How to Make Money as a Yoga Teacher Online [2024] | Passive Income Ideas for Yoga Instructor

Last updated: January 23, 2024

You’re spreading the joy of yoga to the masses by passionately teaching yoga classes, but maybe it’s not quite translating to financial abundance on your end (or at least not yet!). And to make matters worse, when a major world event like the COVID-19 pandemic hits, your income source can be bulldozed overnight.

Well, fear not, the online fitness market is booming! Revenue from digital fitness and well-being is expected to show continuous growth with a projected market volume of US$24.79bn by 2027 (figures from the USA alone) – that’s a fancy way of saying that you have tons of opportunities to take a chunk of that pie! So, why not jump on the bandwagon and start your own profitable online yoga business?

Don’t be the yogi left behind! In this article, we’ll show you the inside scoop on how to turn your yoga skills into a cash cow with little to no budget. Namaste and let the money flow.

1. Sell Pre-Recorded Online Classes or Online Courses

Create and sell pre-recorded classes that your students can access anytime. Think of it as “Netflix for Yoga.” You can charge a fee per class or offer a monthly subscription that gives your students access to all your pre-recorded classes. It’s a win-win: you can record the course content once and make it available to students anytime, anywhere. Meanwhile, your students can take the course from the comfort of their own homes, without having to deal with the awkwardness of practicing yoga next to a sweaty stranger.

Online yoga courses can be scaled to reach a wider audience. Unlike traditional classes, online courses can be accessed by people from all over the world, which can lead to more students and revenue for the teacher.

According to a survey conducted by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal in 2020, 46% of yoga practitioners in the United States now practice yoga online, up from 18% in 2016. In 2015 alone, the yoga industry revenue amounted to 9.09 billion U.S. dollars in the United States.

You can use platforms like Payhip to host and sell your online courses. You can charge a fee per class, or you can offer a monthly subscription that gives your students access to all your pre-recorded classes.

2. Offer 1:1 Online Private Yoga Teaching Sessions

Just like in-person yoga classes, you can also offer private sessions online. Private sessions are an excellent option for students who want personalized attention and guidance. You can use video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to host your private sessions. You can charge a higher fee for private sessions than you would for group classes. You can also create packages that offer discounts for multiple sessions, or for recurring clients.

Platforms like Payhip offer a free solution to sell and manage all of your private online yoga sessions (or coaching sessions). Payhip also provides a more comprehensive guide on how to sell personal training online with little to no budget.

3. Host Live Yoga Classes

One of the most popular ways to teach yoga online is through live classes. This allows you to interact with your students in real-time, just as you would in a traditional class. You can use video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to host your classes. You can charge a fee per class, or you can offer a monthly subscription that gives your students access to all your classes. It’s like a virtual yoga party! You can also offer free live yoga classes to attract new potential clients for your paid private sessions or online classes.

Live online yoga classes offer an opportunity for students to connect with each other and build a sense of community. Students can interact with each other through chat, share their experiences, and support each other on their yoga journeys. This helps students to build more comradery with each other, and encourages them to continue attending your future classes.

4. Build a Brand

You can make money as an online yoga teacher by creating your own brand and selling yoga-related products.

You can create and sell yoga mats, blocks, straps, and other accessories. Selling yoga merchandise can be a value-added service for students. Teachers can provide expert guidance on selecting the right yoga equipment and apparel, which can enhance students’ practice and overall experience. Popular online fitness instructors like Blogilates created an amazing product line with conscientious designs that help solve specific problems in the pilates world.

You also have the option to start a brand through dropshipping companies such as Printful and Printify where you’ll be able to create your own original designs, and the dropshipping companies will fulfill your orders and ship your products directly to your customers. This will save you from having to incur any production, inventory, or shipping costs.

5. Start a Yoga Podcast

Starting a yoga podcast can be a great way to share your knowledge and attract a wider audience. You can cover a range of topics, such as yoga philosophy, meditation, or even interviews with other yoga experts. You can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, advertising, or even by promoting your own products or services.

6. Run a Health and Fitness Blog

Running a health and fitness blog can be a great way to establish yourself as a yoga expert and attract an audience. You can share blog posts, videos, and other content that covers a range of topics, such as yoga poses, nutrition, or even mental health. You can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

7. Become a Fitness Influencer

Building a following on social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube can be a lucrative way to make money as a yoga teacher. By sharing photos, videos, and other content related to yoga and fitness, you can attract a loyal following. You can monetize your following through sponsorships, advertising, affiliate marketing, and even by selling your own products or services. You’ll also be more likely to be able to sell any other digital products (e.g. online courses, eBooks, etc) once you have a decently sized social media presence.

8. Start a Paid Membership Website for Yoga

If you’re a yoga instructor looking for a new revenue stream, starting a paid membership website might be just the ticket. Not only does this model provide a stable source of recurring income, but it also allows you to create an exclusive community of like-minded yogis who share your passion for the practice.

By offering your members access to membership benefits such as online courses, live classes, and personalized coaching, you’re not just providing them with valuable resources – you’re also creating a sense of belonging and connection. Your members will appreciate the opportunity to interact with each other and with you, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive and grow in their yoga journey.

When it comes to pricing, you have several options. You can charge a monthly fee, which allows members to access your content for a set period of time, or you can offer a yearly membership, which provides even more value and exclusivity. Whatever pricing model you choose, make sure it’s in line with the value you’re providing to your members, and be transparent about what they can expect to receive in return. Read our comprehensive guide on how to build a membership website to ensure your success!

9. Teach Yoga to Corporate Employees and/or Manage Corporate Wellness Programs

Remote wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular as employers seek to support the health and well-being of their remote employees and create a culture of wellness in a remote work environment.

When teaching yoga to corporations or managing their wellness programs, you can often negotiate a regular schedule of classes, which can provide a stable and predictable source of income. This can be especially beneficial if you’re looking to supplement your income or make teaching yoga your full-time career.

10. Earn Commission through Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a way to earn commissions by promoting other people’s products or services. You can partner with companies that sell yoga-related products or services, and promote them to your audience. When someone makes a purchase through your affiliate link, you earn a commission.

It’s important for yoga teachers to be transparent about their affiliate relationships with their audience. You should always disclose that you are earning a commission for any products that you promote.

11. Publish a Book or Ebook

Publishing a book or ebook is a great way to establish yourself as an authority in the field of yoga. You can write a book that covers a specific aspect of yoga, such as meditation or mindfulness. The easiest and most cost-effective way is to publish an eBook (or digital book) as you won’t need to invest in printing and shipping costs. Consider reading our comprehensive guide on how to sell eBooks online for more information.

Here are some eBook ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Yoga practice guides
• Meditation and mindfulness guides
• Yoga philosophy and history
• Yoga anatomy
• Yoga for specific populations: Write an ebook that focuses on yoga for specific populations, such as seniors, pregnant women, or athletes.
• Healthy living and wellness: Create an ebook that offers advice and tips for healthy living and wellness, including nutrition, stress management, and self-care.
• Yoga teacher training manuals: Write an ebook that provides a comprehensive guide to yoga teacher training, including sequencing, adjustments, and class management.

12. Launch an Online Yoga Bootcamp

An online yoga bootcamp typically involves a series of pre-recorded yoga classes, as well as live sessions with the yoga teacher. Participants can access the program from anywhere with an internet connection, which makes it a convenient option for busy individuals who want to practice yoga on their own schedule.

To create an online yoga bootcamp, you’ll need to develop a series of yoga classes that are tailored to the needs of your audience. You may also want to offer additional resources, such as guided meditations, journal prompts, or nutritional advice, to help participants achieve their wellness goals.

13. Mentor Other Yoga Teachers

Building your own online courses or creating a certification program to teach other yoga teachers can be a great way to share your knowledge and expertise, as well as generate additional income.

Before you can teach other yoga teachers, it’s important to establish your own credentials and expertise in the field. This may include obtaining your own yoga teacher certification, completing advanced training programs, and gaining teaching experience. Next, you’ll need to define the curriculum for your certification program. This may include a range of topics such as anatomy, sequencing, philosophy, and teaching methodology. Consider what sets your program apart from others and how you can provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for your students.

You’ll also need to decide on the structure of your program, including the duration, format, and schedule. Will it be an online course or an in-person training program? Will it be a self-paced program or a structured course with deadlines and assignments? Consider what works best for your target audience and how you can provide a high-quality learning experience.

Once you’ve done all your homework, you can use free platforms like Payhip to create and sell your online courses or certification programs.

Final Thoughts – Make Money as a Yoga Instructor

There are many ways to make money online from the comfort of your own home as a yoga teacher. Whether you choose to teach live yoga classes, create pre-recorded classes, offer private sessions, create a yoga course or program, or sell yoga-related products, the opportunities are endless. The key is to find what works best for you and your students and to stay consistent in your efforts. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful online yoga business and help students from all over the world on their yoga journey.

Selecting the right platform to build your online yoga empire can make or break your business. Platforms like Payhip are equipped with everything you need to start your business (for free!) and grow with unlimited potential. Sign up for a free account on Payhip to start your dream online yoga business within less than 5 minutes.