New Member Profile: Common Bond Yoga
Meet Benjamin Wilkinson, owner of Common Bond Yoga
Where and how did you get your start?
I played teacher a lot as a kid. Teaching my stuffed animals, teaching my friends. And I loved team sports, specifically hockey. And I also did a lot of leadership and public speaking. So I guess it came as no surprise when I wanted to lead group fitness classes. I love seeing people working for themselves, but doing it together, it’s like directing an orchestra or telling a good story. We all move together and we all feel better. I also have a degree in business and 20 years of experience running retail businesses.
What should the community know about Common Bond Yoga?
Everyone can benefit from yoga. Common Bond is a place for normal/average people who want to try yoga. We truly provide classes that work with every body and teach in a way that makes everyone feel welcome. Yoga should be challenging because it requires mindfulness, patience and self-reflection, not because of impossible pretzel postures at breakneck speeds. C-suite, trades workers, service industry, healthcare, especially office and clerical staff, everyone can benefit from taking time for themselves to breathe deep and relieve stress through yoga.
What is the most difficult business problem that you had to solve?
I haven’t solved it yet. Group fitness as an industry has evolved exponentially in two years. Corporate consolidation of gyms and boutique fitness, digital platforms and a respiratory pandemic have upended a small community fitness space like mine. We’re really struggling to get people back in the studio, especially in the face of inflation and recession. Common Bond is a community space, even if it’s a yoga studio first. We’re here for Springfield and I’m still trying to figure out how to share that story.
What do you like most about your work?
Seeing people empower their own transformation through hard work. I teach all over the county, including corporate wellness, pop-up events, with vulnerable populations as well as in Lane County Adult Corrections. Yoga can change you from the inside out.
Do you have any advice for others?
Don’t get caught up in trends. Know the value of your product (even if it’s you) and stay the course, even if you’re unsure of what that looks like. I often say to myself, “I don’t know where we’re going, but I know I’m headed in the right direction.” Decisions that don’t feel right don’t line up with this core instinct of the brand and business.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Would love to see you at Common Bond Yoga! Use the code ‘FOUNDATION’ for a free class. Book at commonbondyoga.com
Common Bond Yoga is located in downtown Springfield at 326 Main Street (through the Washburne Cafe).
Founded in 2018, they are the second yoga studio in Springfield. Common Bond organically developed as a unique complement to our yoga community in Eugene.
Common Bond Yoga is one member of the STOP DROP & YOGA LLC family of companies, including, STOP DROP & YOGA and Cascadia Wellness Solutions. Together, these unique and partnered siblings build personal, professional and community wellness solutions for Lane County, Oregon. They offer each of their unique clients a mindfulness and yoga experience that suits the needs of the individuals, companies, and groups it serves.
