Navigating the Yoga Landscape: An Insight into the Life of UK Yoga Teachers in 2024

This is a snapshot of the report I conducted and released in early 2024, you can download the full pdf report here.

Why study this?

Yoga in the UK is flourishing, it’s estimated that well over half a million people actively practice, making the role of yoga teachers increasingly vital. With the industry valued at a staggering £825 million, and over 15,000 yoga teachers currently operating, it can mean big business, something that never sits right with so many yoga teachers, this juxtaposition of yoga and business. This report aims to unveil the intricate tapestry of being a yoga teacher in the UK in 2024, addressing both the opportunities and challenges that resonate with yoga teachers today

About the Respondents:

Before diving into the nuances of a yoga teacher's life, the report examines the demographics of respondents (there were 83 responses all from practicing yoga teachers). Drawing from a diverse pool of participants, it was revealed that a majority were experienced teachers, with almost 46% having completed over 500 hours of training. The teaching landscape was equally varied, with 48% identifying as part-time teachers, 29% as full-time, 4% having trained but not actively teaching, and 9% being occasional teachers. 

Teaching Trends:

The survey explored the number of classes taught per week, revealing that the most common range was 5-7 classes.. Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin emerged as the dominant yoga styles, while a heartening 22% of teachers conducted free community sessions, reflecting the strong community spirit within the yoga profession.

Financial Insights:

Examining the financial side, the report uncovered variations in earnings based on location and teaching context. In yoga studios or gyms, the majority earned £26-£30 per hour, whereas independent teachers saw a wider range, with the most common response being £46-£50. Charging for one-to-one sessions varied, with approximately 43% charging between £40-£60. When it came to the average cost of a class for customers, nearly 30% charged £8-£10 for yoga classes classes.

Challenging Conditions:

The report delved into challenges, acknowledging the impact of the Cost of Living crisis. While 45% reported no change in class interest, 42% noticed a drop, and 12% saw a considerable decrease. Amid the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% of teachers admitted they had not returned to pre-COVID class sizes.

Marketing Your Yoga Business:

Recognising the importance of marketing, the survey discovered that 91% of respondents had an Instagram account, the most popular channel, while 78% used Facebook. Creating a website proved to be a challenge, with 50% feeling their website only somewhat represented them. Despite this, 62% regularly updated their websites, demonstrating an increase in digital skills amongst yoga teachers. However, 38% rated their confidence in marketing and business at 3 out of 5, suggesting ongoing challenges in this area.

Challenges:

The report highlighted various challenges, including the pressure of social media, difficulty finding new customers, and the perception of the yoga landscape becoming more competitive. A significant 48% of teachers felt that online platforms had driven down costs, with 41% finding the landscape more competitive.

Retreats:

While yoga retreats gained popularity, the report noted challenges in attracting participants (46%) and finding suitable venues (38%). Despite these obstacles, 17% expressed an interest in organising a retreat.

Mental Health:

Addressing mental health, the report found an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. However, a concerning number placed their mental health at lower levels, emphasising the importance of mental well-being within the yoga community.

Final Thoughts:

The report concluded with insights from open-ended survey responses, highlighting concerns about the pressure for continuous professional development, the undervaluation of yoga teaching skills, and the challenges of making yoga a full-time career. Some teachers expressed frustration with the industry's exploitation, even more of a reason why as an industry we need fair treatment and ethical practices.

In the face of these challenges, some teachers viewed their role as a form of protest, actively resisting societal ideologies through yoga. While the report painted a comprehensive picture of the UK yoga teaching landscape, it left the door open for further discussions and improvements within the industry, urging yoga teachers to support one another in this evolving and demanding profession.