Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about teaching a new yoga class. I know that it would a great way to connect with likeminded people and create a safe space for relaxation. When I factor in setting my own schedule and rates, it really feels like it checks all the boxes. The hardest part of this idea is deciding what I want to class to feel like. It’s been some time since I last taught yoga classes for adults (I’m a very experienced kids yoga teacher!) so I want to discover a way to make a class that best represents me, what I like and who I’d like to attract as a student.

I haven’t made any decisions yet, so I thought it would be great to brainstorm with you! It’s a great time to plan out your next endeavor, so I highly recommend writing down all of your thoughts on the following bullet points. I’ll join you in this! Let your mind wander and determine the logistics once your concept is locked in.

  • Decide how this class is different from your previous classes.

Maybe you currently teach power yoga, so you want this class to be in the Let It Go Yoga style. Or maybe this class includes the style of music that you like, a hobby that you enjoy or an after-yoga chat. You can get really creative with it – I’ve been to Hip Hop Yoga and Yoga for Actors before! Create the community that you find compelling, and you’ll have so much fun coordinating your class each week because it will be uniquely you!

  • Determine your target audience.

What age range do you enjoy teaching? Do you want to teach experienced yogi’s or all levels? Who would best benefit from your unique teaching style? All of these questions are worth journaling on, and once you have a core group, it will be so much easier to put the rest of the puzzle pieces together.

  • Think about what you like and what you don’t like from the yoga classes that you’ve attended.

I’ve been to hundreds of yoga classes, and at this point I’m pretty opinionated on what I think works and what doesn’t. If you aren’t sure where to start, go explore some new-to-you classes and see! Write down your own list of pros and cons. It could be as simple as how the yoga mats are placed!

  • Think about going online.

Most of the exercise classes that I do these days are online – It’s a time saver, I won’t forget any of my equipment at home and I can do it at any time of day. So it could be worth offering an online class if you have the space at home and being on the internet is second nature to you. Think about it: If your ideal time to teach is 2pm on a weekday, but you’re worried that everyone will be working or picking their kids up from school, maybe filming your class at 2pm and posting it online for your students would be the best option!

  • Refresh your knowledge.

It’s been a bit since I last taught, so I definitely want to brush up on the poses, the benefits of each pose, the modifications and the adjustments. If you became certified through Let It Go Yoga, all of your online course materials are accessible to you for life! It’s a great resource to catch yourself up and feel confident diving back in.

  • Put yourself first.

This is a class that you want to be excited to show up to week after week, so make sure that you feel good about everything! The key is consistency. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll be more likely to keep it going in the long run. And you’ll naturally bring in people who are excited to be there!

Have fun ideating on your next class, and keep me posted with your start date!

 

Written by Emily Parsons, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher.

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga?

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