Teachers Mixing Yoga and Money

By Gopi Rao

Sometimes mixing yoga and money can feel about as unlikely as mixing oil and water. Many begin their practice from a personal and spiritual level, which evolves into the desire to pursue yoga as a career. Making the transition from an inward pursuit to a moneymaking opportunity is tricky. This is complicated further by the broad pricing spectrum, which revolves around location, demand, and type of venue. If you plan to pursue a full-time career as a yoga teacher, it might be wise to assess how much money you need to cover your expenses. From there, you can build a plan of how to structure your fees.

Years of Education and Experience

It’s only fair to be compensated for teaching yoga classes. After all, yoga teachers are professional educators who have studied extensively to earn their certification. They have also invested time and money into building their business, including marketing, advertising, and renting space. While some yoga teachers do volunteer their time or trade services with others, most expect to be paid for their work. The question then becomes how much should a yoga teacher charge per class?

How Much?

There is no easy answer, as there are many factors to consider. For example, a yoga teacher’s experience, expertise, and location will all affect their rate. Yoga teachers who have been teaching for many years and have developed a loyal following may be able to charge more than those who are just starting out. Some yoga teachers offer sliding scale rates or discounts for students who cannot afford to pay full price. Others offer free community classes as a way to give back. Ultimately, it is up to the individual yoga teacher to decide what they are worth and what they are comfortable charging per class.

Understanding Yoga and Money

Statistics show that yoga instructors make an average of 28K to 78K annually. The yogic path is varied and diverse. Think about what you enjoy and what fits well with your personality.

Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:

1. What age group do you enjoy working with?

2. Are you more comfortable in a group or private setting?

3. Do you like intense athletic yoga or relaxing therapeutic styles?

4. Do you want to own a business or work for others?

Expected Earnings

In addition, the area you live in will be one of the main determining factors in what you can expect to earn. However, there are some general guidelines. Please keep in mind there is potential to earn more or less.

1. Private lessons – $50 to $105 an hour

2. Studio Classes – $30 to $50 per class or $5 to $10 per student

3. Community Centers – $25 to $45 per class

4. Colleges – Schools are beginning to offer yoga as an elective, and instructors can make $35 to $50 per class.

5. Corporate – Many employers are turning to yoga for physical and mental benefits. You could expect to make $85 to $125 per training session.

Looking Down the Road

If you have a head for business and some start-up capital, you may pursue other options, such as opening your studio or designing and hosting retreats. Be sure you calculate the marketing expense, as that is one crucial element for success in these ventures. Another new emerging concept is the teacher-owned co-op studio. The tricky aspect is finding enough teachers with the same goals that work well together. One way to work out expenses is to figure out the space cost per hour and plan around that. If you love yoga and want to follow that path, take a deep breath and believe. It may take time, but you will achieve your goals.

Internal Conflict

It’s perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable taking money for teaching yoga. After all, yoga is about connection and helping others, not making a profit. However, there are a few things to remember if you’re considering becoming a professional yoga teacher. First, remember that you provide a service people are willing to pay for. They are not just paying for your time but also your expertise and knowledge. If you’re providing value and helping people improve their lives, there’s nothing wrong with charging for your services. Secondly, remember that you have expenses just like anyone else. It would help if you covered your living and business expenses to continue teaching yoga. Charging for your classes is the best way to ensure you can continue doing what you love.

Believe in Yourself

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you’re worth. If you believe in your abilities as a yoga teacher, then others will too. Trust your instincts and ask for what you deserve. If you do this, you’ll be able to continue teaching yoga without feeling guilty or uncomfortable about taking money for it. Additionally, if you want to be paid and still have trouble collecting payment, let someone else do it. This is what the office is for. They take care of applications, paperwork, and payments. Lastly, if you cannot afford an office, you should work for a facility, and they will make sure you are compensated.

Teachers Need a Business Plan

Almost every job these days requires a business plan, and yoga teachers are no exception. To be a successful yoga teacher, you need to have a clear idea of your goals and how you plan on achieving them. A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – it can be as simple as a few pages outlining your goals and strategies. It’s essential to have one, as it will help you stay focused and on track as you build your teaching business. Here are a few key things to include in your yoga teacher business plan:

1. Your target market: Who do you want to teach? What kind of students are you looking for?

2. Your unique selling proposition: What differentiates you from other yoga teachers?

3. Your marketing strategy: How will you reach your target market and get them to come to your classes?

4. Your financial goals: How much money do you want to make? How will you price your classes and services?

5. Your long-term goals: What do you want to achieve with your yoga teaching business? Where do you see yourself in five years or ten years? Sitting down and writing a business plan for your yoga teaching business will pay off in the long run. It will help you stay organized and focused and give you a roadmap to follow as you grow your opportunities.