Flexibility Off the Mat: Lessons for Yoga Teachers and Studio Owners
As yoga teachers, we often emphasize the importance of flexibility—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the real-world experience of teaching in multiple studios or owning a yoga space yourself. The more we live this practice, the more we realize: flexibility is not a luxury—it’s essential.
If you're a yoga teacher who moves between different studios or communities, one thing becomes clear quickly: no two studios are alike. Each will have its own culture, non-negotiables, and ways of doing things. Some studios provide a precise structure for how a class must be taught—from sequencing and music choices to exact language cues. Others offer more fluidity, trusting you to uphold the spirit of their approach while allowing creative expression.
Either way, it's important to approach each environment with curiosity rather than comparison. Even if a studio's methodology differs from what you've learned or taught, seek first to understand. There's often wisdom behind every rule, whether it’s based on clientele needs, safety protocols, or brand identity. Show respect, adapt where needed, and keep your personal practice strong so you can stay grounded in what makes you you as a teacher.
On the flip side, yoga studio owners also need to practice flexibility—especially when working with teachers trained elsewhere. While it’s natural to favor those you’ve trained yourself, it’s equally vital to recognize talent and passion in others. Great teachers come from many lineages. Rather than judging their training background, take the time to share what makes your studio unique. Be clear about what matters most—whether it’s how you open a gentle yoga class, expectations around hands-on assists, or the kind of language preferred in your space.
Consider creating a simple teacher guide that outlines class types and expectations. For example:
Gentle Yoga: 10-minute warm-up including breathwork, accessible poses, no Downward Dogs.
Chair Yoga: Emphasis on joint mobility, balance, and breath; no floor work.
Hot Power Flow: Structured sequences, upbeat music, set transitions.
This document becomes a bridge—not a boundary—helping teachers align with your studio's ethos while still bringing their unique voice to the mat.
And for both teachers and studio owners, understanding your audience is key. A studio with 60% retirees and 30% working professionals is going to offer something different than one serving mostly young athletes looking for a sweat-drenched power class. A quality yoga teacher training program, like A+ Yoga’s, equips teachers to adapt—from Chair Yoga to Core Power styles—but not all programs do. This is where patience and mentorship come in.
In the end, both roles—teacher and studio owner—are held together by the thread of yoga philosophy. Aparigraha, or non-attachment, reminds us to let go of rigid expectations. Svadhyaya, self-study, asks us to keep learning and evolving. And santosha, contentment, encourages us to meet each moment with acceptance and grace.
Flexibility, both physical and philosophical, is what allows our yoga to be alive—not just on the mat, but in how we run our businesses, show up for our communities, and grow as humans. Whether you're leading a class or leading a studio, may you stay open, patient, and in flow.
photo shot at Aro Ha
