You started a yoga practice to reduce stress, reconnect with yourself, or maybe even get back that pre-baby body. Somewhere between your first down-dog to mastering a handstand, a transformation took place. You became addicted to the yoga class after-glow. Suddenly, your new passion for yoga is the main topic of conversation.
This is how many yoga teachers seem to discover their career path. A passion for practicing yoga turns into a passion for sharing yoga. Life as a yoga teacher seems idyllic – flexible hours, comfortable clothing, relaxing atmosphere. Not to mention that most yoga teachers seem to have found the fountain of youth.
So what does a career teaching yoga look like? How do you get started? Can you afford to live off of teaching yoga?
[private]
A day in the life of a new yoga teacher
*This is based on the conversations of numerous yoga teachers*
6AM Teaching the early morning class at the gym. As a new yoga teacher, I don’t get the best (or most convenient) class times. I So I teach the early morning classes to get my name out there and show the gym how well I can teach. I started with only a few people in my class, but I’ve been letting people know about my class and now I have a good number of students. Sometimes I teach a 6AM followed by a 7AM class – two classes back to back helps me to limit my driving time.
10AM Subbing a class at a local studio. It’s harder to get on the schedule at a yoga studio – especially if you aren’t Yoga Alliance certified. So I made sure to get on the sub lists at local studios and I attend classes so that the teachers know who I am. When I am a regular at the studio, they call on me to sub more often.
12PM I found a local company that is interested in offering a weekly class to their employees. We meet in one of their large conference rooms for a lunch power hour. I have worked out an arrangement where the company pays half the class price so the students only have to pay $5 each. Some of these students are starting to attend my other classes or ask about private sessions.
2PM I teach a few private clients in their home. This is a great way to fill up my afternoon with teaching. Right now I only have a few private clients, but I hope to teach 10 private sessions per week within a few months.
3:30PM I try to spend about an hour each day marketing myself. I call studios to see if they need subs, talk to the manager at the gym about additional classes, or contact HR departments about offering yoga for employees. Each week, I try to pass out business cards or set up a new event.
5:30PM My last class of the day is right as people are leaving work. Most of these students are looking to switch gears and relax before heading home. The location of the gym is near lots of corporate offices, so I this is usually my biggest class of the day.
Getting your teaching certificate
While there are no restrictions for teaching yoga, the completion of a yoga teacher training program can not only provide you with a broader knowledge of yoga, but can increase your chances finding employment with gyms and studios.
One search on the internet will yield an array of training programs, ranging from online courses to intensive face to face training. Some programs are only $50 for a certificate and others cost upwards of $3000.
If you are serious about a career in yoga, invest in a Yoga Alliance approved teacher training certification. Is it more expensive? Absolutely. However, few yoga studios will hire you without a minimum of a 200 hr. RYT.
Before you start teaching
Even before you complete your teacher training program, you can begin to lay the foundation for a solid yoga business. Being proactive now will allow you to hit the ground running once you have your certificate in hand.
- Complete CPR and first aid training. Most facilities require you to have this training, however few yoga training programs include it in the curriculum. Contact the Red Cross to enroll in a training program.
- Purchase Yoga Teacher Insurance. This insurance protects you if something happens to a student while in your class. The insurance doesn’t cost much, but can be a major life saver is something does happen. You can purchase insurance through Yoga Journal or Yoga Alliance.
- Create a student information form. Most studios and gyms have this already, however if you are teaching on your own make sure you have this! A student information form serves two purposes 1) waiver of liability if the student gets hurt and 2) collects contact information for mailing or emailing marketing materials.
- Volunteer to teach a community class. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! This includes teaching yoga. As a new yoga teacher, the more you can practice, the smoother your classes will be. Teach as often as you can – for family and friends or calling up studios to ask if you can teach their community class. Ask for feedback and your teaching will improve dramatically.
- Create marketing materials. There will be another post regarding this, however you can begin by putting together a resume, bio, and professional photos.
Next…attracting students to yoga
[/private]
