A New Year for You, Yoga Teacher: How to Make the Most of January

November. Leaves fall from trees and crunch under foot; the smell of woodsmoke fills the air (in some places); and yoga teachers are busy planning for January. 

Yoga teachers who plan ahead for January can make the most of the new year and draw some of those potential new students into their classes. 

Because January is one of those prime moments in the year for adding new students to your classes. People are motivated and inspired to start something new, or to rekindle the yoga practice they used to love. Resolutions and intentions are set, involving self-care and being healthier in body and mind — and people turn to yoga, as a way to care for both body and mind. 

Yoga teachers who plan ahead for January can make the most of the new year and draw some of those potential new students into their classes. Some might be January-yogis who disappear when they settle back into the flow of life; but others could become long term students. 

Here are four simple ways to prep for the January rush. Welcome new students into classes that will make them fall in love with the practice for months and years to come. 

Launch a beginners course

Beginners courses often do well at any time of year, but January (and September) is the perfect time to welcome beginners into your student base. 

Plan a beginners course to start in the first or second week of January — but not too close to New Year’s Day because…hangovers. 

A six to eight week course that builds, week by week, gives new practitioners a chance to find out what yoga is all about and learn how to work safely and meditatively in class. And they’ll feel more comfortable knowing that everyone’s in the same boat. 

Make sure you think about ways to integrate these new students into your general classes at the end of the course. You could offer a class pass discount or run a follow-up course, designed to help them strengthen and build on the foundations they laid in the beginners course. 

Run an ‘introduction to yoga’ workshop

Not everyone will want to commit to a course straight away; so a one-off introductory workshop is a great way to offer an overview of the basics of yoga.

You could teach a simple class and give them an experience of how good yoga practice can make them feel. 

You could teach a simple class, talk through common questions and open the floor to new questions, and guide attendees through a deep relaxation to give them an experience of how good yoga practice can make them feel. 

From a marketing perspective, ideally this workshop would take place at least a couple of days before the start of your beginners course. At the end of the workshop you can hand out details of the course for anyone who wants to learn more. 

Do a ‘new year offer’ on your regular classes 

Not everyone who starts going to yoga classes in the new year is new to yoga. A January discount, ‘bring a friend’ offer, or discounted class pass is a solid way to encourage students looking for a new teacher to choose you. 

Make an effort to welcome new attendees who show up at your classes in January. Actually, always do this. Take the time to remember their name, ask about their yoga history and any injuries, concerns or intentions they have with their practice, and make yourself available to chat after class. 

Start marketing all of this, now

Finally, start letting people know about your new year courses and classes as soon as possible. Some people might wait until January comes to actually book — but you’ll be on their minds. 

And as the holidays approach, class passes, courses and workshops make really good gifts.

And as the holidays approach, class passes, courses and workshops make really good gifts; so put your adverts out there and make a point of this. Giving a friend or relative an opportunity to start yoga, or to return to their practice, is a lovely thing to do!

I know it’s only November; but Happy New Year, yoga teacher! Wishing you a peaceful and productive season.