Are you a yoga teacher feeling overwhelmed with your growing to-do list? Struggling to bring your business ideas to life? It’s time to get organised, establish structure, and propel your yoga business forward.

Running a yoga business isn’t just about teaching classes – it requires strong time management, project management, and effective systems to ensure long-term growth and success. Without organisation, it’s easy to feel stuck or bogged down by daily tasks. In this workshop, we’ll explore the key strategies you need to help you streamline your business, from planning to execution, so you can focus on what matters most: teaching yoga and serving your clients.

Why Organisation Is Key to Yoga Business Success

As a yoga teacher, you might be juggling lesson planning, marketing, client communications, and administrative work. Without a clear structure, managing these tasks can quickly become overwhelming. Having effective organisational systems in place allows you to:

• Increase productivity by focusing on important tasks.
• Create space for growth and innovation in your business.
• Reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

Whether you’re just starting out or have an established yoga business, setting up the right systems will help you grow more effectively and sustainably.

Master Time Management with Time Blocking

One of the most powerful tools for managing your time is time blocking. This involves grouping similar tasks together and allocating dedicated time slots for them. By using time blocking in your Google Calendar, you can ensure that essential tasks like marketing, customer service, and lesson planning are organised and consistently completed.

For example:

• Marketing tasks: Block time weekly for creating social media content, newsletters, or advertising strategies.
• Lesson planning: Dedicate time to crafting sequences or workshops.
• Client communication: Set aside specific times to handle emails, social media messages, and phone calls.
  

Balance Daily Tasks and Long-Term Projects

Managing your time effectively involves balancing reactive tasks (like responding to emails) with proactive projects (such as launching a new course or workshop). It’s important to allocate time for both. Reactive tasks help you maintain your business, while proactive projects allow you to innovate and grow.

To maintain this balance, try setting up two types of office hours:

• Reactive time: Focus on daily tasks like admin work, customer service, and responding to emails.
• Proactive time: Use this time for larger projects like designing a new class series or developing a marketing plan.
  

Stay Organised with Trello for To-Do Lists

A solid to-do list is essential for staying organised, and tools like Trello can help you manage your tasks effectively. Trello allows you to create boards for different areas of your business, such as marketing, lesson planning, or admin work. By keeping all your tasks in one place, you’ll have a clear overview of what needs to be done and can track your progress easily.

Some tips for using Trello effectively:

• Break tasks into smaller steps for easy tracking.
• Organise tasks by priority to ensure the most important work gets done.
• Set deadlines for each task to keep yourself accountable.
  

Weekly Planning and Review

Planning your week in advance is key to staying on top of your business tasks. By setting aside time every week to plan and review, you can adjust your schedule to improve productivity. During your review, take note of what worked, what didn’t, and where you can optimize your workflow. This process helps you stay agile and adaptable.

Understand the Project Management Life Cycle

When tackling new projects, using a project management life cycle can help you stay organised and focused. Whether you’re launching a new class, workshop, or program, the following steps can guide you:

1. Concept Leadership: Define your vision for the project.
2. Development: Plan and create the content for your offering.
3. Marketing: Develop a promotional plan to attract clients.
4. Delivery: Launch your offering, review its success, and make adjustments as needed.
   

Grow Your Yoga Business with Effective Organisation

By implementing these time management and project management strategies, you can not only stay organised but also create the structure you need to grow your yoga business. The key is consistency – regularly planning, reviewing, and refining your systems will ensure long-term success.

RELATED: SOPs Yoga Teachers: Business Checklist

Join Our Community

For more support and FREE resources, join our Facebook community, The Yoga Teacher Collaborative. Connect with other yoga teachers, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights on how to make your classes more inclusive and accessible.

Connect With Laura:

• Instagram: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Facebook: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Website: [www.lauragreenyoga.co.uk]

Tags: #YogaBusiness #ProjectManagement #TimeManagement #OrganiseYourYogaBusiness #YogaTeacherCollaborative

Conclusion

Effective organisation, time management, and project management are the foundation of a thriving yoga business. By implementing these strategies—time blocking, balancing tasks, using tools like Trello, and following a clear project management life cycle—you can take control of your workload, reduce overwhelm, and create space for growth. Whether you’re just starting out or have been teaching for years, getting organised is essential for scaling your business and staying aligned with your goals.

Start by setting small, achievable steps today, and watch your yoga business evolve with clarity, structure, and purpose. With the right systems in place, your dreams can finally move from vision to reality, giving you the freedom to focus on what you love most: teaching yoga and serving your community.

Exploring Pre and Post Natal Yoga with Nadia Rafaat and Laura Green

Are you interested in learning more about prenatal and postnatal yoga? Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to specialise in this area or an expecting mother seeking support during your pregnancy, understanding the unique needs and benefits of yoga for pregnancy can be incredibly valuable. In this blog post, we’ll explore key insights from our recent workshop with guest teacher Nadia Raafat, a Pregnancy Yoga and Doula specialist, along with me, Laura. We’ll cover teaching tips, answer common questions, and delve into the transformative journey of matrescence—becoming a mother.

Understanding Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is tailored specifically for pregnant women, focusing on poses and practices that support the body through the various stages of pregnancy. It aims to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance while promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Postnatal yoga, on the other hand, is designed for new mothers and focuses on helping them recover after childbirth, rebuild strength, and reconnect with their bodies.

Teaching Tips for Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga

When teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga, it’s essential to understand the physical and emotional needs of pregnant and postpartum students. Here are some tips for instructors:

1. Educate Yourself About Pregnancy: Before teaching prenatal or postnatal yoga, it’s crucial to learn about the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. Understanding these changes will help you provide safer and more effective guidance to your students.
   
2. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: Ensure your class is welcoming and supportive. Use props to modify poses as needed and encourage open communication so students feel comfortable discussing their needs or limitations.
   
3. Focus on Breath and Mindfulness: Breathwork is a powerful tool in pregnancy yoga. Teach breathing techniques that promote relaxation and help manage stress, which can be beneficial during labour and postpartum recovery.
   
4. Adapt Poses for Pregnancy: Not all yoga poses are suitable for pregnant women. Adapt poses to ensure they are safe and supportive, particularly as the pregnancy progresses. Focus on gentle stretching, hip openers, and poses that strengthen the pelvic floor.
   
5. Encourage Rest and Self-Care: Pregnancy and postpartum are times of significant change and adjustment. Remind your students to listen to their bodies and prioritise rest and self-care.

Common Questions About Teaching Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga

Do You Need to Have Personal Experience with Pregnancy to Teach Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga?

While personal experience with pregnancy can provide valuable insight, it is not a requirement to teach prenatal or postnatal yoga. What’s more important is a deep understanding of the physiological and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as specialised training in prenatal and postnatal yoga.

How is Pregnancy Yoga Different from Classical Yoga?

Pregnancy yoga is specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant women, with modifications to accommodate a growing belly and other pregnancy-related changes. It emphasises gentle, supportive poses, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to help manage stress and prepare for childbirth. In contrast, classical yoga can be more vigorous and may include poses that are not suitable for pregnant women.

What is the Journey for a New Mother Returning to Yoga?

For a new mother, returning to yoga can be a deeply healing experience. Postnatal yoga focuses on restoring strength and stability, particularly in the core and pelvic floor. It also provides a space for new mothers to connect with their bodies, process their experiences, and find community with other mothers.

How Can Yoga Philosophy Support the Pregnancy Journey?

Yoga philosophy, with its emphasis on mindfulness, compassion, and balance, can offer profound support during pregnancy and the transition into motherhood. Practices such as meditation, breathwork, and mindful movement can help expectant mothers connect with their bodies, manage stress, and prepare mentally and emotionally for childbirth and motherhood.

What Are the Contraindications for Yoga During Pregnancy?

Certain poses and practices are not recommended during pregnancy, particularly those that involve deep twists, intense backbends, or lying flat on the belly. It’s essential to be aware of these contraindications and adjust your teaching to ensure the safety and comfort of pregnant students.

The Spiritual Journey of Matrescence

Matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, is a profound journey that involves physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Yoga for pregnancy can support this journey by providing a space for self-reflection, connection, and community. In our workshop, we explored how practices like holding space and facilitating sharing circles can create a supportive environment for new mothers to share their experiences, learn from one another, and grow together.

RELATED: The Psychic Pathways of Arohan and Avarohan

Join Our Community

For more support and FREE resources, join our Facebook community, The Yoga Teacher Collaborative. Connect with other yoga teachers, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights on how to make your classes more inclusive and accessible.

Connect With Laura:

• Instagram: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Facebook: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Website: [www.lauragreenyoga.co.uk]

Tags: #Prenatalyoga #Postnatalyoga #Yogaforpregnancy #Pregnancyyoga

Conclusion

Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to specialize in prenatal and postnatal yoga or a soon-to-be mom seeking support, understanding the unique aspects of yoga for pregnancy can enhance your practice and teaching. By incorporating these tips and insights, you can create a safe, supportive space for pregnant and postpartum students, helping them navigate the challenges and joys of pregnancy and motherhood. Don’t forget to share this workshop with fellow yoga teachers and join our community for ongoing support and resources.

Yoga and ADHD: Mini Workshop for Yoga Teachers with Laura Green and Kim Pierpoint

Welcome to today’s mini training on Yoga and ADHD: a focused workshop designed specifically for yoga teachers who want to better understand and support their students with ADHD. In this session, Laura Green is joined by guest expert Kim Pierpoint to explore the intersection of yoga and ADHD, offering insights, strategies, and practical advice for making your yoga classes more accessible to everyone.

What You’ll Learn in Video

In this mini-training, we’re diving deep into ADHD—what it is, how it presents in your students, and, most importantly, how you can create a supportive and inclusive environment in your yoga classes. Whether you’re noticing an increase in students diagnosed with ADHD or you’ve recently had a student share their experience with adult ADHD, this workshop is for you.

Join Laura and Kim as they discuss the nuances of this diagnosis, the signs and symptoms to be aware of, and how to adapt your teaching methods to meet the needs of neurodivergent students.

Understanding ADHD: What Yoga Teachers Need to Know

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It can manifest in various ways, including difficulties with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In the context of yoga, these symptoms may influence how students engage with the practice, from their ability to stay present during meditation to how they respond to instructions in asanas.

The Rise of Adult ADHD Diagnoses

You may have noticed an increase in students being newly diagnosed with ADHD, particularly adults. This rise in late diagnoses highlights a growing awareness and understanding of ADHD, but it also presents unique challenges for those affected. As a yoga teacher, being informed about ADHD can help you create a class environment that is both welcoming and accommodating.

Supporting Neurodivergent Students in Yoga

Teaching yoga to neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, requires a thoughtful approach. Kim Pierpoint shares her expertise on how to make your classes more accessible, ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and supported. From modifying instructions to creating a more flexible class structure, there are simple yet effective ways to enhance the yoga experience for your ADHD students.

Key Topics Covered in the Workshop:

• What is ADHD? A comprehensive overview of ADHD, its symptoms, and how it may present in your yoga students.
• The Rise of Late ADHD Diagnosis: Understanding why more adults are being diagnosed with ADHD and what this means for your yoga classes.
• How to Support Neurodivergent Students: Practical strategies to ensure your yoga class is a safe and supportive space for all students, including those with ADHD.

Why This Video is Essential for Yoga Teachers

As yoga teachers, it’s our responsibility to create inclusive and supportive environments where all students can thrive. With the rise in ADHD diagnoses, particularly among adults, it’s more important than ever to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to meet the needs of neurodivergent students.

By understanding ADHD and how it impacts your students, you can tailor your teaching approach to help them fully engage with their practice. This workshop offers valuable insights and practical tips to make your yoga classes more inclusive, empowering you to better support all of your students.

RELATED: 3 Secret Chakras to Unearth Your Soul’s Purpose

Join Our Community

For more support and FREE resources, join our Facebook community, The Yoga Teacher Collaborative. Connect with other yoga teachers, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights on how to make your classes more inclusive and accessible.

Connect With Laura:

• Instagram: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Facebook: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Website: [www.lauragreenyoga.co.uk]

Tags: #ADHD #YogaTeacher #YogaForADHD

Conclusion

Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to support your students with ADHD. Whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher or just starting, this mini-training will provide you with the insights you need to create a more inclusive and supportive yoga class environment. Don’t forget to share this workshop with fellow yoga teachers and join our community for ongoing support and resources.

Understanding Arohan and Avarohan in Yoga

The teaching of Arohan and Avarohan is simple yet profound. It expresses a truth we all experience with every breath we take, yet rarely stop to feel and connect with its power. As such a fundamental philosophy and piece of yogic wisdom, it surprises me how seldom Arohan and Avarohan are explored in modern yoga classes.

The Tantric Yoga Lineage of Arohan and Avarohan

A teaching most commonly delved into in the Tantric Yoga Lineage, Arohan and Avarohan are described as the psychic pathways within. In this context, “psychic” does not mean fortune-telling but refers to the unseen, subtle, and hidden aspects of our being.

Connecting with the Inner Landscape

We spend so much time with our senses dialled into the external, physical world that we become less aware of our inner landscape and the uncharted depths within. To truly understand Arohan and Avarohan, we must first be open to seeing beyond the surface of our world, ourselves, and others. We need to learn how to retune our radio to the frequency of the inner world. When we do this, we get to experience our spiritual essence, the magic of the universe, and our existence in it. This is one of the goals of Tantra: to experience our own true nature.

The Meaning of Arohan and Avarohan

Arohan (आरोहण) is a Sanskrit word that means rising or ascending. Avarohan (अवरोहण) means falling or descending. In Indian classical music, Arohan and Avarohan are the terms for ascending and descending musical scales. Within Tantric Yoga, they are first experienced as the rising of our inhalation and the softening descent of our exhalation. Feel that now in yourself as you take a breath. That is life energy, our life energy, and the life energy of the whole natural world. A fresh tree sapling rises to form a tree; its leaves fall in Autumn, and its seeds disperse downwards so new trees may rise.

The Natural Cycle of Arohan and Avarohan

In that same sense, why does a waterfall never run out of water? As the water evaporates from the rivers and streams, condenses in clouds, and falls back down to nourish the earth, it flows onwards.

The Pathway Inside: Arohan and Avarohan in Practice

In the teachings of Arohan and Avarohan, there is more depth to experience as we follow the pathway inside. Beginning at the base of the torso in Mūlādhāra chakra, the flow rises up the front body past the chakra kshetram before crossing at the neck to the back body, rising to the flat aspect on the back of the head at the Bindu chakra, crossing over the crown of the head, and then flowing down past the third eye center, crossing at the neck and descending down the back body to Mūlādhāra chakra.

RELATED: 3 Secret Chakras to Unearth Your Soul’s Purpose

Visualising the Infinity Loop

What shape does this make but the sacred symbol of the infinity loop? This pathway can be visualised, breathed, and then meditated with using mantras such as “so hum” or by visualising chakra focal points, or even connected with in āsana for a more visceral experience.

Conclusion

Understanding and practising Arohan and Avarohan can deepen your connection to your inner self and the natural world. This ancient wisdom offers profound insights into the cycles of life and energy flow within us. I hope this inspires your personal explorations and teaching practice.

Take your journey further: Philosophy & Yoga 12-hour Training

If you would love to explore more of the beautiful philosophies of yoga, have a look at our upcoming Philosophy and Yoga Online Course. For more support and FREE help join our Facebook community The Yoga Teacher Collaborative.

There are a lot more than 7 Chakras, in fact, the usual 7 don’t even include my FAVOURITE chakras that have helped me find my purpose and live my life on-purpose!

Would you like to learn about 3 lesser-known chakras and how to use them to unearth your Souls Purpose?

What are the 3 Chakras?

Vasundharā Cakra – the earth star chakra 

Bindu Cakra – the moon chakra

Aśoka Cakra – the dharma chakra

DOWNLOAD the FREE GUIDE to these 3 Chakras.

Curious to Unearth More?

JOIN: Chakras Unearthed, 6 Month Online Course

The chakra system, but not as you know it . . .

Go back to the roots and unearth the true magic within.

Get ready to rediscover the chakra system in a whole new light!

Join me, Laura Green, on a 6-month journey to explore the true essence of the chakras.

💫 Uncover the origins of the chakras in Tantric philosophy

💫 Delve into ancient texts, imagery, and artifacts

💫 Discover the 14-chakra system and its significance

💫 Immerse yourself in Bīja mantras and the Great Elements

💫 Connect with the divine deities ruling each chakra

💫 Experience the magic of Nyāśa meditation

💫 Explore Chakra Kshetrams and bindu chakra

💫 Learn about Granthis and their spiritual significance

💫 Embark on the psychic pathways of Arohan & Awarohan

💫 Experience 5 tantric chakra practices, Viparita Karani, Cakra Anusandhāna, Nāda Sanchalāna, Shabda Sanchalāna, Prāna Ahuti

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to awaken your inner magic! Sign up now and let’s embark on this Tantric Journey together.

Suitable for all, from . . . yoga teachers who want to weave the wisdom into their classes, to curious students of yoga and also those with no yoga experience but a love of the sacred spiritual universe

6 Month Course

Live on Zoom + Lifetime Access to Replays

Starts: 13th June 2024, Live or ON-DEMAND

READ MORE HERE

Stuck in a Rut? Fancy Mixing Up Your Yoga Class Sequencing?

Getting a little bored with your yoga lesson plans? Looking to bring new inspiration into your yoga teaching, and mix things up for your yoga students? How about trying out some new yoga class sequencing techniques?

In sequencing a yoga class a yoga teacher draws on all their skills, knowledge and intuition to craft a journey for the body, mind and soul. Yoga students put their absolute faith and trust in their teacher to lead them on a journey that is safe, authentic and true to the teachings of yoga.  This takes planning and practice, it is both a science and an art.

Download your FREE Guide to Creative Sequencing for Yoga Teachers – INCLUDES LESSON PLANS

This guide to creative sequencing accompanies a free video training on the same subject. Watch here . . . OR listen to the podcast version here.

Time, love, energy and money – yoga teachers are some of the most generous people I know! Agree?

But all the loving kindness can come at your own expense without healthy boundaries. Here are my ESSENTIAL steps for creating Healthy Boundaries as a Yoga Teacher help . . . watch the video or listen to the PODCAST VERSION HERE.

1) Boundaries exist to protect and conserve relationships. Before setting your yoga teacher boundaries reflect on these 4 relationships:

You & Your Health (physical, mental, emotional & spiritual)
You & Your Family / Home Life (time, finances, hopes & dreams)
You & Your Students
You & Yoga

2) Now you understand what is important and sacred to you in these areas write out your boundaries as a yoga teacher make sure to consider:
Office hours
Time on social media
Time chatting to your yoga students before / after class
Class prices and packages
Refund Policies etc

3) Communicate Clearly, don’t hide important information in your terms and conditions. Communicate clearly at the time of booking, on your website, in email confirmations at class etc. Give students space to ask clarification questions.

4) Honour Your Boundaries, when people make requests for things that transgress your boundaries it’s OK to SAY NO! Try not to over-justify your answer – that’s a shame response, rooted in people pleasing and self-worth!

Download FREE Guide: 60 Ways to Attract New Students
https://www.lauragreenyoga.co.uk/blog/60-ways-to-attract-new-yoga-students/

Join the Yoga Teacher Collaborative Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2533231903657609

Connect on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/lauragreenyoga/

Embark on your yoga teaching journey and unlock success with this step-by-step guide to getting started as a new yoga teacher.

Download your FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started as a New Yoga Teacher

Are you a budding yoga teacher, eager to share your passion for mindfulness, yoga, and well-being with others? Congratulations on taking the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career! To ensure your success on this transformative journey, I’ve crafted an invaluable resource – a step-by-step guide tailored just for you and accompanying video training!

Embarking on a career as a yoga teacher is a rewarding and transformative experience. By downloading our step-by-step guide to getting started as a yoga teacher, you’re not just gaining a resource – you’re securing a comprehensive roadmap crafted to guide you through the intricacies of becoming a successful and impactful yoga teacher. Let this guide be the beacon that illuminates your path to a fulfilling and prosperous yoga teaching career. Download it now and watch your aspirations unfold on the mat!

Download your FREE Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started as a New Yoga Teacher

This step-by-step guide to getting started as a New Yoga Teacher accompanies our video training. Watch here . . .

Related: How to Design a Beginners Yoga Course

Being a Yoga Teacher and writing about Yoga go hand in hand! Be it writing for love or writing for your business this is an essential skill for Yoga Teachers. In this 40 min free training learn how to write better for your yoga business. If you don’t feel very good at writing, that’s ok! It’s a skill to learn and grow into. This free training includes 5 actionable steps to immediately improve your copywriting for better engagement and impact. Copywriting is an essential skill for Yoga Teachers, be it writing for your social media, your website, newsletters or blog articles. Writing is a skill, so let’s learn and grow together.

For More Free Training & Mentoring for Yoga Teachers, come join the Yoga Teacher Collaborative Facebook Group.

If you’re a brand new yoga teacher or looking to establish a new yoga class the easiest way to do this is with a Beginners Yoga Course. Teaching a Beginners Yoga Course can be incredibly rewarding for you as the Yoga Teacher and the participants. But how do you design a Beginners Yoga Course?

Related: If you are a brand new yoga teacher, check out training on 10 Essential Tips for Brand New Yoga Teachers

Check out this 40min FREE video training on How to Design a Beginners Yoga Course

This video training goes covers very different content to the written words below, but I wanted you to get all the info! So read and watch for the best experience!

Key Questions to Start With before designing Your Beginners Yoga Course

• Who your students are?
• What is their motivation for taking the course?
• How should taking your course affect your student’s ongoing day-to-day life?
• What are the student’s expectations of this course? And you?
• What level of fitness, age, and physical limitations might your students have?
• What is the end goal for the course/learning outcomes?
• What are your business goals, what happens with the students on completion of the course?
• Determine how you and your students will assess their learning/progress – can they do 3 Sun Salutations unguided?
• Plan asana, meditation, pranayama selection, progressive learning, recapping weekly lesson themes, assignments and materials that support further learning outside of class.

Beginners Yoga Course Practicalities

• How many weeks will the course run?
• Venue / Time / Day are these suitable for your student base and learning objectives?
• Course Price – is the affordable to your market, and profitable?
• How will you market the course you the chosen student base?
• What are your min / max numbers for the course?
• What props do you or your students need?
• Will you have an assistant?

Beginners Yoga Course Content

• What is the basic course content; does this cover the main categories of asanas? Does it cover pranayama & meditation?
  • Forward Bends, Back Bends, Balances, Twists, Standing Poses, Inversions, Sun Salutations, Seated, Supine, Restorative
• What are the learning objectives for each week and how will you spread the categories out during the course?
• What further reading/recourses will you provide to support weekly learning objectives?
• What teaching styles will you use, demoing, verbal cues, partner work, group work, hands-on?
• Do the teaching styles match your student’s varied learning styles? Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic
• How will you add extra value? Homework, pre / post-reading? Thank you gifts? Welcome Gifts?

Top Tips for Your Beginners Yoga Course

• Don’t make the first session too easy, too subtle or too spiritual, start from a very physical felt body experience and refine to more subtle over time.
• Introduce Yogic Breathing, week 1 but then don’t over emphasise breath with movement until a later week
• Teach the individual components of the Sun Salutations before teaching the sun salutations! You can spend nearly a whole session teaching the Sun Salutations – I add this in week 3.
• Don’t give too many options, and modifications at the beginning, teach students to personalise postures once they have a rough understanding.
• Recap key postures then add on
• Visual aids, chalk, masking tape, partner work
• Teach how it should feel rather than look

Example Weekly Plan for a Beginners Yoga Course

Week 1 – Full Yogic breath supine, simple seated poses, kneeling poses such as cat / cow and thread the needle, downdog, cobra, warrior 2, tree, pigeon

Week 2 – Repeat the key poses from week 1, introduce breath with movement in cat / cow, warm up. Repeat Warrior 1 and add side angle or Trikonasana, repeat tree and add eagle.

Week 3 – Sun Salutations

Week 4 – Repeat poses and Sun Salutation. They add in twisting poses and a little core like boat pose

Week 5 – Stick with the poses from the previous weeks but empower students to start exploring options, and personalising the poses.

Week 6 – Mix it up for the last session, consider fun variations of the sun salutes, maybe play with crow or do a little partner work. Or my favourite finish with a restorative yoga class and chocolate meditation!

For More Free Training & Mentoring for Yoga Teachers, come join the Yoga Teacher Collaborative Facebook Group.

Starting out as a brand new yoga teacher is both exciting and challenging. As you start teaching yoga, you need to learn a few business skills to attract students whilst also honing your skills as a teacher. These 10 essential tips for brand-new yoga teachers are a great framework to get you started.

Check out this 30min FREE training to uncover the 10 Essential Tips for Brand New Yoga Teachers

Essential Business Tips for New Yoga Teachers

Fresh out of Yoga Teacher Training, learning how to establish your yoga business is key. A little marketing savvy enables you to attract yoga students to your classes, build a suitable career and manage your finances. These skills contribute to a thriving and successful yoga teaching practice. So let’s get started with some top tips on the business of teaching yoga . . .

1) Get Started with a Beginners Course

Getting started with a beginner’s course is my number 1 tip for brand-new yoga teachers looking to set up a new class. Book a venue for your yoga course and start marketing it 6 weeks prior to the course starting. This gives you 6 weeks to focus purely on attracting new yoga students to your class. Then when the course begins, you can press pause on the marketing and refocus your attention on lesson planning and meeting your new students’ needs.

Related: Download my FREE Step-by-Step 6-week Guide to Filling Your Yoga Course

2) Focus on 1 class at a time

I know you’re excited! It’s easy to get carried away and commit yourself to lots of classes and fill up your timetable. But instead of filling a timetable focus on filling a class. If not your end up spreading yourself too thin, have getting overwhelmed trying to market lots of different classes and lesson plan then! Take it 1 class at a time. Build your new class to being consistently 80% full before adding a second class.

Related: Need help filling your class? Download my FREE Guide, 61+ Ways to Attract New Students

3) Market Research – Identify the Gap

Market research is key. As a brand new yoga teacher looking to establish your yoga classes research what types of classes and what types of students are currently being well served by the yoga classes in your local area. Then consider if this is reflective of the local yoga community. Soon you’ll see that there are huge demographics within every community that are not getting to practice yoga as the local classes don’t meet their needs or aren’t accessible. Are their any chair yoga classes; yoga in the day for retired folks or stay-at-home parents; what about gentle yoga classes or classes that focus more on mental health and meditation? What about beginners-only classes? Or men’s yoga classes? When you’ve found this ‘gap’ market your classes to serve these people.

Related: Why every yoga teacher should know a little Chair Yoga

4) Collect email addresses and phone numbers

Communication is everything! Start building your email list and what’s app groups for classes from day 1. Communicating 1:1 via email and what’s app with your students is great for customer service and encouraging future class bookings. If someone enquires about a class you want to be able to follow up with an invitation on email or whats app to book in for a free class trial. Then after the trial a one: one message to thank them for attending and an invitation to book for next week.

5) Invest in your Yoga Business

You’ve already invested a lot of time and money in your yoga teacher training journey and now is the time to invest in growing your yoga business. Establishing any new business takes investment. You need to invest time and patience in growing your classes, it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a good year to build up a yoga class. Invest in a simple yet functional website, a booking system (yes even for 1 class), flyers and posters and your hall hire. It’s OK if at first, you aren’t covering your hall hire each week, do the work to keep marketing your classes and it will build. Investing in a yoga business mentor is one way to fast-track the growth of your yoga business.

Interested in a Yoga Business Mentor? Book a one-off coaching call with Laura.

Essential Teaching Tips for Brand New Yoga Teachers

Ready for Part Two of our 10 Essential Tips for Brand New Yoga Teachers? Now we’ve got a plan to establish your classes and start attracting new yoga students, it’s time to hone your yoga teacher skills with these essential tips for new yoga teachers.

1) Trust in Yoga – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

It’s ok if at first, you don’t feel confident! Confidence comes from practice and listening to the feedback from your students. So whilst your confidence builds trust in yoga. Keep to the basics and yoga works. Simply giving your students one hour away from their phone, away from the busyness of life, the reminder to slow down their breathing and take a moment to experience the moment!

2) Keep Your Yoga Lesson Plans Simple

Don’t overcomplicate your yoga lessons. You might LOVE an exploratory creative movement practice yourself but these are much easier to do than to teach. Stick to 1-3 yoga poses in a sequence before repeating on the second side. Repeat poses. Leave pauses. Don’t rush. Give yourself and your students time to breathe and drop into the present. When you are designing your classes a useful rule of thumb is that a 30 min personal practice is about a 1-hour guided class for beginners and mixed-level classes.

3) Plan 1 Class / Month

If as a brand new yoga teacher you’rr finding planning yoga classes and yoga sequences is taking you a long time and stressing you out, try planning 1 class and sticking with it for a whole month. Each week you can focus on a different aspect, such as alignment in week 1 and the breath connection in week 2. This will take the pressure of you and also give your students the opportunity to learn and explore more of the poses you’ve chosen.

4) Learn Your Students Names

This is a non-negotiable for me. It is essential that you get good at names! Students want to feel seen and welcome. A friendly welcoming environment with a teacher you feel really cares about you is essential for student loyalty and community.

5) Be Audible, Smile & Make Eye Contact

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if you fudge a flow, or get your lefts and rights confused, what matters is how your students feel. If your students can feel your warmth, welcome and passion then they’ll forgive you the rest!

For More Free Training & Mentoring for Yoga Teachers, come join the Yoga Teacher Collaborative Facebook Group.

Whether you teach 1 yoga class alongside another job/raising a family or you have a full schedule of yoga classes, the administration side can be overwhelming, end overwhelm today with SOPs for Yoga Teachers. Streamline and organise the administration of running your yoga classes with Standard Operating Procedures or SOPs. Watch this free video training on ‘Getting Organised with SOPs for Yoga Teachers’ or read below.

SOPs for Yoga Teachers are a great way to make sure that all the little admin, marketing and customer service tasks of managing yoga classes and events are taken care of. An SOP is a checklist of the repeatable tasks and actions that you do. In some ways they are like a to-do list, but rather than having to write out your to-do list weekly, you just pull up the SOP for a specific aspect of your business and start checking off the action.

For instance, if you run a weekly yoga class, think through all the steps you try to remember each week and write them out into a checklist.

Example SOPs for Yoga Teachers

• Check class is live on the booking system
• Create your lesson plan and choose your class theme
• Post on social media about that week’s class theme and invite bookings
• Send a reminder email 24 hr before to Free First Class students
• Print off the class register
• Post class send thank you email to new students and invite them to rebook

Related: How to Theme a Yoga Class

This is quite a simple SOP, but imagine if you were running a Yoga Retreat or Beginners Course your SOP for these would have a few more steps including a 6-week Promotion Plan.

Related: Step-by-step 6-Week Promotion Plan for Retreats and Events

So get started today and write out those repeatable tasks for the different aspects of your yoga business. For more support and FREE help join our Facebook community The Yoga Teacher Collaborative.

Many of you know I’m deeply passionate about teaching Chair Yoga (hence having published a no 1 best-selling book on Teaching Chair Yoga!)

But did you know that Chair Yoga Classes can be the quickest and easiest yoga classes to market? And with Chair Yoga Students often being more loyal and committed to a weekly chair yoga class it is one of the best ways for a local community yoga teacher to THRIVE!

But don’t take my word for it! Here’s an interview from a Pannel discussion I hosted with 3 other Yoga Teachers. Hear how we market & teach our SOLD OUT Chair Yoga Classes.

Related: How to Create Your Own Chair Sequence

In this panel on Teaching Chair Yoga, we explore:

How we got started with Chair Yoga Classes
How we have successfully marketed our Classes
How Chair Yoga isn’t just Yoga for Seniors but the true variety of students we see in our classes
What challenges we have experienced and how we overcame them
How we adapt the yoga classes to suit different abilities and needs
Why Chair Yoga is so very fulfilling to teach

This panel features me, Laura Green Author of Teaching Chair Yoga, Kayleigh Kavanagh, Emma Major and Yoga with Hayley.

Inspired to try Chair Yoga? Get started as a teacher with my Teacher Chair Yoga book, available here on Amazon:

If you’re toying with the idea of teaching yoga, you’re in the right place. Here are 7 questions to ask yourself before you start your yoga teacher training.

You love yoga. In fact, you adore it. It has changed your life in so many ways and you want to share that joy with others. However… You’re a little bit scared. You aren’t sure whether you’re ready to make that hefty yoga teacher training commitment.

I hear you! It’s a massive decision. And there’s so much to consider before taking the plunge. Not only do you need to choose the right yoga teacher training course for you, but you also need to figure out whether or not you are actually ready for this next phase of your yoga journey.  

While I am (of course) the biggest advocate for yoga teacher training, I strongly believe that students should approach their decision with an inquisitive mind and plenty of questions – both for themselves and the training school.

So, to help you on your way, I’ve pulled together 7 of the key questions you should ask yourself before you start your yoga teacher training.

RELATED: SHOULD I GET MY 200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING?

1. Why do you want to do yoga teacher training?

Start at the beginning – why do you want to do yoga teacher training? 

This may feel like an obvious one, but I cannot underestimate its importance. Your reason needs to be true to you. I have seen people come through teacher training because they were told that they were ‘good’ at yoga and should therefore become a teacher. Or because they liked yoga and therefore thought a teacher training would be like an extended retreat. 

Look – I am not saying these reasons are wrong (except YTT is definitely NOT an extended retreat!). I’m saying they won’t get you through the intensity and challenges that come with a yoga teacher training.

Your ‘why’ will keep you going through the good times and the bad. It’s the ‘thing’ you will refer back to in those moments where you rue the day you signed up to a teacher training (no exaggeration!). Before you commit, be sure that you are fully aware of your why – and that it’s powerful enough to push you on.

2. Is your physical body ready for yoga teacher training?

While a big portion of your teacher training will be spent off the mat, it is still an incredibly physically demanding experience. Your body needs to be ready for it.

As yogis, we all know how much of an empowering practice yoga can be. It is one that promotes strength and stability and can work wonders for our physical health. Yet, if you are nursing long-term injuries or have avoided physical maintenance for a sustained period of time, now may not be the time for you to do your training.

Saying that, completing yoga teacher training with a physical ailment can offer an amazing opportunity to practice humility and compassion for your physical body, as well as your future students. As I write this blog, I currently have two yogis on my 200 hour teacher training course with injuries. While I am sure they would prefer not to be injured, they have both learnt a huge deal about adjusting their practice and showing themselves true loving kindness throughout their healing.

3. Are you emotionally and mentally ready for yoga teacher training?

Yoga teacher training peels back the layers – every single one of them. It is an emotionally demanding and yet utterly illuminating journey. Mentally, there is a lot that you need to be ready for.

You will be forced to look inwards. And I mean really, really inwards. You will learn and relearn things about yourself and the world around you that you thought you had already figured out. You will be critiqued and put on a stage for others to witness and comment on. You will be challenged and you will cry – a lot!

Before you run 100 miles in the other direction, these responses do not have to be seen as negative. Far from it. Emotionally and mentally, yoga teacher training can be transformative. A past student once said to me ‘it was either yoga teacher training or therapy’. If you are prepared – and ready – then it will be an experience like no other.

4. What is your financial situation?

The elephant in the room – finances. The simple truth is that yoga teacher training does not come cheap. Yes, it’s an investment in your future. But it’s still an investment that you need to be financially secure enough to make.

Many yoga teacher training schools will offer payment plans. This can be a great way to make the training more accessible to you, so check in whether or not this is an option. If you sign up earlier, you can often get an early bird discount.

However, if the only way that you can pay for your yoga teacher training is through loans, credit cards or taking on additional work which you are not energetically available for, please think long and hard about whether this is the appropriate time to make such a large financial commitment.

5. How long have you been practising yoga?

Most yoga teacher training schools will ask you this question on your application. It isn’t just something they ask you for the sake of it. It’s crucial that you have a long and consistent history with yoga – both on and off the mat.

Why? Because yoga teacher training is HARD. And although you are absolutely not expected to know everything when you enrol (you will never know everything!), you need to have a personal and deep connection with yoga so that you can absorb your new learnings. 

6. Are you happy with the course curriculum?

Take a look at the course curriculum – does it cover everything that you need for your teaching foundations? 

This is both a personal perspective and a yoga standard one. A high quality yoga teacher training should include elements of:

• Asana and lesson planning
• Meditation
• Anatomy
• Variety of yoga styles
• Teaching methodology
• Culture and yoga roots
• Yoga philosophy
• Business methodology and marketing
• Pranayama and energy practices

Then ask yourself what kind of yoga teacher you want to be. This is a MASSIVE question. It covers everything from the yoga discipline that you want to teach (for example there is little use going to an Ashtanga based teacher training if you want to teach Vinyasa Flow), your own values (such as cultural sensitivity), who you want to eventually teach (and whether the course teaches and promotes accessibility) and how much all of the different topics are weighted.

The teaching school should provide a syllabus for you to look at before making a decision, as well as any reading lists (a great way to get a flavour for the overall programme).

7. What do you hope will happen once you finish your yoga teacher training?

If you are doing your yoga teacher training to be a teacher (and not everyone does it for that reason!) then it’s worth looking at how much practical teaching experience the training school provides.

I cannot count the number of teachers who have told me stories of when they finished their teacher training and felt absolutely terrified to teach a real-life class. Many even went on to re-do their 200 hour training because they simply did not feel equipped. This is why it is so vital that you choose a school that will prepare you for wherever you want to take your yoga practice.

At the Laura Green Yoga Teacher Training School, we run community classes every Sunday of training weekends. By the end of our 9 month programme, students will have taught the public a minimum of 8 times, as well as their final teaching exams.

Alternatively, if teaching isn’t a priority for you and you are searching for a more philosophical journey, then seek out a school that caters for your needs. The beauty of yoga training is that the options out there are endless. Don’t rush into a decision. The answer will come.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

Apply for the Laura Green Teacher Training School 200 hour Teacher Training in 2023.

Join me and my 2023 cohort of passionate yogis at my next 200 hour teacher training programme. I promise you love, laughter and LOTS of soulful inquiry.

Still not sure? Watch my yoga teacher training introduction video and please do feel free to reach out and ask me ANY questions. 

You’re interested in completing your 200hr yoga teacher training, but you aren’t sure where to start? Read my guide on how to choose the right yoga teacher training for YOU.

So, you’ve decided that you want to do your 200-hour yoga teacher training – amazing! That is all kinds of exciting. But, there’s one thing getting in the way: you aren’t sure how to choose the right yoga teacher training for you.

This is something I get asked about A LOT. With endless options out there, I totally get why choosing your yoga teacher training can feel like a bit of a minefield.

Luckily, there are some (important!) questions you can ask yourself to start figuring out the right yoga teacher training route for you. Let’s break it down; maybe these questions will provide you with some clarity!

You might like: 8 signs you’re ready for yoga teacher training 

And: Should I get my 200 hour yoga teacher training?

1. Who are the instructors on the yoga teacher training?

First thing’s first – who will be teaching you? It might sound obvious, but you really need to work well with them. After all, you’ll be spending at least 200 hours in their company! 

Ideally, you’ll have practised with the teacher before, or at least have a strong awareness of their lineage and teaching style. Some teacher training will bring in additional teachers to truly enrich your learning, so this is something that’s worth checking in on. For example, the Laura Green Teacher Training Yoga School 200-hour teacher training has specific teachers for anatomy, meditation, mental health, and marketing alongside the overall bulk of the course.

If you don’t know the instructor (or know someone who can vouch for them), check:

• How long have they been teaching?
• How long have they been training teachers?
• What is their teaching style?
• Where did they do their training (and how many different ones have they done)?

And before you make a decision – have a chat with them! Teachers should offer initial conversations with potential students. This is a great way to see whether you feel comfortable with them and excited by the idea of studying with them.

2. Will you do your yoga teacher training home or away?

This is a big one – will you do your yoga teacher training at home or abroad?

There are many elements that come into this decision. Some long for adventure and travel, so the prospect of escaping the everyday in an overseas training is incredibly appealing. For others, commitments at home mean that they can’t take a month ‘off’ for a yoga teacher training in another country. Likewise, taking your training abroad can mean that those deep connections you gain on your course won’t actually necessarily live in the same country as you. This doesn’t have to be a problem, but if you are hoping to build life-long relationships on your YTT (which you absolutely can and will) then it’s going to be a bit trickier if you aren’t studying in your home country.

Plus, you need to take into account your personal learning style (something I’ll dig into in the next point). An ‘away’ YTT is typically immersive, meaning you’ll be learning every single day until you reach your 200 hours. If this doesn’t suit you, then it might be worth looking closer to home.

3. Do you want an intensive or long-term YTT?

All yoga teacher training delivers their hours in a different way. If you need to learn free from distractions and in a fully immersive environment, then you may want to opt for an intensive YTT – this is most commonly spread over the period of 30 days.

Alternatively, long-term YTTs mean that you can naturally embed your studies into your everyday life (and vice versa). They come in many different forms. I’ve seen training spread over three months (with a mixture of long weekend and week intensives), 18 month flexible programmes, 12 weeks part-time and everything in between. Here at Laura Green Teacher Training Yoga School, our 200-hour YTT runs across 9 months with one weekend per month and a week long intensive to close the training.

Ultimately, it’s about finding what works for your lifestyle and learning.

4. What’s your learning style?

This is when you need to start drilling down into what you want out of your yoga teacher training.

If you are a hands-on learner, then it’s likely that a fully online YTT won’t support your needs. Likewise, if you are a visual learner, you want to look for training that has options catering to this; for example, video lectures, practical demonstrations etc. Or if you learn by doing, you want to check that your YTT has plentiful opportunities to teach, practice hands on assists, lead meditations and work through anatomy assessments in person.

It’s a lot to consider – I know. But, by speaking to the course leader, you can quickly determine whether the programme will help you to flourish and reach your training goals.

5. What are you interested in?

If yoga philosophy is the beating heart of your yoga practice, yet your YTT covers next to nothing on it – well, you don’t need me to tell you that probably isn’t the training for you!

Certain schools will specialise in particular areas, so if there is one you feel really passionately about, make sure that your YTT has a syllabus that represents that. In addition, if you know you want to be a vinyasa teacher but this school only teaches Ashtanga, you’ll likely end the course feeling unfulfilled and in need of additional training.

6. Is the syllabus varied?

Off the back of this, while it’s crucial that the yoga teacher training covers areas you love, it’s also important that it covers areas you are lacking.

A high quality yoga teacher training syllabus should include:

• Asana and lesson planning
• Meditation
• Anatomy
• Variety of yoga styles
• Teaching methodology
• Culture and yoga roots
• Yoga philosophy
• Business methodology and marketing
• Pranayama and energy practices

Even if you shudder at the idea of one of these topics, they are ALL vital parts of being a yoga teacher – your teacher training needs to deliver them.

7. Is the yoga teacher training certified?

Is the yoga teacher training school accredited? If yes, who by? Look into the standards set by that accreditation and whether this contributes to your confidence in the course.

The Laura Green Teacher Training Yoga School is accredited by the Independent Yoga Network. I chose this network as it aligns with my values as a yoga teacher and teachers have to follow a stringent process in order to be accepted within the network.  

You can find out more about IYN here.

8. What is expected of you?

Are you emotionally, physically and mentally ready for what the yoga teacher training programme requires of you?

There are certain elements that are fairly consistent across most schools, but there will also be huge differences in expectations. You need to be sure that you are ready for them. For example, will you be asked to do homework in between sessions? Do you have time for that? Will you be required to teach outside of your class? Will you need to maintain a certain level of yoga practice?

Ask the questions and process the answers in the context of your life – right here, right now. YTT is an enormous commitment, whatever way you look at it. Find a training school where you can fulfill what is needed of you.

9. Can you speak to past students?

One of the best ways to find out whether something is the right yoga teacher training for you is to talk to people who’ve actually done it!

An honest, open conversation will tell you far more about the training than any piece of marketing material can. What did they like about it? What did they find challenging? Would they recommend it? Why?

Gain as much information as you can before making that big, life changing decision. You won’t regret it.

You might like: 10 things to know before yoga teacher training.

Apply for the Laura Green Teacher Training Yoga School.

You can now apply for the 2023 Laura Green Teacher Training Yoga School 200-hour programme.

Learn how to become a professional, confident, and passionate yoga teacher with our 200 YTT 9-month training course. Find out more and apply for a place here. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Laura x

Toying with the idea of yoga teacher training? You’re in the right place. Read on for the eight signs that you’re ready for yoga teacher training.

If you love yoga, there’s a strong chance that you have considered yoga teacher training at one point or another. It feels like a natural progression. An exciting way to take your yoga practice to the next level. 

But – yoga teacher training is a substantial commitment. You need to make sure it is the right choice for you.

Yoga teacher training goes far beyond the physical practice. You may learn about the history of yoga, anatomy and meditation. You may cover culture, sanskrit and mantra. Some schools will explore business and marketing, others will take a deep dive into the different styles of yoga.

It’s exciting, fulfilling and illuminating. 

So, how do you know that you’re ready for a yoga teacher training course? Here are 8 signs that – I believe – show that yoga teacher training could be a brilliant step in your student journey.

RELATED: 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

1. You’re craving more.

e of the biggest draws towards yoga teacher training is the need for more.

More connection. More challenges. More inner work. And, of course, more yoga!

The great thing about yoga teacher training is that it goes far beyond anything that you can capture in a 60-minute class. Depending on the route you take, it’s 200 hours of intense and hands-on study which you will apply both on and off the mat.

If your current practice feels like it’s only scratching the surface, this could be just the thing.

2. You want to go on a deep inner journey.

Yoga teacher training is about so much more than what you can share with your future students: it’s about what you can learn about yourself.

Because yoga teacher training peels back the layers. It’s some serious stuff! You will learn SO much about yourself, far beyond the context of yoga alone. Sometimes that will be beautiful and other times it will be challenging. But it will be incredibly worth it. I can confidently say that every single one of my students has come out of their yoga teacher training different in some way. Be that a shift in perspective, a surge in their confidence or a full blown inner transformation. It’s exceptional to witness.

3. You want to share your love of yoga with others.

Has yoga changed your life? Are you being called to share that journey with others?

Yoga teachers have a very, very special role in this world: we get to bring people together through yoga. We get to gift this magical practice and see firsthand the impact it has on our students’ lives. How amazing is that?

If you feel the desire to share your passion for others, then you already have what it takes inside of you to be a brilliant teacher. You have the seed; now you need to water and nourish it so that it can fully bloom.

4. You aren’t sure whether you want to actually teach.

Likewise, if you aren’t sure whether you actually want to teach, that’s great as well. Not everyone who does yoga teacher training wants to be a teacher. Some will never teach a class in their entire life.

I’m going to use the ‘J’ word again, but this really is a journey. You will learn throughout your training what you want to do with it. If you approach it with an open mind, the answer will come.

5. You love learning.

Love to learn? Brilliant – because you will learn A LOT during your yoga teacher training.

Every school approaches their teacher training differently, but as a minimum, you will learn about the physical asana, the art of meditation, and anatomy. Comprehensive schools will also guide you through the history and philosophy of yoga, the precision of sanskrit, the power of language within your teaching, the art of sequencing, business and marketing opportunities and safe and mindful assists. And there’s so much more that you could go into. 

If you have a thirst for knowledge, then yoga teacher training will definitely quench it.

6. You aren’t afraid of hard work.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – yoga teacher training is hard. It isn’t supposed to be easy. It will challenge you and you will have huge wobbles. But, if you know that and you’re okay with it then you will embrace it… Every single part of it.

Be prepared to be vulnerable, present and committed. This will give you the mindset you need to flourish.

7. You’re waiting for that lightbulb moment.

Are you unsure about where your path is taking you? Are you curious about how you could take your yoga practice and unpack it into different areas of your life?

Yoga teacher training is a brilliant means of shining a light on the road ahead. I can’t count the number of times I have had a lightbulb moment during my yoga or meditation practice. Now, picture that state of mind but intensified!  

Your yoga teacher training may not provide all the answers, but it will absolutely guide you through the questions.

RELATED: SHOULD I GET MY 200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING QUALIFICATION?

8. You’re searching for your yoga family. 

Perhaps the most underestimated part of yoga teacher training: your yoga family.

Your fellow course students will become so special to you. They’ll see every part of you – the good, the bad, and the ugly! It’s impossible to go through all of that together and not come out with an unbreakable bond.

You will go through your training with such a feeling of connection; this feeling won’t disappear once you have your certificate. It will stay with you for life. As a teacher, I adore seeing past students of my teacher training on their monthly meetups, attending classes together, and truly being friends for life.

Can I do my yoga teacher training with Laura Green Yoga?

Absolutely – and I would love to have you there.

My next 200-hour yoga teacher training course starts March 2023, and you can find out more and apply here.

I also offer a range of other teacher training courses which you can read more about here.

Laura X

Do you dream of running yoga retreats and hosting yoga workshops? Would you LOVE sold-out events with students you adore teaching?

Hosting yoga events for your students is a wonderful way to grow and expand as a Yoga Teacher and great opportunity for your students to explore more the teachings of yoga.  

So, what is the secret to sold-out yoga retreats and waitlisted yoga workshops?

Is it finding the perfect venue? Collaborating with other teachers? Listing your yoga events on retreat websites?

Nope. It’s simply having a strategy you can follow to communicate what your event is, who it’s for and how someone will benefit from attending it. Then implementing this strategy with another lead time.

Here is my tried and tested 7 step road map to selling out your yoga retreats and workshops. I have followed my method for over a decade selling out over 400 yoga workshops and retreats in the UK and worldwide! If you fancy joining me on retreat – see the yoga retreat calendar here.

Download your FREE Roadmap to Sold Out Yoga Events & Retreats

If you are ready to tap into the power of your teaching and draw more students to your yoga retreats and courses, I encourage you to take this roadmap I am about to share with you and put it into practice straight away. If you want 1:1  help check out my private yoga teacher coaching calls here.

Want to know what will consistently draw students to your offerings and leave you with sold out events?

Create something that your ideal student will love, need and rave about!

We as teachers can often develop a retreat or course that we want to create, rather than considering if it is a good fit for our yoga students. Yes, our ideas might be innovative and exciting for us, but it may not be what your students need.

Often what our students need is a lot less than we anticipate. Remember you have hundreds of hours of yoga teacher training under your belt. Your students do not. You don’t necessarily need to deliver all the bells and whistles, you just need to create something that addresses what your students are most interested in learning about.

Your students can’t wait to hear about your retreats and courses, so put the fear to one side and start here!

If you’re reading this then you have been thinking about teaching Chair Yoga in your local community. Sequencing for a chair yoga class is not that much different from a normal yoga class.

Just like crafting any yoga class, your chair classes are a journey you guide your students on. Students arrive in the midst of life and enter the sanctuary of yoga, a warm embrace of mindful movement, where transformation occurs.                      

Applying the fundamentals of any yoga class you would start with basic body and breath awareness. Allow that to flow to small movements and then gradually expand the parameters of movement until the whole body is involved.

Why Chair Yoga?

Chair yoga works great for this because we start in a seated position that is accessible to a vast majority of students and requires little energetic expenditure. Once the students have focused on the body and breath, we can take the practice wherever we want it to go, choosing the level of intensity that is appropriate for the group or the individual student.

A simple lesson plan formula

This is a simple method for a well-rounded class that can be followed for a 30 min – 60 min class duration.

•          Centre & Connect: Begin in stillness and connect to the breath and the body

•          Warm-Up: Gentle mobilisation for the major joints, and move the spine in all directions

•          Build Strength: Simple exercises for core, arms, shoulders, upper back, quads & glutes

•          Power Poses: The equivalent to standing flows, with warriors, lunges, triangle, etc, can be adapted to stay seated or build to standing variations with the chair or wall for support.

•          Balances: Include in all classes, where possible, using the chair or wall for support

•          Find Flexibility: Add plenty of lovely stretches which release tension and endorphins.

•          Soothe: Gentle poses preparing for savasana, either seated in the chair or for those able supine poses; I love to revisit some of the warm-up asanas so the students can notice the changes in the body from class

•          Rest & Restore: Finding a comfortable, restful position for savasana

Develop Your Knowledge

I hope you feel inspired to share this special practice with your community – adding another level of skill and sharing yoga that is accessible for all. My new book titled “Teaching Chair Yoga”  is a practical guide that will deepen your knowledge, support, and inspire you to share the teachings of Chair yoga safely and effectively. Not only do you receive 10 ready-to-go lesson plans, but this book is the equivalent to a 5-day CPD course!

You’ve seen just how your yoga classes positively impact your students. However, beyond your usual vinyasa flow class lies an entire population that are in need of your service too.

A niche client base

Yoga continues to grow in popularity and as more people connect with yoga there are more teachers offering the same style of yoga to the same students. To stand out as a Yoga Teacher and attract enough students for a sustainable and rewarding teacher career, it is essential to have 1-3 niches or ‘ideal student’ groups that your classes, branding and marketing focus on.

Often a students first impression of yoga is often that you need to be fit and flexible to do yoga and as yoga teachers, we feel that “Yoga is for everyone”, if you live by that mantra I think you will love teaching Chair Yoga and at the same time you are broadening your audience.

Chair Yoga Embodies “Yoga is for Everyone”

Chair yoga is yoga that is practised primarily whilst seated in a chair and is widely recognised for its accessibility. Traditional yoga asana, such as sun salutations, standing, seated, and reclined poses, can all be adapted for chair yoga. It is also excellent for joint mobility work and a gentle way to improve overall physical posture. 

Chair yoga was originally popularised for older people, people who experience limited mobility, are physically disabled, and neurodiverse populations who benefit from the support, movements, and sequencing unique to chair yoga.

Build a community

This is a very rewarding demographic to teach. As people progress through later stages of life, inactivity, loneliness, lack of community engagement can be challenging and detrimental to health.

Often, a person’s weekly Chair Yoga class can become the focal point of their week, as a chance to get out, to do something different, to exercise their body and mind and connect with like-minded souls. This makes for loyal and committed students and a very rewarding experience for all.

As Teachers of Yoga, our job is to make the wonders of Yoga accessible to all. When you first qualified, you wanted to change the world! Ignite that flame and share your knowledge with a population waiting to hear from you!

Develop your knowledge

If you feel inspired now to add Chair Yoga to your Yoga Teacher skills then my new book “Teaching Chair Yoga” will support and inspire you to share the teachings of yoga safely and effectively with this growing population.

This book is equivalent to a 5 day CPD course and will give you all the confidence you need to share Chair Yoga within your community.

Being a Yoga Teacher and building your yoga business is more work than many of us at first realise. From marketing your yoga classes, liaising with your students, planning classes and doing your accounts there’s a lot to do and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or burn out. But the good news is with a few mindset shifts, a sprinkling of productivity tools and some self-discipline you can build your yoga business with ease, flow and grace.

1) Slow down to go further.

Building your yoga business is a marathon, not a sprint and you want to be in this for the long term. So slow down to go further you don’t have to achieve everything immediately. If a sprinter approached a marathon at their usual pace they would soon burn out and not complete the run; they know they have to slow down to go further.

2) Be project based.

You can’t work on building all your classes and yoga offerings at the same time. So think about the different aspects of your yoga business as individual projects. If you teach more than one class, don’t focus on filling them all up at the same time. Pick one class to focus on and then when the numbers improve refocus on the next project.

3) Be tasked based.

There are so many different types of activities when growing your business and it’s easy to flit from task to task but this creates the feeling of overwhelm and reduces productivity. Group similar tasks together and only do one thing at a time. For instance, set aside a limited time each day to respond to emails, then move on to the next task such as writing a newsletter, try not to dip in and out of different tasks.

4) Have an ideas book.

Yoga teachers are often very creative and ideas come to use freely. This can lead to starting lots of new projects but not seeing them through. When you get a new idea it doesn’t have to be actioned immediately, remember we’re being project-based. So keep an ideas book, note everything down and when you have completed a project and honestly have space to take on something new return to your ideas book and see what is still resonating with you.

5) Reuse, & repurpose

Look back at the yoga courses, workshops, classes you have delivered previously and repeat them! Reuse your lesson plans, playlists, course materials and marketing. You will have new students who want to do this offer, students who didn’t do it before and students who would gladly repeat it! You don’t always have to start afresh!

6) Pre-book time off in your diary

If you leave blank space in your diary it is easy to fill it up! Pre-book weekends off, days off, weeks off in your diary for the whole year. Make this non-negotiable time!