5 Places to Teach Yoga (besides Yoga studios)

When you are getting close to finishing your yoga teacher training, or perhaps even before you begin, you likely start to consider where you’ll teach yoga. The obvious choice for many teachers is a yoga studio, perhaps one you took your training through or one you frequent, so the transition from student to teacher is fairly natural. However, if you are in a position where you are simply applying for teaching positions at studios, it can be just competitive and difficult to find employment opportunities as any other field. Luckily, there are a variety of places you can teach besides yoga studios that people don’t necessarily consider initially, and some can end up bringing in more income than your typical studio class. Here’s my top 5:

1. Community Centre’s or other rented space - The cost for renting a space in a community centre is usually quite reasonable, and if you go that route you can set up the classes/programming exactly how you want. You will also be in charge of all the back end work in that instance (registrations, marketing etc), which isn’t for everyone, however, some community centre’s also manage their own programs and may just be in need of a teacher! If there is a community centre near you that doesn’t currently run programming, (or even if they do they may want another teacher or class), reach out and see what options are available.

2. Schools & Daycares - If you are passionate about working with kiddos or better yet, certified in children’s yoga, schools and daycares are often looking to provide programming to their students. My tip: figure out which age group you enjoy working with most. Some people love working with teens, and others find it difficult. Some people are incredible at keeping little ones engaged and others find it impossible. Yoga for kids is not the same across all ages/grades.

3. Workplaces - More and more, large companies are realizing the importance of their employees overall wellness and mental health. Yoga programs are typically easy to organize and low cost ways of assisting with this.

4. In Home private classes - Private classes can feel intimidating when you are first starting out, and working one-on-one with someone is a lot different than leading a class of students. Some yoga teachers will thrive in privates, and others will not. You won’t know until you try!

5. Seniors Residences - If you have experience or additional training that qualifies you to work with seniors, reaching out to seniors residences to see if they are interested in a yoga program is a great idea. It may be chair yoga or quite modified, but the benefits for the students will still be great.

Did I miss anywhere? I’d love to know where else you have taught! Leave me a comment below to let me know.

Are you a new or aspiring Yoga teacher or a Yoga teacher looking to start their own business? Check out our Yoga Teacher resources and get my 5 tips for getting started!

Yoga Myth #3: Yoga is too Easy/Boring

This is part three, of a three part series, debunking some common Yoga Myths. If you have a Myth you would like to share or challenge me to debunk, share it in the comments below. If these Yoga Myth articles inspire you to try your first Yoga class - click here to sign up for Yoga in Winnipeg.

“I just can’t get into Yoga, it’s too boooorrrrinnggg…..”. I'm going to break this Myth into two categories - Those who have tried a Yoga class before, and those who have not.

For those who have taken a Yoga class and ended up finding it very boring or too easy, there could be a couple reasons.

1. Maybe you went to a class that was too easy for you - was it a Restorative or Yin class? Was it mostly floor based stretching? A lot of very athletic people, that are used to more intense exercise, will likely find a more passive form of Yoga very boring (they will benefit GREATLY from it - but that’s another article). But if they went to a more active style class - Flow, Vinyasa, Ashtanga - they may find it a bit more challenging, stimulating, and up to their speed. Those kinds of classes are sometimes referred to as the "gateways" to the other styles of Yoga for those who are coming from a very athletic background. Once you get bit by the Yoga "bug" and want to learn more and keep feeling good, you can venture into some of the other styles.

2. Maybe you didn't jive with the studio/instructor. There are many different styles of Yoga studios and ways teachers approach the practice. No two instructors are the same, so maybe it just wasn't a good fit.

3. Maybe Yoga just isn't for you at this point in your life. I said it. I truly believe Yoga is for Everyone, but that doesn't mean that everyone feels the same way. Fair enough.

Choosing the right style of Yoga can make a big difference!

For those who have never tried Yoga and just have a perception that it is too easy or boring....don’t knock it til you try it! Choose a class that you think is appropriate for your fitness level, understand that going to one Yoga class means you've gone to one Yoga class, and that each class will be different. Leave your ego at the door and really pay attention to how your body feels during and after. I bet it will feel pretty good! Quick story: I used to teach a class at a fitness centre that was attached to an army reserve base. I primarily had military spouses and family members in my classes, while the military personnel were working out in the weight room next door. Every now and then, someone finishing up their heavy lift would walk by our room and get curious. One very athletic looking man decided to come on in and give our Yoga class a try. His exact words after coming out of one of the poses were "I thought Yoga was easy and just stretching - I am sweating!". Too easy? I think not ;)

Yoga Myth #1 - You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga

This is part one, of a three part series, debunking some common Yoga Myths. If you have a Myth you would like to share or challenge me to debunk, share it in the comments below. If these Yoga Myth articles inspire you to try your first Yoga class - click here to sign up for Yoga in Winnipeg.



Yoga can look different and still be as beneficial

“You have to be flexible to do Yoga” - This is probably the most common misconception and most commonly used "excuse" as to why people haven't tried Yoga. Unfortunately, this myth is reinforced by Social Media accounts of uber flexible Yogi's, and magazine covers showing poses by people who have very advanced practices. You do not have to try and look like those people. There are many, MANY, poses that do not require you to lift your leg over your head, extend your spine into a backbend, or stand on your head. You don't have to be able to touch your toes, we have blocks and belts for that. You simply don't have to DO anything you aren't comfortable doing. All you have to do is show up, be open, feel and move your body, and take some deep lovely breaths. And you know what?? After you've practiced for awhile (no set length of time, it's different for everyone) you will find you have more flexibility! That’s because Yoga is a practice that is meant to help increase flexibility (as well as balance and strength).

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Yoga props are there to help you access and modify poses.

So, let's agree to stop worrying about not being flexible enough to try Yoga. If you go to the right kind of class (maybe a Beginner Class), with a teacher that can assist you with modifications when necessary, and truly listen to your body while you practice (without trying to force yourself into what you think is a "picture perfect" shape), you will safely reap the many benefits from the practice. And as a bonus, you may be able to get closer to reaching your toes after a couple months!