Teaching Drop-In Yoga Classes - Is It Worth It?

If you've been teaching yoga for a while, you've probably heard plenty of advice urging you to move beyond drop-in classes.

Many experienced teachers prefer 1-on-1 sessions, courses, and retreats—and it's easy to see why. These options often offer higher income, a steady student base, and the opportunity to create deeper, more transformational experiences.

However, drop-in classes aren't just a stepping stone for new teachers. There are MANY benefits to teaching drop-in classes throughout your career, and I know many experienced teachers who still primarily base their revenue on drop-in sessions.

If you love teaching drop-in yoga but are questioning whether to shift your focus, read on as I share the advantages and challenges of this student base.

Benefits Of Teaching Drop-In Yoga Classes

Teaching drop-in yoga classes offers unique benefits that enrich your teaching experience and help you grow as a yoga instructor.

You introduce yoga to many people 

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching drop-in yoga is the sheer number of people you get to introduce to the practice. 

Over a year or two, you might find yourself teaching yoga to hundreds of people, many of whom might have never stepped onto a yoga mat if not for the accessibility of drop-in classes. These classes remove the barrier of commitment, making it easier for curious beginners to try yoga. 

Even though you might not accompany them through their entire yoga journey, you become the pivotal teacher who sparked their interest in yoga. I still vividly remember my first yoga teachers, and even after 10+ years, I'm grateful for their role in my journey.

Less class planning is required

Another great benefit of teaching drop-in yoga is the reduced need for extensive class planning. 

Since you typically teach to different people each time, you can cycle through a few key sequences rather than create a new one for every class. This saves time and comes in handy when you're in a creative slump.

When I was teaching drop-in yoga, I rotated about six core sequences whenever inspiration was low. This approach also worked well when teaching in multiple locations; I could teach the same sequence at each studio for a week before switching things up. 

It makes you a more adaptable yoga teacher

Drop-in yoga classes are an excellent training ground for learning how to simultaneously teach students of various levels. 

Since you never know who will walk into your class, you're constantly challenged to think on your feet and adapt your sequences on the fly. This experience makes you more versatile as a teacher, as you become adept at modifying poses and offering variations that suit the needs of everyone in the room. 

Over time, this ability to mentally adjust your plans and cater to diverse students will make you a more confident and capable yoga instructor.

Benefits Of Teaching Drop-In Yoga In Tourist Destinations

In addition to teaching yoga in my hometown, I've had the opportunity to lead drop-in classes in various tourist destinations around the world. Beyond the general benefits of drop-in yoga, teaching tourist yoga offers some distinct advantages.

You meet people from all over the world

When you teach tourist yoga, you meet many interesting people from all walks of life and different backgrounds. This diversity enriches your teaching experience, helping you to become more adaptable and culturally aware. 

Engaging with such a broad audience enhances your teaching style and opens your mind to new ideas and practices, making your classes more inclusive and dynamic.

You can grow an international following 

Tourist yoga is a powerful way to build an international community. As travellers attend your classes, they may follow your journey online and stay connected long after their vacation ends. 

Moreover, if you plan to offer online offerings or retreats at some point, it can be an excellent way to find students. By teaching drop-in yoga in popular tourist destinations, you can tap into a steady stream of new students from around the world, growing your brand and influence on a global scale.

The Challenges Of Teaching Drop-In Yoga Classes

While teaching drop-in yoga has many advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common issues and practical tips for overcoming them.

It’s hard to develop a relationship with your students 

Drop-in yoga classes are transient—students often come and go without commitment.

You might see a different group of faces in each class, making it difficult to establish a consistent connection with any one individual. As a result, you don't get to know your students on a deeper level, understand their progress, or offer personalised guidance over time.

Even so, I've found there are still ways to build a connection with your students in drop-in classes. Here are a few things I do:

Be Present and Approachable - Make an effort to greet each student personally, introduce yourself, and ask their names. This simple act can make students feel more connected to you and increase their likelihood of returning.

Encourage Interaction - Foster a sense of community within your classes by encouraging students to interact. I do this by sharing circles and opening the floor to questions after class.

Create a follow-up system - Invite your students to join your mailing list or follow you on social media. This can help you maintain a connection with students beyond the studio and increase the chance of them attending more of your classes in the future.

Low or unstable income

I remember teaching drop-in yoga in a popular gym chain in the UK. Rather than a set class rate, I received £2 per person. 

Often, these classes were super busy, meaning sometimes I would have up to 30 people, earning an impressive £60 (€70) for a one-hour class. But other times, I would have 5 to 10 students, meaning I made as little as £10 (€11) a class.

Getting paid per student is typical for drop-in yoga, but it can be challenging to know how much you will make week in and week out.

But here's one way to overcome this challenge (without diversifying your teaching format)…

Try negotiating a minimum guaranteed rate with the studio or gym. This ensures that you have a base income even on low attendance days. 

Some places may also be open to offering bonuses for higher attendance, which would give you more stability while still rewarding you for popular classes.

You can also consider offering class packages or multi-class passes if the studio allows. This can encourage students to commit to multiple sessions with you, leading to more consistent attendance and income.

Final Thoughts On Teaching Drop-In Yoga

While teaching drop-in yoga classes may present some challenges, they also offer unique benefits that can enhance your teaching journey, regardless of your experience level. 

So, if you find joy and fulfilment in teaching drop-in sessions, there's no need to move beyond them. Embrace the advantages of this student base and continue to grow as a teacher and a practitioner!