Achieve Financial Freedom With These 5 Yoga Instructor Strategies

By Adam Carney, Certified Yoga Instructor

My background

At the age of 22, I made the decision to leave my career and embark on a journey to India to pursue my yoga teacher training. The stress from my 9-5 job had become overwhelming, and I knew that if I didn’t take action, it would negatively impact my mental well-being.

During my initial years as a yoga teacher, I faced challenges when it came to the concept of earning money in this profession. However, by focusing on effective strategies, I was able to attain financial success. Here are the four essential steps I took that led to my accomplishments.

Why leave a stable job for a career in yoga?

Many individuals transition from high-stress careers to teaching yoga, possibly due to a desire for a less demanding job. However, becoming a full-time yoga teacher requires a significant amount of hard work, comparable to or even exceeding that of a desk job. Despite this, the potential benefits, such as the ability to control one’s own future and income, can make it a worthwhile pursuit.

I have learned a lot on my yoga journey and have experienced tremendous personal growth as I have refined what it means to me to call myself a yoga instructor. I have explored many teaching styles, meditation techniques, and yoga theories. I researched the world of yoga as I found the right training program to match my goals.

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Why become a yoga instructor?

Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with this popularity comes a growing demand for qualified yoga instructors. If you have a passion for yoga and a desire to share your knowledge with others, pursuing a career as a yoga instructor may be a great option for you.

One of the main reasons to pursue a career as a yoga instructor is the opportunity to help others. As a yoga instructor, you have the ability to guide students through their practice, helping them to improve their physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, and find a sense of inner peace.

Feeling of Purpose

Many yoga instructors find this work to be incredibly rewarding, as they are able to witness the positive impact their teaching has on their students’ lives.

Additionally, teaching yoga can be a great way to build a sense of community and connection, both within your local area and within the larger yoga community.

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Work-Life Balance

Another benefit of pursuing a career as a yoga instructor is the flexibility it offers. Many yoga instructors work on a freelance basis, allowing them to create their own schedules and choose the types of classes they want to teach. This can be a great option for those who value work-life balance and want to have control over their schedule.

Because yoga is a growing field, there are many opportunities for career growth and advancement, whether it be through teaching more advanced classes or opening your own studio. Overall, pursuing a career as a yoga instructor can be a fulfilling and rewarding choice for those with a passion for yoga and a desire to help others.

How much should you expect to make?

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for yoga teachers in the US is around $56,000. It is important to note that this figure is based on full-time teachers, and it is common for many instructors to not teach full-time. Depending on factors such as the city and the number of classes taught per week, instructors may earn an average of $20 to $50 per hour class.

However, it is worth mentioning that as yoga teachers progress in their careers and start offering retreats and training, their earning potential can increase. The highest-earning yoga teachers I know make over $100,000 per year, but it is important to note that this represents only the top 1% of teachers.

Factors contributing to pay

In addition to earnings, experience and education are also important factors to consider when pursuing a career as a yoga teacher. Many employers require at least a 200-hour certification from a reputable yoga school, and some may prefer instructors with additional training or specialized certifications.

Additionally, experience teaching in a variety of settings, such as studios, gyms, and corporate environments, can help instructors stand out in a competitive job market. Continued education and professional development can also lead to increased earning potential and opportunities for advancement in the field.

Starting your own practice

Starting your own personal practice can be a challenging but fulfilling journey. Owning your own yoga practice allows you to have more control over your work and potentially earn more income. However, it’s important to approach this endeavor with a clear plan and strategy in place to increase the chances of success.

A step-by-step guide can help you navigate the process of starting your own yoga practice. It can include important considerations such as identifying your target market, securing funding, setting up your business structure, and marketing your services. By identifying your target market, you can tailor your services to meet their specific needs. Securing funding is essential to cover start-up costs and ensure the longevity of your practice. Setting up your business structure can help protect your personal assets and ensure legal compliance.

Finally, marketing your services can help you reach potential clients and establish your brand. With careful planning and execution, you can turn your dream of owning your own yoga practice into a successful reality. It may require hard work and dedication, but the rewards can be significant.

What classes can a yoga instructor teach?

Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people seeking to incorporate it into their daily lives. There are several different types of yoga classes that a yoga instructor can teach, each with its own unique focus and benefits.

One type of yoga class is Hatha yoga, which is a slow-paced, gentle form of yoga that is suitable for beginners. It focuses on basic yoga poses and breathing techniques, and is designed to help improve flexibility, balance and strength. Another type of yoga class is Vinyasa yoga, which is a more dynamic form of yoga that involves flowing from one pose to another in a continuous sequence.

It is designed to build strength and endurance, as well as improve flexibility and balance. Other types of yoga classes include Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga, Iyengar yoga, and Kundalini yoga, each with its own unique focus and benefits. There are also niche options to teach hot yoga, prenatal yoga, and yin yoga.

What yoga teacher training programs should yoga instructors take?

To become a certified yoga instructor, it is essential to complete a yoga teacher training program that meets the standards set by Yoga Alliance, a non-profit organization that regulates yoga education worldwide. These programs typically require a minimum of 200 hours of training and cover topics such as yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and ethics.

For yoga instructors looking to further their training, there are many recommended yoga teacher training programs available. Some of the most popular options include the Yoga Alliance, which offers a 200-hour and 500-hour certification online training programs, and the International Association of Yoga Therapists, which offers a 1000-hour certification online yoga teacher training program.

Other notable programs include the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, both of which offer comprehensive training in a variety of yoga styles.

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My 5 Tips for Establishing a Successful Career in Yoga:

Choose your school wisely.

When choosing a yoga school, it is important to consider factors beyond just the cost and location. Look for a school that offers a comprehensive curriculum, including not only the physical practice of yoga but also the philosophy and history behind it.

Additionally, consider the credentials and experience of the teachers who will be leading your training. A reputable school will have instructors who are knowledgeable and experienced in their field, and who are dedicated to helping their students grow and develop as yogis.

You can now get a yoga certification online or in India for less than $1,000. I think this is a huge mistake. Your teacher training is what’s going to keep you inspired for the rest of your life, you’ve got to develop a huge passion for it. You’ll do this by getting around great teachers, and an amazing community in an inspiring location. I recommend using the site Find Yoga Trainings site to find your teacher for training.

Early in your career don’t be picky, just teach!

To improve your teaching skills, it is recommended to teach as many classes as possible during your first year. You could aim to teach up to 500 classes, even if it means taking up substitute classes from other teachers or teaching at gyms and community centers.

The primary goal of the first year should be to gain confidence and experience in the classroom, rather than focusing solely on earning money. This approach will help you develop your teaching style, understand different student needs, and build a strong foundation for your future career as an educator.

In your second year of teaching, it’s important to continue building on the experience and skills you gained in your first year. To do this, consider seeking out more specialized teaching opportunities that align with your interests and strengths. For example, if you have a passion for teaching yoga to children, look for opportunities to teach at schools or after-school programs and consider becoming a registered children’s yoga teacher.

Alternatively, if you have a background in dance, consider offering classes at a local studio or community center. By focusing on your areas of expertise, you can become an even more effective and confident teacher, and attract a loyal following of students who appreciate your unique approach. Remember to stay open to new opportunities as well, as they can help you continue to grow and develop as a teacher.

Focus on relationship building.

As a yoga instructor, building a strong relationship with your students is crucial for creating a positive and comfortable learning environment. By taking the time to get to know your students and their individual needs, you can tailor your classes to best suit them. This personalized attention can help students feel more motivated and confident in their practice, leading to a greater sense of satisfaction and loyalty.

Additionally, fostering a sense of community within your studio can help students connect with each other and feel a sense of belonging, which can further enhance their overall yoga experience.

The second largest yoga studio chain in the world YogaWorks based in LA and San Francisco got so large because from the beginning, they focused on training their teachers to create deep relationships with their students. When you go to a YogaWorks class, you know the teachers are going to remember your name, they are going to give you adjustments and compliments, and they are going to speak to you after class. These are all the little habits it takes to become a great yoga teacher. This took me a while to learn, but the micro-habits make all the difference.

Develop side-jobs

As a yoga instructor, it is crucial to diversify your sources of income. Besides teaching classes at a studio, you can also consider offering private sessions and providing nutrition counseling. Additionally, organizing events and retreats for your followers can be an effective way to promote your services. It is important to continuously come up with innovative offerings to keep your students engaged. However, it is advisable to gain some experience before venturing into organizing retreats.

In addition to the above, you can also consider creating online courses or tutorials to reach a wider audience. This can be a great way to supplement your income while also providing value to those who may not be able to attend your in-person classes. With the rise of technology, online teaching has become more accessible and popular, making it a viable option for yoga instructors looking to expand their reach.

Socialize in the yoga-teacher circles

Connecting with other yoga teachers can be a great way to expand your social circle. Not only can you learn from each other’s experiences and knowledge, but you can also build a supportive community of like-minded individuals. By attending workshops, trainings, or even networking events, you can meet new people who share your passion for yoga and build lasting relationships. Plus, having a strong network of fellow teachers can also lead to new opportunities and collaborations in the future.

When I first started, I found it beneficial to surround myself with experienced teachers. This allowed me to receive helpful guidance and advice in the beginning stages. As I gained their trust, they frequently invited me to substitute their classes. Additionally, I was invited to assist with their retreats, which eventually led me to organize my own.

If you are looking for a great example of a teacher to model your career after, Kia Miller is a fantastic example.

Conclusion

Sure, yoga knowledge is important. But career skills are just as important. But I’m confident that if you focus on these things as a yoga teacher, you’ll see that it is a legitimate career path and you can make money doing it.

If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge about building a yoga career, I highly recommend Paul Teodo’s course on building a thriving yoga career. Paul was the #1 rated teacher in LA by TheCultureTrip and is one of the highest-earning teachers I know. He breaks down his entire system in detail and guarantees you a full-time career if you follow the system.