What's that smell?
Ponderings on whether the yoga studio should be scented or not. By Sarah Highfield
Reading time: 2-3 minutes
Yoga studios, much like the humans they host, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and, let us not mince words here, smells. Step into any yoga studio and you will quickly realise that you are not just entering a space of wellness and tranquillity but you are also walking into a sensory assortment of surprises. Some spaces greet you with soothing lavender, while others hit you with a wall of patchouli so dense it could knock over a seasoned yogi mid-warrior pose.
Yoga studios are sanctuaries of balance where your chakras align, your stress melts away, and your hamstrings remind you how much they hate you. But there is one burning question no one dares to ask: Should a yoga studio smell like anything at all?
On one hand, a gentle waft of eucalyptus can transform a studio into a blissful haven. It is like your nose is getting its own little savasana. Then there is the other side of the coin: the over-scenters. These studios hit you with scents so intense and overpowering that it can be hard to breathe.
And let us not forget the rogue smells; unintended but oh so-present. The steamy tang of hot yoga? That is the smell of 114 commitment. The faint musk of old mats and determination? That is vintage zen. Some studios lean into it; others pretend it does not exist.
So, what is the verdict? Should a yoga studio smell of anything but some kombucha-infused sweat? Or should we all embrace the blank slate of neutral air? After much sniffing, stretching and pondering, the answer is... it depends!
If the scent is subtle and soothing, it can enhance the vibe and make your downward dog downright dreamy. But when the smell is divisive or suspiciously close to ‘forgotten gym bag’ it is a one-way ticket to distraction city.
Ultimately, the perfect yoga studio scent might just be no scent at all; just neutral air that lets you focus on your breathing and your poses. Because in the end, yoga is about finding balance, both on the mat and in your nostrils, and your journey towards zen can often mean getting nose-deep in life’s odd aromas!
Sarah Highfield is a yoga teacher, writer and regular OM contributor. Visit: yogagise.com or connect on Instagram @Yogagise
Om Magazine
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