Yoga Teacher Training Forum

How Do I Get Over Being Shy about Asking Money for Yoga Classes?

It is nearly impossible to teach yoga full-time without receiving payment, as it requires supplementation by another job if it does not bring in money. Some may question receiving payment for yoga classes, but it is deserved and should not be discounted. Yoga teachers who do not receive payment are not as capable of dedicating themselves to their students out of simply necessity for income from another source.

The first step to getting over the anxiety associated with asking for money is to remember that teaching yoga is a career and it deserves to be respected as such. For many, yoga begins as a hobby to add relaxation and exercise to a lifestyle, but for those who choose to become a yoga teacher, it is much more than just that. Becoming a yoga teacher requires dedication and empathy, and these are not qualities that everyone can base a career on. The option to use these skills as a yoga instructor deserves payment.

To become a yoga teacher, training courses must be taken and certification obtained at various levels. These classes cost money and are held at official yoga schools, and receiving payment for teaching classes is a good way to offset these costs and the costs of continuing education courses, which are also important in maintaining a career as a yoga instructor. The art of yoga is constantly evolving, so receiving education after an initial certification cannot be ignored.

Another way to help ease those feelings of shyness is to recognize that other fitness instructors are paid for their teachings, whether they teach in a studio or are a private trainer in a gym. In addition, people who administer alternative medical therapies, such as acupuncture or aromatherapy, receive payment for these skills. As a yoga instructor, there are dual dimensions as an exercise instructor and a natural healer. These are skills that can be utilized in a legitimate career that should include income.

Without asking for payment, a yoga teacher can only hope to teach part-time at best, and he or she will not have the ability to bond closely with the students. Accepting money may seem awkward at first, but remembering that teaching yoga is a legitimate career that requires time and effort to achieve can offset these feelings. Most students are more than willing to pay for classes if it means that their teacher will still be available to them.