You’ve just finished your 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. Now what?
Your 200 Hour YTT certificate can open so many doors for you - and they’re not just studio doors! Oftentime, new yoga teachers aren’t sure how to make money teaching yoga. Yoga studio classes don’t always pay particularly well so it's difficult to make a living solely teaching in studios.
Many new teachers make the mistake of attempting to fill their schedules with as many studio classes as humanly possible, sometimes attempting to teach upwards of 20 classes per week. Remember that 20 classes does not equal 20 hours of work. When you include the 30 minutes before and after class you likely take to chat with students and prepare yourself for class, the drive time, the time it takes to sequence classes, the time it takes to create playlists, etcetera, this becomes more like a 40-60 hour workweek. The energy exchange between students and teachers can also drain quite a bit of energy from teachers, especially newer teachers who haven’t quite mastered the art of energy cleansing. This can and does quickly lead to burnout.
While there are endless ways that you can use your 200 Hour YTT certification to make money as a yoga teacher - including teaching in studios, teaching privates, creating online courses and classes, leading retreats and trainings, and so much more - in today’s blog we’ll cover the basics of how to teach workshops.
The Path to Sustainable Income: A Guide for New Yoga Teachers on Hosting Workshops
In the serene world of yoga, where mindfulness and tranquility reign supreme, the idea of making money can sometimes seem incongruous. However, for many yoga teachers, finding ways to generate income without sacrificing the essence of their practice is essential. One avenue that offers both financial viability and creative fulfillment is hosting yoga workshops. These workshops not only provide a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering community but also offer a sustainable source of income for new yoga teachers without the risk of burnout.
Why workshops?
Yoga workshops help students who want to dive deeper into the world of yoga to learn more without having to take a 200 Hour YTT themselves. They can cover a wide range of topics from advanced asana to breathwork to yogic philosophy to unique styles of yoga.
But why would you want to teach workshops? While studio classes are a reliable source of weekly income, they simply won’t pay the bills without leading to burnout. Workshops on the other hand allow you to not only give your students what they want - more yoga! - but they also come with a much higher paycheck.
The Foundation: Understanding Your Audience
Before diving into the logistics of hosting workshops, it's crucial to understand your target audience. Who are the people you want to attract to your workshops? What are their needs, interests, and skill levels? Tailoring your workshop content to meet the specific requirements of your audience ensures that participants find value in your offerings and are more likely to return for future workshops.
Look to the students who are already in your studio classes. What are they most interested in? What kinds of asana are they most excited to learn about? Arm balances? Inversions? Backbends? What kind of philosophy do they enjoy hearing in your classes? What kinds of questions do they ask you before and after class?
Don’t be afraid to ask your students questions! Chances are they love talking about yoga just as much as you do. Create an open environment for discussion after your classes to get an idea of what your students are craving more information about!
Another place to crowd-source ideas is on social media. Ask your instagram followers or tiktok followers questions about the kinds of workshops they wish were available to them. You don’t have to host in-person workshops - using Zoom or other online platforms can be just as impactful as an in-person workshop.
Crafting Compelling Content
Once you have a clear understanding of what your audience wants, it's time to craft workshop content that resonates with them. Consider focusing on specialized topics that cater to niche interests within the yoga community. Whether it's mastering advanced asana, exploring meditation techniques, or delving into the philosophy of yoga, offering unique and engaging content sets your workshops apart and attracts participants seeking deeper knowledge and experiences.
Strategic Planning and Promotion
Hosting successful workshops requires strategic planning and effective promotion. Start by selecting suitable dates and times that accommodate your target audience's schedules. Create a compelling workshop description that highlights the benefits participants can expect to gain. Leverage social media platforms, email newsletters, and local yoga communities to spread the word about your workshops. Collaborating with yoga studios or wellness centers can also help expand your reach and attract a broader audience.
Cultivating Community Engagement
Building a sense of community among workshop participants is essential for fostering long-term success. Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences and connecting with one another. Encourage open dialogue, provide opportunities for group activities, and foster a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Cultivating a strong sense of community not only enhances the workshop experience but also encourages participants to return and recommend your workshops to others.
Embracing Evolution and Growth
Stay open to feedback from participants and be willing to adapt and refine your approach based on their insights. Your workshops are only as good as your audience perceives them to be. Make sure that you are addressing concerns and making small tweaks to the workshop to improve it each time.
Continuously expand your knowledge and skills through ongoing education and professional development opportunities. As you refine your workshop offerings and deepen your connection with your community, you'll not only enhance your earning potential but also experience greater fulfillment and purpose in sharing yoga workshops.
Hosting yoga workshops offers new teachers a sustainable way to generate income without burning out. By understanding your audience, crafting compelling content, strategic planning, fostering community engagement, prioritizing self-care, and embracing growth, you can create meaningful and financially viable workshop experiences that benefit both you and your students. So, step onto your mat, embrace your unique gifts as a yoga teacher, and embark on a journey of empowerment, connection, and abundance through the transformative practice of yoga.
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