Yoga’s share in the fitness sector has grown exponentially over the last 30 years, now reportedly being worth approximately a whopping $115.43 billion in 2023! So it’s no wonder you may be feeling overwhelmed with how you can build a sustainable career in the yoga industry as a newly qualified teacher.

Taking on the journey of becoming a qualified yoga teacher is an accomplishment that opens the door to a world of prospects. Beyond the confines of your training space is a landscape of opportunity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the multitude of ways you can shape a fulfilling career for yourself in the business of yoga!

Before we dive in, we must discuss public liability insurance. Yes, it’s very boring but it is essential to have when you start teaching. Yoga involves physical activity and movement, and with any physical activity, there is always a risk of injury so it’s important you are personally covered should anything happen. Most studios expect you to have your own insurance, so get it sorted! I recommend Wellbeing Insurance as they specialise in insurance for fitness and well-being professionals. I pay a little over £50.00 for a year, which enables me to work as a freelance yoga teacher anywhere around the world.

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Teaching in a studio:

So first we delve into the traditional path for many yoga teachers! Studio classes offer structure for students to immerse themselves in the practice. Approach local gyms and studios, share your journey, and offer a demonstration class. Building relationships with studio owners can lead to regular teaching opportunities and it’s a chance to become part of a local yoga community, and perhaps even take the first steps to opening your very own studio. Most studios will generally pay anywhere from £15 to upwards of £30 per hour, however it’s worth noting that not many studios offer full time hours, so you may have to work among a few studios.

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Renting a space:

This can be an extremely fulfilling way to build your career in the yoga industry! If you want to rent a space and organise your own classes, studio hire can cost anywhere from £20 to upwards of £50 per hour depending on your location. Many spaces will offer discounted rates if you book out bigger blocks of time. Reach out to community centers, yoga studios and gyms and tell them what you can offer their members. Research what other studios are charging for a class in the area to make sure the cost of renting against what you can realistically charge is worthwhile. This is an excellent way of creating a yoga community and building a long-standing career within the yoga industry.

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Corporate wellness programs:

In the fast-paced corporate world, stress is a prevalent issue. Many companies are now beginning to recognise the importance of employee well-being and are investing big bucks to keep their staff happy and healthy. Enter the lunchtime yoga teacher!Try reaching out to local businesses and proposing lunchtime or after-work yoga sessions. Corporate wellness programs not only introduce yoga to a new audience but also presents an opportunity to adapt your teaching style to the corporate setting. I’ve known some yoga teachers to charge upwards of £80 per hour to corporate companies, but note that this is usually negotiated with individual companies, so you could get a little more or even a little less. It’s good to have an idea of your base-line rate, factoring in your additional costs like travel, to make sure you’re not losing out.

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Private sessions:

Offering one-on-one sessions provides a personalised and tailored yoga experience for individuals with specific needs or preferences. This avenue allows you to connect more deeply with your students, addressing their unique challenges and goals. Consider marketing your private sessions to those who crave individualized attention or have specific health concerns. Having a private client base can be profitable, as you can charge a higher hourly rate or even offer monthly payment plans for bespoke sessions.

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Online Classes:

The digital era has transformed the way yoga is shared and practiced. Create your online presence through platforms like YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. Engage and collaborate with established online yoga communities. Offering virtual classes not only broadens your reach to a global audience but also provides flexibility in scheduling for you and your students. This can be an excellent way to make money and be able to work to your own schedule, and although it can take time to build a following, with commitment and consistency you will see results.

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Workshops and Retreats:

Dive into the world of workshops and retreats, providing immersive experiences for your students. Workshops can focus on specific aspects of yoga, such as mindfulness, meditation, or advanced asanas. Retreats, on the other hand, allow participants to escape their daily routine and delve deeper into their practice in a concentrated period. This can be an extremely fulfilling way to earn a living, what could be better than being paid to immerse yourself in a yoga retreat and see the world! You can find these sorts of opportunities through Yoga Trade, although there is a small fee to have a membership with them, you do get first pick of all the best opportunities worldwide, so it’s well worth it if your keen to get into retreats.

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Specialist teaching:

Specialise your teaching to cater to specific demographics, such as seniors, children, or those with particular health conditions. Obtaining additional certifications, such as prenatal or therapeutic yoga, enhances your expertise and opens doors to unique teaching opportunities. This avenue not only contributes to the inclusivity of yoga but also broadens your impact.

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Teacher Training:

As you accumulate experience and confidence, consider venturing into teacher training programs. Becoming a teacher trainer allows you to guide and shape the next generation of yoga instructors. This role demands a deep understanding of yoga philosophy, effective teaching methodologies, and the ability to inspire and empower aspiring teachers.

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Products and Merchandise:

If you have a creative flair, consider expanding your brand beyond the mat. Designing and selling yoga-related products, such as mats, props, or apparel, enables you to express your unique style and contribute to the evolving yoga community. This avenue not only diversifies your income streams but also strengthens your personal brand.

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Did you know many studios offer free classes to the local community?

Community classes are great for a number of reasons; not only do they give teachers and trainees like you the opportunity to grow your confidence and hone your craft, studios benefit from new potential customers coming through the door, it encourages more people to practice yoga and you’ll be supporting a great cause! A win-win if you ask me. If you don’t have any community classes operating in your area, try approaching studios or community centers to get something set up.

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Embarking on the path of a yoga teacher is a journey that extends far beyond the confines of a studio. The choices you make in the early stages of your career will shape the trajectory of your professional life. As you navigate this landscape, stay open to the possibilities, continuously deepen your knowledge, and, most importantly, share the transformative power of yoga with passion and authenticity.

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By exploring diverse avenues such as studio classes, renting a space, corporate wellness programs, private sessions, online teaching, workshops, and retreats, you can tailor your career to align with your unique strengths and aspirations. Specialising in yoga for specific populations or stepping into the role of a teacher trainer adds depth to your offerings.