Indulge in the serenity of RYOGA in Rome, Italy. Across three thoughtfully designed spaces, experience a wide selection of over 250 weekly classes, ranging from the meditative practice of Yin to the elevated realms of Aerial Yoga and the dynamic precision of Rocket Yoga.
Join us in this studio spotlight, where we sat down with Marco, the owner, as he shares his story of his journey from practitioner to the driving force behind these beautiful spaces for well-being.
[The interview below is presented in Italian with English translation.]
How did you [Marco, studio owner] find yoga and what was your path from student to studio owner?
Non sono stato io a trovare lo yoga ma viceversa, e dall’essere diventato un assiduo praticante ad aprire gli studi RYOGA a Roma esattamente 10 anni fa il passo è stato quasi automatico dato che mi sono sempre occupato di “organizzazione e pianificazione”. Dopo anni vissuti all’estero per lavoro, l’unica valigia che ho riportato in Italia è stata l’aver incorporato nel mio tempo la pratica yoga. Fino al desiderio di realizzare uno studio basato su quanto di più bello avessi visto in giro per il mondo, cercando quanto possibile di migliorarlo ed adattarlo alla realtà italiana che dieci anni fa iniziava ad interfacciarsi timidamente con lo yoga.
[English translation] It was not I who found yoga but vice versa, and from becoming an assiduous practitioner to opening the RYOGA studios in Rome exactly 10 years ago, the step was almost automatic as I have always been involved in 'organisation and planning'. After years living abroad for work, the only suitcase I brought back to Italy was incorporating yoga practice into my time. To the point of wanting to set up a studio based on what I had seen around the world, trying as much as possible to improve it and adapt it to the Italian reality that ten years ago was timidly beginning to interface with yoga.
Would you like to highlight a special teacher or guide that was instrumental in developing and sustaining your personal practice?
Un libro che si chiama, "40 giorni di rivoluzione personale" di Baron Baptiste e Eoin Finn come insegnante.
[English translation] A book called, "40 days to personal revolution" by Baron Baptiste and Eoin Finn as a teacher.
How has your studio journey been so far? How was RYOGA founded and what inspired you?
Ho fondato lo studio, cercando di comprendere tutte le best practices che avevo visto avendo vissuto e praticato in 3 continenti, Canada, Europa e Asia. Tornato in Italia dopo dieci anni di assenza e non trovando a Roma lo spazio adatto dove praticare ho deciso di provare a realizzarlo da solo, cercando per quanto possibile di migliorarlo. Dieci anni dopo, sono contento di dire che quello che mi ha ispirato, la pratica fisica, volta a calmare la mente, svolta nel luogo adatto è servita anche ad altre decine di migliaia di persone che negli anni hanno praticato nei nostri studi
[English translation] I founded the studio, trying to understand all the best practices I had seen having lived and practised on three continents, Canada, Europe and Asia. Returning to Italy after ten years of absence and not finding the right space in Rome where to practice, I decided to try to do it on my own, trying as much as possible to improve it. Ten years later, I am happy to say that what inspired me, the physical practice aimed at calming the mind, carried out in the right place has also served tens of thousands of other people who have practised in our studios over the years.
You have a 3 stunning studios in Rome, what did you have in mind and how has the designing of these spaces been?
Siamo riusciti a realizzare esattamente quello che avevamo immaginato, creare uno spazio nuovo, trasformando dei vecchi immobili che non erano aperti da anni in spazi vivi e vibranti. Abbiamo trasformato per prima location una vecchia banca, poi una vecchia libreria, e poi un rivenditore di auto e barche. Abbiamo cercato delle location diverse dal punto di vista estetico ma che rispecchiassero il quartiere in cui sorgevano. Abbiamo poi aggiunto noi, un sottile filo d’argento in grado di far sentire tutti più che in un luogo, in una vera e propria esperienza. Uno dei nostri tratti distintivi è che non abbiamo curato solo il design degli ambienti, ma abbiamo dato priorità alle persone, e non mi riferisco solo agli insegnanti. Il nostro Guest Experience Team, che spesso è solo personale di supporto in uno studio di yoga, è invece una vera e propria colonna portante dello studio che da una forza in più al Teacher’s Team.
[English translation] We managed to achieve exactly what we had imagined, to create a new space by transforming old buildings that had not been open for years into vibrant, living spaces. We first transformed an old bank location, then an old bookstore, and then a car and boat dealer. We looked for locations that were aesthetically different but reflected the neighbourhood in which they were located. We then added us, a subtle silver thread that made everyone feel more like they were in a place than in an experience. One of our hallmarks is that we didn't just take care of the design of the rooms, but prioritised the people, and I don't just mean the teachers. Our Guest Experience Team, which is often just support staff in a yoga studio, is instead a real pillar of the studio that gives the Teacher's Team extra strength.
What are the key elements of RYOGA, that you feel enhance the practice of your students?
“embraced by design”, sentirsi a casa e in questo modo sentirsi liberi di praticare in un ambiente che lo consente a tutti.
[English translation] “embraced by design”, feeling at home and thus feeling free to practise in an environment that allows everyone to do so.
Tell us about the energy RYOGA brings to the local yoga community. When people enter one of these stunning studios, what do you hope they to feel?
Apprezzati e rispettati, per il tempo che hanno trovato per venire a praticare in studio, cosa non sempre semplice al giorno d’oggi in cui si dà tutto per scontato
[English translation] Appreciated and respected, for taking the time to come to practice in the studio, which is not always easy nowadays when everything is taken for granted.
What do you think has been particularly successful for your business? Could be a type of marketing, a class offering, additional services or activities, etc.
La professionalità che mettiamo in tutto ciò che facciamo. Facciamo pochissime iniziative di marketing, e lasciamo che le persone si coinvolgano a vicenda. Se un praticante soddisfatto racconta di noi ad un amico, quello vale più di qualsiasi costosa iniziativa di marketing tu possa fare.
[English translation] The professionalism we put into everything we do. We do very little marketing, and we let people engage with each other. If a satisfied practitioner tells a friend about us, that is worth more than any expensive marketing initiative you can do.
Any other learnings to pass along to other studio founders?
Non sottostimare mai la complessità organizzativa di ciò che non riguarda direttamente l’insegnamento in classe. E soprattutto non mollare alle prime difficoltà.
[English translation] Never underestimate the organisational complexity of what is not directly related to classroom teaching. And above all, do not give up at the first difficulties.
You have a team of yogis working with you, what is the main trait which draws you together?
Un posto di lavoro etico e strutturato che rispetti il lavoro e le differenze di ognuno è una delle caratteristiche che ci tiene uniti sotto il tetto RYOGA.
[English translation] An ethical and structured workplace that respects everyone's work and differences is one of the characteristics that keeps us united under the RYOGA roof.
RYOGA is all about bringing yoga to unique places in Rome. What do you look for in your locations?
Trasformare qualcosa di non funzionante come ad esempio un vecchio sportello bancario dismesso, in qualcosa che possa avere un cuore e che offra qualcosa di più oltre che un servizio.
[English translation] Transforming something non-functional, such as an old disused bank counter, into something that can have a heart and offer something more than just a service.
What do you want all of your students to take away from an experience at RYOGA?
Tutto tranne i mat Manduka!! :)
[English translation] Everything except Manduka mats!! :)
What does the future hold for RYOGA?
Non ci importa la destinazione, ma il viaggio in se, ed è importante farlo nel modo migliore possibile ogni giorno.
[English translation] We do not care about the destination, but about the journey itself, and it is important to do it as well as possible every day.
What is the goal or mission at RYOGA?
Arricchire le persone una ad una.
[English translation] Enriching people one by one.
What is your favorite space in the studios?
Il pavimento. Riscaldato in inverno, e raffreddato d’estate. Tutte le nostre location hanno pavimenti radianti, per permettere di vivere un’esperienza di pratica ancora più avvolgente.
[English translation] The floor. Heated in winter, and cooled in summer. All our locations have radiant floors, allowing for an even more enveloping practice experience.
What are your must-have pieces from Manduka personally and for the studios?
[English translation] Manduka PRO and eKO.
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Connect
Check out RYOGA: www.ryoga.com and give them a follow here.
Visit RYOGA at one of their three locations:
- PRATI: Via Durazzo 24/N, 00195 Rome, Italy
- SALLUSTIANO: Via Servio Tullio 20-22, 00187 Rome, Italy
- TRASTEVERE: Via dei Fienaroli 27-28, 00153 Rome, Italy
Come to RYOGA for Restorative Yoga, Yin, Hatha, Iyengar, Hatha Flow, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Power Vinyasa, Rocket Yoga, JM Vinyasa, Inside Flow, Meditation, Aerial Yoga, Pilates, Barre and Fitness classes.
RYOGA studios are fully equipped with PROlite Yoga Mats, cork blocks, align straps, lean and rectangular bolsters and blankets. For exclusive Manduka Studio Equipment Discounts, visit here.
