been able to create an experience that isn’t too far off from our practice in the studio. When vaccines came on the scene in the spring of 2021, I was optimistic that summer would bring some in-person opportunities. Unfortunately, Yoga @ Cindy’s, my yoga home of ten years, officially closed shop that spring, like so many other studios in the area (and world-wide). After our family’s move in May 2021, I started to explore in-person options and even toured some physical sites. Nothing felt like the right fit.  And then Delta hit and I knew the time wasn’t right, anyway. That was ok because classes online were still going pretty well– continuing to meet the needs of all the wonderful expectant (and postpartum) parents who stuck with online classes. 

And then, of course, as 2021 wrapped up, Omicron hit. After all that time, it still didn’t feel safe to hold in-person classes, and as people had their babies, new students were not joining at the same rate. As that wave died down and life seemed to be returning to normal in many ways (a new normal?), I wondered if it was time to try offering in-person options again. So many classes and activities were back to in-person and many people were just really tired of living life online, in spite of the ongoing COVID risk. Offering hybrid classes could meet the needs of both those that wanted classes in-person and those who preferred to stay online, for safety or logistical reasons. Finding a place that is accommodating, affordable, quiet, and has reliable internet is a tall order especially with a small group. Opening my home studio for a few students that wanted to practice in person seemed like a viable solution, at least until demand for larger in-person classes returned. 

In March, I began offering four in-person spots. Nevertheless, classes have remained so small that they are actually no longer sustainable. In that two month time period, only one in-person spot has been used and very few people join online. I suspect that pregnant people are still cautious about in-person offerings given the risks associated with COVID in pregnancy, while Zoom-fatigue persists. 

In connecting with my colleagues, it seems that my experience is not unique. I’m not sure how to best meet the needs of the current generation of childbearing people. Surely there is still a need for stress relief, prenatal education, alleviating physical discomforts, labor conditioning, community, and all of the other benefits of prenatal yoga and similar services. But between COVID, the higher than ever demands of work, living in one of the most expensive areas in the nation, and personal issues, the barriers to engaging in these services appear to be too large for pregnant families to overcome at this point in time. I have spent quite a lot of time connecting with colleagues to figure out the solution, but it is not yet clear. This may simply be another opportunity to practice acceptance, being present with what is.

In the meantime, I am committed to the few students who are in need of my services. But I am also committed to the needs of my family. My children are growing fast and I only have a few summers left before they are totally engrossed in their own lives. It’s challenging to take time away from them when my classes are serving so few students. My new Terms of Service— specifically earlier cut-off times for registration— provide balance between my commitment to my students and my commitment to my family. Early in the pandemic when everyone was stuck at home anyway, it didn’t make much difference to find out just 30 minutes before class start time if there were enough students to run a class. Now, however, that brief 30-minute window forces me to forgo plans with my kids, knowing that there is a high chance class will be canceled for low enrollment. Making the cut-off time Saturday evening for Sunday morning classes, and 9:00am for Tuesday/Thursday classes will give me the time to plan more efficiently. 

At the same time, I don’t feel it is fair to Members if I have to continually cancel classes. Therefore, the new policy guarantees Members will not have back-to-back classes canceled regardless of class minimums as long as they are registered by the cut-off time. In the case of cancellations, our video library is available to practice with, and Members may get opportunities for private or semi-private sessions at group session rates. 

I look forward to enjoying summer with my kids and my students. By the time school is back in session, I hope to have a clearer picture of how to meet the needs of more pregnant families. If you have ideas or feedback on this issue, I welcome it! I never expected to be teaching online consistently for over two years! I’m so grateful that it has continued as long as it has and I am eager for the next chapter. It brings me deep joy and purpose to serve new parents and after two decades in this role, I can't imagine having to give it up due to lack of students. May the near future bring clarity on how to move forward providing support and connection with more pregnant families.