The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga: The Yoga Professional's Guide to a Fulfilling Career

by Amy Ippoliti, Taro Smith

Thousands of yoga lovers take teacher training courses each year, hoping to share what they learn with others. Many want to make yoga teaching their full-time career, but most training programs fall short in covering business acumen, and they may not equip graduates with the entrepreneurial skills and savvy they need to make a go of it. This indispensable and inspiring book guides both new and established professionals toward maximizing their impact as teachers and achieving their career goals. You’ll learn to:

• build a loyal student base
• plan dynamic classes
• optimize your own practice
• become more financially stable
• maintain a marketing plan
• use social media effectively
• create a unique brand identity
• inspire even more students to embrace yoga

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Teaching

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2016

Reviews

[Mahlee Kefor · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded down- Not the most well written book but it was an easy read. Having a business degree, I felt like I knew a lot of the marketing tips she mentioned already. It’s a good supplemental book but is in no means a necessary book to read if you want to learn more about yoga teaching as a profession.

[Brandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not quitting my library job, but isn't it nice when you can combine your two loves? Yoga at the library!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource for yoga teachers

I have been teaching yoga since 2003 and found quite a bit in this book to be useful information, a different perspective on things and/or things to ponder. I recommend checking it out if you're a yoga teacher. It's an easy, clear read. And the type of book that you can integrate what you think will be useful into what you are already doing. I have already started using some of the suggestions and think it will shift things more positively for me.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for yoga teachers! There are many useful tips here; I have just began to re-organise my teaching folder based on the categories suggested in the book. The book also reminded me of writing my mission statement - something I have done in my personal life, but am now inspired to write for my teaching, too.

[Melania Romanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga" is a comprehensive and enlightening guide that seamlessly intertwines the spiritual essence of yoga with the practicalities of running a successful yoga business in Modern Times. Authored by Amy Ippoliti and Taro Smith PhD, this book stands out as a beacon of wisdom for both aspiring and experienced yoga instructors.

From the moment I delved into its pages, I found myself captivated by the authors' approachable writing style. The language used is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to absorb the wealth of information provided. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just beginning your journey as a student or (as in my case, a fresh teacher), the book's readability ensures that everyone can benefit from its insights.

One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its completeness. Ippoliti and Smith leave no stone unturned as they guide readers through every aspect of teaching yoga, from mastering poses to navigating scheduling, self-care, and the complexities of running a yoga studio. Each chapter is filled to the brim with valuable advice, ensuring that readers walk away with a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to excel in the field of yoga instruction.

What truly sets this book apart is its candid exploration of the "money" issue within the yoga community. I was particularly impressed by the authors' willingness to tackle this often-taboo topic head-on. By addressing the intersection of spirituality and commerce in yoga, Ippoliti and Smith provide invaluable insights into how to navigate the financial aspects of teaching yoga without compromising one's integrity.

Moreover, this guide serves as a reliable ally for both inspiration and direction. Whether you're seeking guidance on refining your teaching skills or looking for innovative ways to grow your yoga business, this book offers a wealth of practical advice and thought-provoking insights. It's the kind of resource that you'll want to keep within arm's reach, ready to consult whenever you need a dose of motivation or clarity.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga" to anyone passionate about yoga and eager to deepen their understanding of both its spiritual and practical dimensions. Amy Ippoliti and Taro Smith have crafted a masterpiece that not only educates but also empowers, making it an indispensable resource for yoga instructors at every stage of their journey.

Let's get on the mat... and Namasté!

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished a yoga teacher training, not because I want to teach yoga, but because I want to know more about yoga. But had I actually been looking for a career change, this book covers everything my teacher training didn't that's crucial to making a career as a yoga teacher: marketing basics, balancing types of teaching opportunities, getting along in the workplace, and a bit on long term lesson planning basics (i.e. planning tons of classes, not just one). It's all very clear and easy to read, but none of it goes very deep, quite possibly because I get the sense this is essentially a taster for the authors' consulting business. Some of it also has a really obnoxious American cultural vibe of 'being organized and on top of everything all the time is the most important thing ever! Do. Not. Show. Weakness', but couched in this touchy feely yoga world vibe which is all about being responsible and caring (for yourself and/or others). I find that cultural attitude quite pernicious, but that's just me. As I've learned from yoga, you can't have everything, and this is still quite useful in understanding what the reality of being a yoga teacher is all about.

[Bethan · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very basic read.
Absolutely perfect for complete beginners and I mean complete beginners, anyone who doesn't know Facebook, twitter etc because there is a whole chapter dedicated on what these are but not on how to use them successfully to help you and your yoga business.
Brushes over lots of topics with bare minimum guidance and realistically if you are a yoga teacher I would like to think you have taken a yoga teacher training where everything in this book will have been covered (lessons, themes etc).
Shame because this book could have really been something as there is a market for the business aspect of yoga.

[Tina Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Referring to the audiobook version) This book is the next best thing to enjoying lunch with your favorite yoga teacher after you've enrolled in yoga teacher training. She will relate all the good and all the bad - in a very honest, no-nonsense way.

Halfway through the audiobook, I had to wonder if I would have enrolled in yoga teacher training had I listened to this book first. I still wonder. Yet I'm not in my early 20s, not looking to support myself entirely by teaching yoga classes at a studio (or studios), not looking to make much money at all. I expect to be compensated for my time and knowledge, sure, but I have a day job and in a few years I'll have my retirement benefits. I won't be dependent on my yoga instructor fees as the major source of my income.

So how do I feel about this book now? It gave me immense respect for the 20 or 30-something yoga teachers who have led amazing classes yet who are trying to earn a living by teaching yoga, perhaps with only marginal or sporatic success. I am extra-grateful to them after listening to this book.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been teaching yoga for about 4 years now and thought this might be worth a listen. While it didn't particularly apply to me (I live in a rural area with yoga as a side hustle while this is a bit more geared toward people trying to teach in urban areas full time) it was still worth a listen. There were some good points that could apply to most yoga teachers especially regarding self care and developing themes for your classes.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and uplifting in so many ways. However I did feel a bit surprised and disappointed in their stance that mediocre earnings will be about all one can expect and to not disillusion yourself by thinking you can earn a comfortable living. I believe in manifestation and divine gifts and through those you can be wildly successful at whatever your heart and passion desires.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some hits, some misses.

Social media advice is outdated because that's the social media world.

I would advise most yoga teachers who want to teach full-time or own a studio to find a business partner who knows business.

That said, there's still valuable information in this book. I plan to buy the updated version on Kindle.

[Carlos Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with tips on how to become a better Yoga instructor and business person.

Nice tips indeed, that I plan to incorporate in my routine!

A must read for anyone that may look at Yoga as an income stream.

[Pragya Bhatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe this book was helpful for yoga teachers at the time it came out. I found it very superficial, not delving enough into the details. A lot of the content is intuitive, as a teacher you don't have to read about it in a book.

[Eyvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic advice that applies to many businesses in addition to yoga

I liked the short to the point writing. It's like an outline that you must do further research to fill in the details.

[Marguarite Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short guide to the business/teaching side of yoga offers advice on teaching, marketing, and planning a yoga business with helpful tips for integrating private lessons and groups classes into your routines.

[Melissa Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the very relatable and realistic approach to the business side of teaching yoga. I found this to be very inspiring and would highly recommend this book to my fellow yoga teachers looking to grow as individuals and to help their business.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I still use pen and paper, because they somehow slow me down and get me back to basics. . . . you might try writing by hand once in a while to see if it provokes a different line of thought." ~ Amy Ippoliti

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent overview filled with tips for yoga teachers just starting out. It also had words of wisdom for more experienced teachers who may be inspiring others. I read it to give me insights for the Yoga Teacher Training that I host and found it very helpful.

[Delta Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and quick read. Great for yoga teachers that are either working at a studio or starting their own businesses. Has lots of valuable information that can be reviewed to find self improvements and inspiration.

[DK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Down to earth, succinct and helpful.

[Massiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it!

Very inspired to go out and teach. Some very helpful tips on here on how to be a great teacher and student.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful resource for rounding out the more business-oriented aspects of becoming a yoga teacher, which was the one thing I found lacking in my 200-hour certification instruction.

[Julie Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gained insight and a fresh perspective on how to make a bigger impact leading yoga and inspire others to live well.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful even if you are an experienced yoga teacher. Concise and clear bits of advice to improve your yoga career immediately!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Required* reading during my YTT program, but not all of it was relevant to what I want to do with my teaching. It was still a good read though.

[Eve Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to business. This is a good stopping off point. Could be updated a little in terms of suggestions for the insurance, but still helpful.

[Zoe McKey · Rating 5 out of 5]

great resource for yoga teachers

[Megan Bettis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is extremely helpful for anyone freshly coming out of a YTT, and some great reminders for seasoned teachers! I wish there was a little more emphasis on the business aspect.

[Bett Correa-Bollhoefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good stuff