Are you looking to learn how to make your yoga class unique and stand out against the competition? You’re in the right place! In this blog post, we will go over many different ways to yoga class more unique and unforgettable for your students.
As a yoga teacher, it’s easy to get into a creative slump. This list will also help you keep your yoga classes fun and fresh.
Use this list to inspire your teaching style; consider incorporating one of several of these techniques into your yoga class to bring it to the next level.
By nature, humans love music and instruments. By incorporating musical live instruments you will create a one-of-a-kind environment for your students that will allow them to transcend their body and mind.
Music can help people tune into themselves on a deeper level. This will make your class a powerful experience for your students.
Consider using bells, flutes, singing bowls, and harmonizing forks at the beginning of class or just before savasana.
Check out this blog post all about the best and most unique sound healing instruments.
Reciting a meaningful and impactful poem during your practice can be something that your students might look forward to. There is just something beautiful about poems, they can put something intangible into words.
A good time to recite a poem is at the beginning of class during intention setting, at the end of class, or perhaps in the middle of class while students are holding a pose.
You can find plenty of poems online or in compilation books. Just be sure to share a poem with your students that you personally like so that you are further defining your brand.
Sing
This might not be for everyone, but if you have the talent and the confidence, sing to your students! I personally loved it when my teacher would sing or chant, there is something very deep and beautiful about a singing voice.
Try adding a song before or after class. If you are uncomfortable singing, you can try humming as well.
Songs should be in the realm of yoga philosophy, research Buddhist and Hindi mantras (don’t go singing your favorite radio song.)
Recite Mantras
If singing just isn’t for you, another impactful way to reach your students and put them into a trance is by reciting mantras.
Check out this list of mantras with audio pronunciation to try reciting in your next class.
Use A Theme
Another great way to make your yoga class unique is by using a theme to build your yoga class. This can give you fresh inspiration and make it fun and interesting for your yoga students.
A theme can be anything, you can have a twist-themed class or a class themed on the current season or weather.
Some of my favorite yoga classes were when the teacher guided us through a difficult pose I had never seen or tried before. Even though it might have been difficult, I enjoyed the process of trying to bend and move my body and muscles into the pose.
Right in the middle of class when everyone is really warmed up is a good time to try out a difficult pose.
Some difficult yet fun and interesting poses are Eight-Angle Pose, Crow pose, head or handstand, Scorpion pose, Firefly pose, and Peacock pose.
Group work during a yoga class is when you get 2 or more yoga students get together and try to accomplish a task or pose. Group work is unconventional and even though it might make students uncomfortable at first, everyone ends up laughing and making new friends at the end of the task.
Group work can last only a few minutes but the goal is to get your students to help each other. A good example is setting up groups of 3, one person gets into a headstand position. The other 2 students, create a basket with their hands while standing up. Then the student practicing the headstand brings their legs up inside the basket. This way the student practicing the handstand can feel safe if they fall.
Try Unique Cues
The same old cues can get boring class after class for your students. Try switching it up with some unique cues. You can add metaphorical cues like “move like water,” or use imagery like “breath out like you are trying to squish a grape with your lungs.”
Keep An Upbeat Class
Sometimes yoga classes can feel monotonous, especially for new students who don’t quite fully understand or aren’t familiar with the flow yet.
Instead of giving out cues in a flat or monotone voice, try to keep the energy up as well as your students’ attention by adding more cadence to your voice.
You can also try moving around the room to keep everyone on their toes. This will make for a more energized class.
Be Friendly To Your Students & Create A Community
Many people go to yoga for their physical and mental health benefits. What can benefit mental health more than being part of a supportive and loving community?
You will definitely have students return to your classes if you go the extra mile to be friendly, courteous, empathetic, and supportive to your students.
Take a few minutes before or after class to get to know your students, after a while they will become friends and will be sure to never miss one of your classes.
Offer Teatime Before Or After Class
A unique way to build community and add a standout aspect to your class is to offer tea time before or after your class. In your class description be sure to let students know to come early, or stay late for a complimentary cup of tea.
This is a great way for students to connect with each other, build friendships outside the studio, and for you to get to know them as well.
Journaling has become very popular because of its mental health and goal-achieving benefits. You can tell students to bring a journal and add a few minutes at the beginning or end of a class for everyone to jot down a couple of thoughts and intentions.
Each class you can offer a different prompt, or even just let students write whatever comes to mind..
A great way on how to make your yoga class unique is by holding the class somewhere different than a yoga studio. You can move your yoga class outside into nature, into a church or theater, onto a rooftop parking garage, or onto the beach.
Just make sure to provide all relevant details to your students and any equipment they might need at the new location like sunscreen or hats.
Play Awesome Music
Music is an easy way to set your yoga class apart from the rest. You want the energy of the music to match the energy of the class.
If you have an upbeat, intense yoga class, chill flute music would not be ideal.
To make a playlist for your class, use something like Spotify and practice with it before playing in your class.
Add Essential Oils
Essential oils are a unique way to open up the senses and wake up the mind. You can add essential oils into the air via a diffuser, or you can give everyone a drop of essential oil before or after class.
A drop of essential oil can also be rubbed into the forehead or temples at the start of savasana. Be sure to advise your students before doing so.
Incorporating essential oils into your class may be very appealing to most students, but some may not like the intense smells, so be sure to outline this in your yoga class description.
Massage Your Students
A massage is something that your students will love and it will keep them coming back to your class. You can try massaging your student’s lower back while in Child’s Pose or Downward Facing Dog, or you can massage their shoulders in seated poses.
Always ask before touching as some students might not want to be touched.
Try Unique Adjustments
Another way to connect with your students that will make your yoga class unique is to adjust your students. I always appreciated a good adjustment because I am more likely to remember the proper form.
You can adjust your students in many different ways. Try adding a yoga strap or block for more impact.
Breathwork or pranayama can be just as powerful as the physical movement of a yoga class. Add 5 to 10 minutes of breathwork at the beginning of your session to make your class distinctive.
Include Meditation
Most yoga classes have time for meditation, but you can make your class stand out by making the meditation session different.
Some ideas for an uncommon mediation session are to offer a guided mediation session, play instruments, or get students into an unconventional pose while they meditate.
Include Science-Based Facts
Everyone these days wants to know the science behind everyday life. To make your class stand out, teach your students something new by adding science-based facts about what and how yoga works.
For example, while your students are holding a deep stretch, you can talk about the science of stretching. Memorize a few interesting tidbits to use at appropriate times during the yoga class.
Make People Laugh
One way to make your class outstanding is by making people laugh. Sometimes yoga can feel really serious or intense, you can brighten the mood and be different by making your students feel happy and relaxed.
Try making people laugh by literally telling (appropriate) jokes, saying something funny that happened to you recently, or being in the moment and improvising.
Do Something Unexpected
Another way to make your yoga class fun and exciting is to do something unexpected. Instead of starting the class in Easy Pose, start in Downward Facing Dog.
If you always have the mats facing a certain direction, change it up. Mix up the flow by adding new poses or flows. This dynamic practice will keep students on their toes and coming back for more.
More Tips On How To Make Your Yoga Class Unique
Try adding any of these ideas above to your yoga class to make it something unparalleled in your community.
Yoga became popular decades ago and has since become mainstream. Just like any other popular activity, people have put their own spin on yoga and brought a variety of weird and unconventional types of yoga to the world like goat yoga, horse yoga, heavy metal yoga, and dog yoga just to name a few.
If you are looking to try something new and exciting or you’re trying to take your yoga business to the next level by offering new experiences, then you need to check out this list of the wackiest and weird types of yoga that are available in the world today.
Heavy Metal Yoga is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines an intense yoga-based workout with blaring heavy-metal music and a drill sergeant-type teaching style.
Heavy-Metal Yoga became popular through Metal Yoga Bones, where the instructor describes her classes as such: “Salute to the moon and connect to the dead, raise your metal mantras, and offer your practice to the darkness, and most importantly have some fun during your practice.”
Truly her classes are something to behold, check out this video below showcasing her using a death metal voice to cue the class.
Naked Yoga
Naked or Nude Yoga is nothing new, this type of liberating yoga has been around since ancient times. People are now embracing naked yoga in studios around the world to support body positivity and cultivate confidence.
Practicing yoga at your local studio completely naked is definitely a unique albeit weird experience.
Screaming/Rage Yoga
If you think that letting out a good scream is cathartic, then Screaming Yoga might be for you. There is a new movement combining yoga, screaming, and “raging” that people say allows them to let go of bad energy and stress. Their motto is “let that sh*t go.”
These classes are usually accompanied by beer and during class, students are encouraged to curse loudly, scream, and give the world the finger.
Yoga with goats? What will people come up with next… Turns out practicing yoga around a bunch of “kids” is actually boatloads of fun; the goats love to jump on top of people doing downward-facing dog or plank. This makes for a super fun yoga class to invite your friends to or to do on a weekend.
Goat yoga became popular several years back and is still going strong with many goat yoga classes happening all around the country.
Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga is another unique and weird type of yoga because it takes you completely out of the studio and out into nature. It’s challenging and a great workout because you need to balance on top of the standup paddleboard.
The class usually starts on land with some good stretching, and then you get on the paddleboard in the water. Part of the challenge and fun is trying to stay on the board and not get wet.
Aerial Yoga is a unique yoga experience where stretching and exercising are facilitated by a “yoga swing” that is bolted into the ceiling. With this swing, there are an infinite number of yoga poses to try and experiment with.
The aerial yoga swing is also great for non-weight-bearing inversions because when you go upside down your spine is getting stretched out just from the weight of your head.
Acrobatic Yoga Or Acro Yoga
Acro Yoga is a mixing of the physical abilities of acrobatics with the poses of yoga. Acrobatic yoga is always practiced with a partner. One person is usually lying flat on their back on the ground supporting the other person with their feet.
Acro yoga can incorporate flips, jumps, and difficult moves.
Partner Yoga is just what it sounds like, it’s yoga poses facilitated by another person. The second person helps you get into deeper poses that you wouldn’t be able to get into by yourself.
It is also a way to connect with another person in an unconventional way.
Laughter yoga is a joyful and unique exercise that combines laughter with yogic breathing techniques. Participants engage in laughter exercises and playful activities to promote laughter without relying on jokes or humor.
It’s not just about giggles; it aims to boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being through the contagious power of laughter in a group setting.
Yoga Rave
Yoga Raves have been popping up in cities all around the world. It’s a simple idea, bring the lifestyle and poses of yoga and combine them with a party vibe. Think live DJ playing upbeat loud music, party lights, and dancing in between yoga poses.
Silent Yoga is one of the weird types of yoga; all students wear cordless headphones during the session and the teacher gives cues and plays music through the headphones. Using headphones makes each person feel like they are getting a private one-on-one class.
Most of the headphones used in Silent Yoga also have noise-canceling technology, allowing students to really tune into themselves and minimize distractions from the outside world.
Source: Whoopee Club
Ganja / Cannabis Yoga
People are already combining beer, goats, and metal music with yoga so why not weed? Getting buzzed off ganja is actually quite conducive to a yoga workout; it’s relaxing and can even promote positive mental health effects.
Ganja Yoga has become a brand name founded by Dee Dussault. in Canada. Her motivation was to create an experience where students can expand spiritually through and find a safe place to “bend and blaze together.” She even offers yoga teacher training specifically guiding teachers on how to teach weed-infused yoga classes.
Source: Yoga Deets
Horse Yoga
Horse or Equestrian Yoga involves practicing yoga poses on a horse or near a horse. It is perfect for athletic equestrians who are looking to get a good stretch in before a ride or a long day of drills.
Practicing yoga near horses can also create a therapeutic experience by fostering a serene environment, promoting mindfulness, and making a deeper connection with the animals, contributing to both mental and emotional well-being. Just like the growing popularity of equine therapy.
Bunny Yoga
Bunny Yoga, also known as rabbit yoga, is a delightfully silly practice that involves doing yoga while surrounded by adorable bunnies.
The presence of bunnies adds a cute and calming element to the yoga experience, making it a unique and enjoyable experience.
Kitten yoga
Kitten Yoga is a heartwarming and playful yoga practice that incorporates adorable kittens into the session. During the class, these fluffy little companions roam around, bringing an extra dose of joy and spontaneity to the yoga poses.
Slackline Yoga combines the balance-challenging activity of slacklining with yoga poses. Practitioners perform yoga on a suspended flat webbing, similar to a tightrope but with more dynamic movement.
This fusion of balance, strength, and flexibility creates a unique and adventurous yoga experience, requiring focus and mindfulness to maintain stability on the slackline while going through various
Tantrum Yoga
Tantrum Yoga is an unconventional and expressive form of yoga that encourages participants to release stress and tension through intentional tantrums and vocal expressions.
In this practice, individuals engage in movements like stomping, screaming, and even using explicit language, as a means of catharsis. This can allow participants to let go of pent-up emotions and stress in a controlled and supportive environment.
Dog Yoga (Doga)
Dog Yoga, often called “doga,” is a fun practice that involves incorporating dogs into a traditional yoga class. Some classes bring in puppies while others let the students bring their own dogs to the yoga class. It’s a heartwarming way for both dogs and their owners to enjoy the benefits of yoga together.
“Bro Yoga” typically refers to yoga tailored just for men, offering a more laid-back and approachable style of yoga. There is usually a focus on building strength, flexibility, and relieving stress. It combines traditional yoga poses with a casual and friendly atmosphere.
Bro yoga classes may include elements of mindfulness and relaxation, while still catering to a more masculine or athletic vibe. It’s an inclusive approach to yoga that aims to make the practice accessible and enjoyable for individuals who might be new to yoga or prefer a less formal setting.
You might find “Snoga” offerings at some of the poshest ski resorts around the world. Snoga usually refers to Snow Yoga, a practice that takes traditional yoga poses out to the snowy landscape. Participants engage in yoga outside in the snow, combining the benefits of yoga with the invigorating experience of being in a winter environment.
Pole Yoga, also known as pole dancing fitness, is a dynamic fusion of traditional yoga and pole dancing techniques, offering a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, and balance while incorporating elements of dance and self-expression for a fun and empowering fitness experience.
Aqua Yoga
Aqua Yoga is a gentle and rejuvenating practice performed in a pool, combining traditional yoga poses with the buoyancy of water to enhance flexibility, promote relaxation, and provide a low-impact workout, making it suitable for various fitness levels.
Private yoga classes are a great way for yoga teachers to make more income and diversify their teaching schedule. If you are a yoga teacher looking to offer private yoga classes, you might want to invest in some new yoga equipment first.
New and unique equipment will ensure that your classes are not only unique and customized to each student, but will bring value to the price of your class and create a memorable experience for the student.
Check out this comprehensive list of all the equipment you need to teach private yoga classes and how to use them below 👇
Yoga teachers can make far more money teaching private yoga classes compared to just teaching in a yoga studio. A private yoga class can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 for just a 1 or 1.5-hour class.
Private yoga classes are different than teaching in a group class though. You need to take the time to get to know your student’s goals and weak points and tailor a class specifically for their skill level. Adding and using different kinds of equipment during the class can help your students achieve their goals faster and give them something new to explore.
It’s also important to note that getting new students to schedule private yoga lessons with you will take a bit more effort on your part. You will need to market yourself often and consistently. Check out this blog post about marketing to fill yoga classes.
List Of All The Equipment You Need To Teach Private Yoga Classes
This is a comprehensive list of everything you could ever need to teach a private yoga lesson. Note that you will not need everything on this list, but some items may be needed for students with special needs, goals, or injuries.
The most essential yoga equipment pieces for teaching a private yoga class are a yoga mat, yoga blocks, and a yoga strap.
The list is organized by importance, the most essential items are at the top and more auxiliary items are near the bottom.
Most yoga students will probably have their own yoga mat, but as a teacher, you never want to be caught without one. Your students might forget theirs or perhaps their mat is low quality and you want them to have a better experience.
You want to choose a yoga mat that has a powerful grip that can stand up to sweaty hands and has a nice cushion layer.
I love this yoga mat by Jade because it’s made from 100% natural latex meaning there are no plastics or polymers in this yoga mat.
Yoga blocks are a necessity in your equipment list for both beginners and experts. They can help your students achieve better alignment and deeper poses.
Yoga straps are another important piece of yoga equipment. Straps can be used to lengthen poses and you can also manipulate a student more effectively by controlling the strap.
An amazing touch to a private yoga class is offering your student the ability to thoroughly clean their mat after practice. Keep one in your yoga bag at all times.
I once experienced a private yoga class where my instructor placed small weighted pillows on my eyelids, my shoulders, and in the palms of each of my hands. It was the most relaxed I have ever felt.
Using this type of yoga equipment in your private yoga class will keep your students coming back for more.
Pro-tip: If you are using eye pillows for multiple students, offer to put tissue in between the student’s eyes and the pillow to prevent contamination.
Yoga bolsters are used often in Yin classes to help get students super relaxed and deep into a pose. Either way, it’s a powerful piece of yoga equipment for the right student.
If you plan on setting the mood for your private yoga classes, a Bluetooth speaker is key. Playing soft background music can help people get into the “zone” more easily and ease any tension in the body and mind.
Yoga wheels have become popular over the last few years for their ability to increase back flexibility. It’s especially useful for students who are looking to deepen into backbends.
Some student’s personal goals may be to gain more body strength. By incorporating ankle or wrist weights into some of the yoga practice, you will be able to target specific muscle groups and grow strength faster.
Make sure to choose a weight set that is adjustable so it can fit all of your students snugly.
Foam rollers are a fantastic tool to help alleviate tension in nearly any area of the body. You can use a foam roller in your yoga practice for both strength-building and body tension release.
A set of 5lb dumbbells is something that your students might appreciate using if they are trying to build strength quickly.
Remember, as a private yoga instructor, you are not bound by any rules. You can create any style of yoga or exercise class you and your students desire. You will draw most of your inspiration from what your student’s goals are.
Another great way to set the mood for your private yoga class is by diffusing some essential oil into the air. (Always best to make sure that’s OK with your student first, as some people are very sensitive to smells.)
If you are teaching a relaxing yin-based class, diffusing lavender oil would be complimentary to the ambiance. Or if you are teaching a more upbeat class then an envigorating oil would fit the bill.
To go along with your essential oil diffuser, you will need an essential oil kit. You can also use these oils directly on the skin of your students; you can ask them to put some on their foreheads or wrists before or after a class.
You can also rub essential oils into the temples of your student just before savasana (whatever you or your student is comfortable with.)
Oils will add another layer of unique experience for your students.
Create a small collection of books that you can read from before or after a yoga class. This will either set an intention or finish the class off on a poignant note.
Another amazing experience to bring to your private yoga class is a sound healing element. Singing bowls can bring powerful energy to your classes and keep your students booking more and more classes with you.
Try playing them at the beginning of savasana to help your students drop into pure relaxed bliss.
Yoga chairs are usually used to help seniors get into poses easily, but they can be useful for other students who have disabilities or a recent injury.
Many students sign up for private yoga classes to learn something they have difficulty with or are uncomfortable trying in a group class setting. One of those skills is head or handstands.
By offering your students an inversion bench in a private class setting, you are giving them the confidence and support they need to eventually succeed at the pose without the equipment.
The best way to build a private yoga class is to interview your students directly, you can offer them a questionnaire to fill out or speak with them on the phone.
Make sure to keep the location in mind, if you will be practicing outside, make sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and a sweater if necessary. Make sure your student comes to class fully prepared as well.
Teaching private yoga is a very fulfilling experience and having the right equipment to facilitate your students’ needs will make your business a success.
If you own a yoga studio or are a yoga teacher you might want to start hosting yoga workshops. Yoga workshops offer a new way to explore poses or yogic philosophies for both students and yoga teachers. Yoga workshops can also bring more students into your class or studio, generate more income, create more dedicated and loyal students, and diversify your class offerings.
If you are looking to host a yoga workshop, check out this complete list of yoga workshop ideas to help you create your next stand-out event.
A yoga workshop is different compared to a yoga class as it allows students to focus on one particular aspect of yoga, whether that be a pose or type of poses, meditation, a type of philosophy, or to achieve a certain goal like better posture or sleep.
The length of a yoga workshop can range anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours and during that time students can expect a lot of one-on-one support from the teacher through direct coaching, hands-on adjustments, and personal recommendations. These workshops are usually a more friendly and intimate environment than regular yoga classes.
The cost of a workshop also varies, anywhere from $30 to $200.
Benefits of hosting a workshop include:
Deeper connection with your existing students
Draw new students to your studio or class
More income
Build a yoga community around your studio or class
Practice your teaching skills in a more intimate environment
Get creative with your offerings
Advance the skill level of your students
Tips For Hosting A Successful Yoga Workshop
The best way to host a successful workshop is by offering something you know your current students are interested in. For instance, if you have noticed that some of your students are struggling with inversions, then an inversion workshop might be compelling to them. Or perhaps your students regularly complain about back pain or poor posture.
Another great way to find out what your students want to learn is to conduct a poll via social media. Ask them what kind of workshop they would attend or offer a list of options to choose from.
Advertise your workshop well in advance so people can make time for it. Make sure there is adequate information as well as an FAQ section about the workshop listed on either your yoga studio website or your personal website.
Create flyers about the event and post them at your studio and other relevant boards around town.
Leverage local marketing opportunities to get the most people aware of your event as possible.
Help students deepen their flexibility and work towards achieving a full split with a comprehensive workshop that focuses on stretches, techniques, and progressions. A full-split is an awesome achievement but it brings so many other benefits like great flexibility in the entire hop region.
Backbend Workshop
Many yogis are trying to extend the flexibility of their backs. Explore the art of back bending through a workshop emphasizing safe and effective techniques to open the spine and cultivate strength and flexibility. Try poses like Boat Pose, Full Wheel Pose, and Camel Pose.
Expand the heart center and improve posture with a workshop dedicated to chest and heart-opening poses, fostering emotional release and a sense of openness. Use poses like Camel Pose, Upward-facing Dog, and Wild Thing.
Yoga Wheel Workshop
The yoga wheel is a fun yoga accessory that can help strengthen the back. Show students unique ways to use a yoga wheel, exploring various poses and stretches to deepen flexibility, improve alignment, and build strength.
Chair Yoga Workshop
Make yoga accessible to all with a chair yoga workshop, adapting poses for seated and supported practice, promoting mobility and relaxation.
Headstand Bench Workshop
Headstand benches are another unique yoga accessory that can make going upside down accessible to anyone. In this workshop focus on proper usage, alignment, and the therapeutic effects of being upside down.
Blocks Workshop
Elevate everyone’s practice by using yoga blocks in creative ways to enhance stability, alignment, and accessibility in various poses.
Yin Workshop
Delve into the meditative and restorative aspects of yoga with the restorative power of Yin. Focus on long-held, passive stretches to release tension and cultivate mindfulness.
Reiki Workshop
Reiki is done by licensed practitioners but you can host an intro workshop to the world of Reiki, allowing people to learn the basic techniques which they can use on themselves.
108 Sun Salutations Workshop
Sometimes hosted on January 8th (1/08,) these workshops have become popular across yoga studios. All this workshop consists of is doing a sun salutation 108 times. Students find this challenge a way to build strength in both the body and mind.
Advanced Asana Workshop
Dive deep into advanced yoga poses, breaking down the mechanics, alignment principles, and variations. Explore the progression from foundational poses to more challenging asanas, catering to teachers or advanced yogis looking to expand their repertoire.
Chakra Balancing FlowWorkshop
Explore a workshop that focuses on poses and practices designed to align and balance each of the seven chakras. Participants can learn about the significance of each chakra and how to incorporate specific poses to enhance energy flow. Pass out worksheets so people can remember what each chakra is about.
Yoga and Art FusionWorkshop
Combine yoga with creative expression by integrating art into the practice. Participants can create art inspired by their yoga experience, making a connection between the physical and creative aspects of well-being.
Yoga for Stress Relief and RelaxationWorkshop
Offer a workshop that delves into specific yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation practices aimed at reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Include guided meditation and mindfulness exercises.
Partner Yoga ExplorationWorkshop
Foster connection and trust with a partner yoga workshop. Participants can explore poses that involve working together, promoting communication, and building a sense of community.
Yoga Nidra and Sound HealingWorkshop
Guide participants through a deep relaxation experience using Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) combined with the soothing vibrations of sound healing instruments like singing bowls or gongs.
Yoga and Mindful EatingWorkshop
Connect yoga practice with mindful eating habits. Explore how yoga philosophy can influence our relationship with food, and incorporate a mindful eating session to heighten awareness around nourishment.
Yoga and Essential Oils Workshop
Combine the benefits of yoga with the therapeutic properties of essential oils. Participants can experience a sensory-rich practice with carefully chosen oils to enhance their yoga journey. Offer information material about the benefits of each specific essential oil.
Yoga for Better SleepWorkshop
Address common sleep issues through a workshop focused on gentle yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques specifically designed to improve sleep quality. Present a short yoga session that students can do right before bed to calm down their systems and sleep better.
Yoga and Nature Workshop
Take the practice outdoors by organizing a yoga workshop in a natural setting. Connect with the earth and sky, and incorporate outdoor activities like hiking or meditation in nature.
Yoga For Desk DwellersWorkshop
Cater to individuals with sedentary lifestyles by offering a workshop focused on yoga poses and stretches that can be easily done right at a desk or inside an office space, promoting better posture and flexibility. Overall trying to help students achieve better posture and less tension in the upper back.
Explore the philosophical aspects of yoga beyond the physical practice. Discuss ancient texts, ethical principles, and the broader philosophy behind yoga, and how to incorporate them into everyday life.
Yoga and JournalingWorkshop
Combine yoga with journaling exercises to encourage self-reflection and personal growth. Participants can explore their thoughts and feelings before and after the practice to deepen their connection with the yoga experience.
Yoga for Cyclists/RunnersWorkshop
Design a workshop tailored for athletes, focusing on poses and stretches that complement the specific needs of cyclists or runners. Emphasize injury prevention, flexibility, and strength building.
Yoga and AromatherapyWorkshop
Integrate the power of aromatherapy into a yoga session. Explore how different scents can enhance the yoga experience and promote relaxation, focus, or energize participants.
Yoga for Emotional ReleaseWorkshop
Create a safe space for participants to explore yoga as a tool for emotional expression and release. Incorporate heart-opening poses and guided meditation to encourage emotional well-being. Offer a space for people to not only move freely but host a sharing session where people can speak freely.
Address common back issues with a workshop dedicated to poses and techniques that strengthen and support the back. Include discussions on posture awareness and lifestyle tips for a healthy spine.
Yoga and Laughter TherapyWorkshop
Infuse joy and playfulness into yoga with laughter therapy. Incorporate laughter yoga exercises to promote a sense of lightness, stress relief, and overall well-being. Encourage students to laugh or smile on certain cues.
Yoga and Ayurveda IntegrationWorkshop
Explore the synergy between yoga and Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. Discuss how Ayurvedic principles can enhance one’s yoga practice and overall health.
Yoga for Creativity BoostWorkshop
Cultivate creativity through yoga poses and practices that stimulate the mind. Include visualization exercises, free-flowing movements, and partner activities to inspire creative thinking. Tell students to bring a journal so they can document any ideas that arise during the workshop.
Yoga and Drum Circle FusionWorkshop
Combine the rhythmic energy of drum circles with yoga for a unique and immersive experience. Participants can move to the beat, syncing their movements with the drumming for a dynamic session.
Yoga for Balance and StabilityWorkshop
Focus on poses that improve balance and stability, enhancing core strength. Include props like stability balls or balance boards to add an element of challenge to the practice.
Yoga and Nutrition WorkshopWorkshop
Explore the connection between yoga and nutrition. Discuss mindful eating, the impact of different foods on energy levels, and how nutrition can support a holistic approach to health.
Yoga for SeniorsWorkshop
Tailor a workshop for seniors, incorporating gentle movements, chair yoga, and practices that enhance flexibility and joint mobility. Emphasize the importance of yoga for maintaining overall well-being in later years.
Create a workshop that emphasizes the integration of yoga into daily self-care rituals. Explore personalized routines that participants can incorporate into their daily lives for enhanced well-being.
Arm BalancesWorkshop
Help students develop strength and balance as they delve into the art of arm balances, mastering techniques to lift and balance the body. Use poses like Crow Pose, Firefly Pose, and Eight-angle Pose to get students arms fired up.
InversionsWorkshop
Explore techniques to safely and confidently go upside down. Students can get into groups to help support each other (literally) while going upside down. Tell students all the wonderful benefits of head and handstands.
Twist And Detox Workshop
Enhance spinal mobility and detoxify the body through a workshop focused on the art of twisting yoga poses. Make sure to include plenty of information on why and how twists are so detoxifying for the body.
Pure FlexibilityWorkshop
Most yogis are interested in increasing overall flexibility; incorporating dynamic stretches and postures and using longer holds to get deeper into the fascia and muscle tissue.
Prenatal YogaWorkshop
Create a prenatal yoga workshop that is tailored to the unique needs of expectant mothers. Talk about safe yoga practices, breathing techniques for giving birth, hip-opening stretches, and more.
Postnatal YogaWorkshop
Support postpartum recovery and well-being through gentle movements, breathwork, and relaxation in a postnatal yoga workshop.
Baby And Me Yoga Workshop
Offer a workshop where new mothers can learn how workout with their baby, or just offer a fun time for them to connect with their baby and their body in a new way.
Yoga AnatomyWorkshop
Deepen your student’s understanding of the body’s mechanics and alignment principles in a comprehensive workshop exploring yoga anatomy.
BandhasWorkshop
Explore the energetic locks of the body, refining your practice and enhancing the flow of prana through focused Bandhas. Talk about each one and how to target them.
Pranayama
Delve into the art of breath control, cultivating awareness and harnessing the transformative power of pranayama. Offer several different types of pranayama styles so students can use their favorite in their own practice.
Kundalini
Offer a Kundalini intro workshop where students can awaken dormant energy through dynamic movements, breathwork, and meditation.
Power Yoga
Ignite strength and stamina in a dynamic and challenging power yoga workshop, focusing on flow and intensity. Make sure everyone stays hydrated!
Ashtanga Intro
Host an Ashtanga yoga introductory workshop, exploring the foundational principles of this dynamic practice. Spend time on some of the more difficult poses.
Lotus Sitting
Lotus sitting can be difficult for some people lacking flexibility. Offer a workshop all about how to get into full lotus position for the best meditation. Also, show some alternatives for those that can’t reach full lotus.
Mantras
Dive into the transformative power of sound with a mantra workshop, exploring the resonance of sacred sounds in your yoga practice. Send students home with a worksheet so they can practice whatever mantra resonates the most with them at home.
Body Positivity
Embrace self-love and acceptance in a body-positive yoga workshop, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Back Work
Most people lack strength in the back and that manifests in poor posture, back pain, and more. Help students build back strength and release tension in the back through targeted poses and stretches in a workshop dedicated to back health and mobility.
Better Posture Workshop
Improve your posture and overall well-being through a workshop that combines targeted yoga poses, alignment principles, and personalized guidance to cultivate a strong and balanced foundation for a healthier stance and increased vitality. Use props like straps and blocks to open up the chest and upper back.
Complete List Of Yoga Workshop Ideas For Yoga Teachers
Yoga teachers regularly attend workshops to stay up-to-date on their teachings and what’s new in the industry. Your yoga studio can specifically target yoga teachers as your main customer.
Here are some yoga workshop ideas specifically geared toward yoga teachers:
Sequencing Mastery
Focus on the art of sequencing a yoga class. Discuss the principles of effective sequencing, explore different themes, and provide hands-on practice in creating well-rounded and engaging classes.
Yoga Philosophy Immersion
Offer an in-depth exploration of yoga philosophy, including ancient texts, ethical principles, and the broader spiritual context. Discuss ways to integrate philosophical teachings into modern yoga classes.
Adjustment and Alignment Intensive
Provide a hands-on workshop where teachers can refine their adjustment skills and deepen their understanding of proper alignment. Emphasize the importance of clear communication and consent in adjustments.
Yoga Anatomy Deep Dive
Delve into the anatomy of key yoga poses, exploring muscle engagement, joint movement, and common misalignments. Help teachers develop a deeper understanding of the body to enhance their cueing and alignment guidance.
Inclusive Yoga Teaching
Explore strategies for creating inclusive and accessible yoga classes. Discuss modifications for different abilities, body types, and health conditions. Foster a welcoming environment for all students.
Business of Yoga
Guide teachers in navigating the business side of yoga, including marketing, branding, and studio management. Provide insights into building a sustainable career as a yoga instructor.
Yoga for Special Populations
Focus on adapting yoga for specific populations, such as seniors, pregnant individuals, or people with injuries or health conditions. Provide tools and modifications for creating safe and effective classes.
Theming and Storytelling in Yoga Classes
Explore the art of weaving themes and storytelling into yoga classes. Help teachers enhance their ability to create meaningful and inspiring experiences for their students.
Yoga and Trauma-Informed Teaching
Provide training on trauma-informed yoga teaching, emphasizing sensitivity, choice, and empowerment in the classroom. Equip teachers with the tools to create a safe and supportive environment.
Yoga Workshop for Continuing Education Credits
Design a workshop that fulfills continuing education requirements for yoga teachers. Cover a range of topics, including anatomy, philosophy, teaching methodologies, and ethics. Become certified to offer credits through Yoga Alliance.
Yoga Retreat Planning and Hosting
Guide teachers in the intricacies of planning and hosting yoga retreats. Cover logistics, marketing, program design, and creating a transformative experience for retreat participants.
Pranayama and Meditation Intensive
Deepen teachers’ understanding of pranayama (breath control) and meditation techniques. Provide practical tools for incorporating breathwork and meditation into classes for enhanced mental and emotional well-being.
Yoga for Kids and Teens
Offer a workshop on teaching yoga to children and teenagers. Cover age-appropriate poses, games, and mindfulness techniques, emphasizing the unique aspects of working with younger populations.
Yoga and Technology Integration
Explore how technology can enhance yoga teaching, from online class platforms to social media marketing. Help teachers navigate the digital landscape while maintaining the essence of the practice.
Hands-On Adjustments
Hone your skills in providing effective and mindful hands-on adjustments, enhancing the depth and alignment of yoga poses.
Working on Your Cues
Refine your verbal communication skills as a yoga teacher, focusing on clear and effective cues to guide students through their practice.
Transitioning in Flow
Explore seamless transitions between poses, cultivating the art of fluid movement and maintaining grace in dynamic flow sequences.
Prenatal Yoga Basics
Gain foundational knowledge and techniques for leading safe and supportive prenatal yoga classes, catering to the unique needs of expectant mothers.
Develop skills in leading meditation and Yoga Nidra sessions, creating a space for deep relaxation and inner exploration.
Anatomy
Deepen your understanding of the human body’s anatomy in the context of yoga, enhancing your ability to guide students with precision and safety.
Sun Salutation Deep Dive
Immerse yourself in the intricacies of the sun salutation sequence, exploring variations, alignment principles, and the holistic benefits of this foundational practice.
Whether you are a seasoned yoga teacher who is moving to a new studio, or a complete newbie yoga teacher, having your yoga class full of students each and every time is important for your path to success.
The truth is, filling a yoga class consistently can be a hard task to achieve, especially if you don’t have a local following or this is your first time teaching.
In this blog post, we will go over in-depth all the ways on how to fill a yoga class plus unique and unconventional ideas that will keep your classes full.
To start filling your yoga class, you want to start with an epic, appealing, and very accurate yoga class description.
When someone is looking over their local yoga studio and deciding what class to go to, the two biggest factors are the time of day and the description.Of course, people are going to go to the classes that work for their schedule, but they may also change their day to try out a class that sounds really compelling to them.
Make sure to use descriptive and exciting language to describe your class. And be as honest as possible, if your class is strenuous, then make sure you highlight that, and if it is gentle or yin-based make sure that is very clear.
Experienced yogis know what kind of practice they want and if they come to your class expecting one thing and practicing another, they may not return to your class.
It’s a good idea to regularly revisit your class description to update it as your class evolves through time. It’s also a good reminder of what expectations new students are bringing to your class.
Advertise Locally
The next step on how to fill your yoga class is to advertise your class in the local community in as many ways as possible. You want people to know about your class and why they should try it out.
Here are some ways you can advertise your class locally:
Create Eye-Catching Promotional Materials
If you don’t have a business card or flyer designed yet, now is the time. Having branded, visually appealing, and well-designed promotional materials will help you fill your yoga classes.
You don’t need any design skills, just head over to your local print shop or use online print services like VistaPrint, Print Place, or Moo Print to print what you need. Search “yoga” or “wellness” to get ideas or use one of their pre-made designs.
An example of yoga business promotional materials that also have a special offering; the back of the card has a place to collect stamps toward a free class. Picture from Instagram user @du4lifeuk
Community Bulletin Boards
Utilize local community bulletin boards in cafes, grocery stores, and community centers to post visually appealing flyers about your yoga classes. Ensure that your contact information and class details are clear and easy to read.
Local Newspapers And Magazines
Place advertisements in local newspapers or community magazines. Some publications offer affordable rates for small businesses.
Consider including a promotional offer or discount to entice new students.
Collaborate With Local Businesses
Partner with local businesses such as health food stores, wellness centers, or cafes. They might allow you to leave flyers or business cards at their locations.
Offer special promotions for their customers to encourage cross-promotion.
Attend Community Events
Participate in local fairs, festivals, or community events. Set up a booth or space to promote your yoga classes.
Offer short demonstrations or mini-sessions to give people a taste of what your classes are like.
Workshops And Free Introductory Classes
Offer free introductory workshops or classes to attract new students. Advertise these events through local channels and use them as an opportunity to showcase your teaching style.
Make sure to always collect contact information from attendees to follow up with promotions and class schedules.
Referral Programs
Speak with your studio owner about potentially creating a referral program for current students. Current students can refer friends and receive discounts or free classes as incentives for successful referrals.
Collaborate With Other Instructors Or Health Professionals
Network with other fitness or wellness instructors in your area. They may be willing to cross-promote your classes to their students, and you can reciprocate.
Bring your promotional materials to special doctors like chiropractors, midwives, and physical therapists as sometimes their patients are in need of yoga. You can offer the owners a free class so they can try your class and hopefully recommend it to their patients.
Leverage Your Online Presence
Most likely the first place people are going to find you or look you up is on the internet. It’s important to have a professional website, active social media, and accurate listings on your yoga studio’s website to attract and keep students.
Here’s how to fill a yoga class by leveraging your online presence:
Keep Your Profile Up-to-date On Your Yoga Studio Website
Every yoga studio website has a teacher’s section. Make sure you are prominently and accurately listed in this portion of the website.
Use a professional yet visually appealing photo of yourself, add a well-written bio, and link to your personal website and social media accounts.
Example of a yoga instructor about page from Skanda Yoga Studio in Miami. Note all the well-taken, bright photos of each instructor.
Maintain A Professional Personal Website
Besides being listed on your yoga studio’s website, make sure you invest the time and energy into creating your own website. This will help you appear more professional and reputable. Having your own website will also help you in future endeavors when you branch out and try other yoga business opportunities.
Always include clear contact details on your website. If someone has a question or wants to join a class, they should be able to reach you easily.
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization):
Whether it’s on your yoga studio’s website or your own, you want to make sure you are utilizing the power of local SEO to help people find your class.
Optimize your own website for local search terms to increase visibility in search engine results for people looking for yoga classes in your area.
Local Directory Or Chamber Of Commerce Website
Sometimes towns or cities offer an online business directory listing for local businesses which can sometimes be free.
Also, check to see if your studio is listed on local online directories and review sites like Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. If not, encourage them to get listed ASAP.
FAQ Section
Adding an FAQ section to your website can help weary or newbie yogis who might be on the fence about joining your class.
Try to anticipate any questions that might arise and answer them honestly in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on your website.
Testimonials And Reviews
Testimonials and reviews are very important for attracting new clients. Share positive stories from current or past students on your website. Real experiences can help new students feel more confident about joining your classes.
Add A Blog To Your Website
Add a section to your website where you can share more in-depth information about topics you have expertise in. This will show your audience you are a true teacher and take your job seriously.
Start A YouTube Channel
A YouTube channel can serve as a place for people to see you teach in action. You really only need one or two videos for people to get a sense of how you teach or what your classes are like.
Consider offering exclusive online promotions or discounts for new students or when they sign up for your newsletter (this is the best way to build an email list!) This can be a great way to attract people who discover your classes through your website.
Offer A Free Local Yoga Class
Everyone has heard of a free “yoga in the park” class in their town or something along those lines. This is usually a local yoga teacher who is trying to build a reputation and attract regular students.
The benefit of offering a free class is that potential students can try before they commit. You can also offer special discounts to attendees if they come to a class at the studio in the future.
It’s also another opportunity to pass out flyers or business cards.
Social media is great for yoga teachers because it is a visual platform and helps build a community both online and in the real world.
Leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote your classes.
Here is how to fill a yoga class using social media marketing:
Tell Your Story
The whole point of social media is to be “social” right? Use your accounts to tell your personal story, which will allow people to connect with you on a personal level and help build trust with your audience.
If you have something unique about yourself or your personal story, don’t be shy to share it with the world.
Post Visually Appealing Content
Create engaging posts with eye-catching visuals and relevant hashtags.
Find an overall theme for your social account; it could be a mix of yoga poses, nature, quotes, healthy lifestyle tips, and class or event announcements.
Transform your account to a business account so you can track the engagement of your posts. Over time, see what posts perform the best and then make more of those kinds of posts.
Use your social media platforms to announce upcoming classes. Include details like date, time, location, and any special themes or focuses for the session.
If you host workshops, events, or special classes, use social media to create buzz. Share details, images, and countdowns to generate excitement.
Educational Content
Post clips from your yoga classes on TikTok or offer tutorial-type videos. When you post educational content, you are building trust with your audience.
Post about the benefits of yoga, specific poses, or wellness tips. This positions you as an authority in your field and attracts those interested in learning more.
Occasionally offer promotions or discounts for new students through your social media channels. This can incentivize people to give your classes a try.
Client Testimonials
Share positive testimonials from your current students. Real experiences can build trust and interest among potential new students.
Interactive Challenges
Create fun and interactive challenges related to yoga on your social media. Encourage followers to participate and share their experiences. This can create a sense of community and attract new members.
Behind-the-Scenes
Give your followers a glimpse into your life as a yoga teacher. Share behind-the-scenes moments, such as your own practice, preparation for classes, or snippets of your daily routine. This personal touch can make you more relatable.
Go Live
Use Instagram or YouTube Live to host live yoga sessions, a Q&A discussion, or you can report directly from an event like a workshop or a retreat to entice future students.
Highlight Student Progress
Showcase the progress of your students by featuring before-and-after photos or success stories. This demonstrates the effectiveness of your classes and motivates potential students to join.
Collaborate With Yogi Influencers
Partner with local influencers or wellness bloggers who align with your yoga philosophy. They can introduce your classes to their followers, expanding your reach.
Interactive Polls And Surveys
Use polls and surveys to gather feedback from your audience. Ask about their preferences, challenges, or what they’d like to see in your classes. You can also use a poll to find out the best time to host your yoga class.
Start Email Marketing
Email marketing is incredibly effective at turning potential clients into paying customers. Even if your yoga studio is collecting emails, you should also be collecting emails on your personal website as well. This way, if you leave or change studios, you can personally let your most loyal students know.
It will also give you a way to advertise any new classes you might offer, private classes, and any future yoga business opportunities like retreats or workshops you might offer in the future.
Host Events & Workshops
Use your local yoga studio as a place to host a yoga event or workshop. A yoga workshop can focus on a specific need you might notice in your students, like a handstand workshop, hip-opening workshop, balance workshop, and more.
This is a great way to build trust with students and get to know them on a deeper level. Plus workshops and events usually have a higher ticket price than just regular classes meaning these events can be a great source of income for popular teachers.
One of the most important ways on how to fill a yoga class is to have a very consistent schedule. If youcancel a class last minute or change locations suddenly, you’re leaving current and potential students confused and irritated.
Teach the same classes every week and at the same location. You can have classes at multiple locations but keep the day and time the same. If for whatever reason you want to change your schedule, make sure you have a good way to notify your students i.e. through social media, email marketing, on your website, on your studio website, and through physical flyers or schedules.
If you can’t make it to a class, it’s best to have a sub than just cancel it altogether. If your loyal students are in the habit of going to your class every Wednesday night for example, it’s better to keep them in the groove than to break it for a week or two, you’ll never know if they’ll return. Plus with a sub, they will be very excited about your return!
Offer Something Unique
Another surefire way on how to fill a yoga class is to offer something unique. As you evolve as a yoga teacher, you will find your “niche.” That may be meditation, power yoga, sound healing, or yogic philosophy.
Having a unique aspect about your classes that really stands out to students can create a buzz that will drive more people to come and check it out, and hopefully become loyal students.
Here’s a list of ideas to help you make your yoga class stand out against competition:
Many people these days struggle with comparing themselves to others; the quickest way to lose a yoga student is by making them feel self-conscious or judged. Many people go to yoga classes specifically to quell their anxiety or self-esteem issues, as a teacher you should cultivate a very supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
Through your cues and how you speak, let your students know it’s not about how they look in a pose, it’s about how they feel and where their attention is. Your students should know your class is a safe place and a place for positivity and self-growth.
You want to maintain a positive and uplifting vibe, you can achieve that by staying humble and showing compassion for others no matter their ability level.
Build Relationships With Your Students
The most important part of your yoga class as a yoga teacher is your students! Take the extra 10 minutes at the end of your classes to get to know your regular students. As students return week after week, they will build strong relationships with you and they will look up to you as a beacon of light in their life.
Building these positive, community-minded relationships will make your class more appealing. It will also entice new students to return because of the friendly, accepting atmosphere.
Hope you learned all there is to know on how to fill a yoga class! Just know that with consistency and passion, you will find success in the yoga industry.
