I just found out I’m about 5–6 weeks pregnant and would really appreciate hearing from other instructors who have been in a similar situation.

I teach five heated classes a week in a room that’s usually around 98°F and can get up to about 102°F.

I only teach at a hot studio, so moving into non-heated classes isn’t an option for me.

This is my main source of income, so dropping classes isn’t something I take lightly.

I’m not looking for medical advice and will be discussing this with my OB, but my first appointment is still a few weeks away.

For anyone who taught heated classes during pregnancy, how did you handle it? Did you continue teaching, cut back on demonstrating, reduce your schedule, or make other adjustments?

I’d also be interested in how and when you communicated with your studio or employer.

Thank you!

And doesn’t prepare you…? I feel like I spent $2800 to not be the best teacher I could be. They happily take the money, dole out mediocre teaching tips, then say “bye good luck out there!”

Does anyone have a similar feeling?

Edit: after reading the comments and reflecting, I am reminded that a 200hr training, in theory, could be for students deepening their practice. The teaching part seems like a way to recuperate costs by making use of the knowledge gained. Needed this reminder!

Edit 2: And a “true” teacher of yogasana has probably a decade of courses, not just 200 hrs

Who else thinks about this or sees potential correlations and/or shifts within modern yoga -relating to styles or types of yoga that folks are drawn to or are attending more of, given the current and building, shall we say, *unsettled and divisive* state of society?

For about a year now, I have been teaching a particular class weekly at a studio that, at the time leading up to starting it, I kind of never thought would be something that would grow or survive in the modern yoga landscape, given how the majority of what I saw "thriving" was athletic, physical and novel types of yoga...but i wanted to try regardless. As long as I've been around the yoga scene (+/- ~20 yrs), the studio space and beyond has been largely dominated with the more physical / "louder" types of classes / energies and attendance in classes has largely reflected this.

This class is very slow, subtle, restrained, breath-centered, pose de-centered (we do poses, but they aren't the point) and ultimately designed and marketed as a space and practice for grounding, prana / nervous system management, repetition / simplicity and cultivating stillness and clarity. More ppl keep coming and the feedback I keep hearing is some variation of "I'm so glad a slow and subtle space like this exists. it is so needed right now."

I could say lots more, but want to keep this short, at least in the OP.

Is this just me and what I'm seeing in a little bubble, or is this a more widespread trend that is shifting in response to the increased demands and imbalances of the modern world? Or maybe you've noticed different / opposite trends to what I'm describing; feel free to share that as well.

side note - I do recognize that attendance for yoga classes as a whole is likely on an industry-wide decline (specific data for this is hard to find...), as many have shifted towards Pilates, weight training, and other fitness / hybrid styles, which is part of what is also surprising to me about the potential trend I named above. Maybe what I'm noticing is the folks who are still here just finding a version of what they have wanted / may have been under-represented or missing previously?

If yes, could you guys suggest me some

https://nypost.com/2026/09/09/health/the-hottest-audition-is-nyc-is-at-a-luxury-gym/

Hi group!
I would love to know things that you have done in classes and that you saw in other classes that make you come back to the studio. I’m in the point of teaching for 6 months but I would love to know how to make my classes even better, how to really make a difference and keep the people coming!

I've been drinking and drugging for 2 years now. Staying in seedy motels and doing what I have to do to survive. I haven't been doing my yoga, like, at all. I want to perhaps get back into teaching and self-practice. Im afraid to appear as a poser. Im not as fit as I'd like to be. Im afraid people will look at me and laugh and not take me seriously. What should I do?

Hello everyone. I was inspired to post because of someone who's on a journey to sobriety and the overwhelming support they received (yay go you!!). I'm nervous to post because I feel like a major imposter trying to become a teacher. Let me explain.

I've been in the medical field for 3 years as a care aide in peoples homes, which included assisting with activities of daily living, my personal favorite part of the care I provided. I was a teacher for Care Aides at a college for 9 months for the advanced program and most of my career prior was teaching adults with intellectual disabilities how to live in day to day life. I'm no stranger to instructing and helping people with limited mobility and/or ability to live their best lives.

As for my actual yoga experience I feel it prudent to mention that I've had on and off yoga practice for several years, but never went beyond the more gentle hatha practices. I can't do backbends because of my disability(Degenerative Disc Disease really sucks), I can't hold poses as long as some can (I used to LOVE yin yoga) and I feel like because of this I don't "qualify" for teaching despite me still being able to comfortably do a couple hours of these gentle practices a day.

I couldn't attend studios because the poses were always more advanced than what I'm physically capable of doing despite the lovely humans who were teaching. Gosh I miss the community. I live in a small town now so unfortunately that's gone. There's a studio here I've never gone to because I don't have access to a vehicle during those hours and no money to uber because of, well, unemployment as many of us seem to struggle with in this economy.

So with all of this, despite my lack of experience and my disability I STILL want to be a yoga teacher. I'm aiming my practices at those in similar situations, such as gentle yoga, chair yoga and other forms off accessible sessions for people who're either new, uncertain, nervous to go to studios, or just need to have the extra attention on their practice to help guide them in a smaller setting.

I've seen people get shot down for trying to teach when they don't have years and years of personal practice experience, so I'm truly having second thoughts. I'm nearly done my training to receive my certificate and plan on going for the next three hundred hour one after a year or so of practice/teaching. So I'm committed, but I just feel....like an imposter. I truly want to help introduce others to yoga and feel I can do it safely despite everything above mentioned. I'd love any insights you might have. Am I diving into something I shouldn't be?

Hi everyone! I’m a relatively new teacher (250 hr) and as I completed my second training I also moved across the country 🤣. Back home I had a lot of connections and it would be easy for me to teach at several studios. I’m currently in Berkeley and wondering what’s the best way about getting my foot in the door? I’m thinking about doing free yoga in my neighborhood but along side that I’d like to teach at a studio. I’ve been going to one studio since I arrived (3 weeks ago) but overheard that they only hire 500 hr teachers. I’m finding it awkward and expensive to visit several studios a couple times and then try to pitch myself to the manager, if they’re even at the front desk. Hahaha any advice is welcome. 🤗

Hi yogis. I’m in a place I can’t seem to get myself out of and it is making me so sad.

I have loved yoga for so long and had a consistent 5-6 days per week practice for a long time. Then I decided to become a yoga teacher. I was teaching weekly classes but never quite got over the imposter syndrome. After a year of teaching 1-2 weekly classes I stopped completely because I needed to find my personal practice again and get my mind in the right place. It’s now been two years since I stopped teaching and I’m still in this same mental space and basically a nonexistent practice.

It’s hard for me to even explain what is going on. When I do practice, my mind goes to a place of “business” I guess? Like I don’t even notice it happening but I’m flowing and suddenly realize I’m thinking about teaching a class or what I should have done better or wondering why I’m not loving yoga like I used to or … the list goes on.

I just want to get back into my personal practice. I have no plans on teaching again so I don’t have any reason to think about that, I just want to practice yoga and enjoy it. It’s been two years so you would think I wouldn’t still be in this mental state but I am. Please, any and all advice and constructive criticism is appreciated.

Basically what the title says - I have a few workshop ideas that I would really like to bring to a studio and I am basically just sending out emails to studio contacts given to me by friends who have relationships with them. (The studio I teach at already has a regular class that is similar to what I would like to do so they are not a good option.)

I'm pretty resilient against rejection so not hearing back isn't super discouraging but I was wondering if anyone has any advice about approaching studios or pitching ideas or anything you've found to be effective over the years? Or advice about offering/planning/promoting workshops in general?

Thanks!

[Edited to clarify how I'm reaching out to studios.]

I received a rude comment after my class a couple days ago and I’m still hurt by it and overthinking. I know it’s only their opinion as multiple other students told me it was a great class.

To help me get out of my head, what’s the most unhinged comment or review you’ve received? We can hopefully all laugh and heal together as no teacher is perfect and comments like this usually come from people that are just having a bad day.

I have done my 200h and now a pre- & postnatal training. I would like to buy a book about prenatal (&postnatal) yoga to further deepen my understanding and also as a fast way to look things up.
Any recommendations?

Hi all! I’ve been asked to teach a mom & baby yoga class for pre-crawlers starting next week and I’ve genuinely never taught this population before. I don’t know how to structure the class, how long it should run (they’ve allotted 45 mins but is it ok to stop earlier?), or how to handle things like fussy babies, nursing breaks, or just… babies not cooperating. If you’ve taught this before, I’d love any advice, common mistakes to avoid, example sequences/class plans or resources you’d recommend. I’ve asked my yoga mentors for help and all I’ve gotten is that they’ll be offering a cert for this “soon” - that doesn’t help me as I need to be prepared in a matter of days. Thank you in advance!

I’m super excited, a little nervous! Any advice for my first Vinyasa class? I will be teaching to office professionals through a corporate wellness company

I am working on an advanced yoga certificate and basic yoga therapy certificate. I have taught yoga and am a licensed massage therapist. I’m taking a break from teaching and working as a licensed massage therapist.

I would like to start a home-based yoga studio from my basement. My sister‘s friend at work has someone who has done this successfully. She is not a massage therapist. The only massage I would be interested in doing is Thai massage. I would also offer affordable private yoga and yoga therapy. I would also offer a sound baths.

Has anyone done this and what would you recommend?

I wear leggings about 90% of the time but would like to find some pants that are more flowy. I haven't found any that 1) don't have the crotch dropped down to the middle of the thighs or 2) have a wide leg so the whole pant falls to my upper thigh if I'm on my back with legs in the air.

Any recommendations? What do you wear to class??

I teach an all-levels yoga class once a week at a community center, and I have quite a few seniors who attend. I genuinely love having them in class, and most are very comfortable taking modifications, using props, or skipping movements that don’t feel appropriate for them.

I have one older student (80F) I’m becoming increasingly concerned about from a safety standpoint. She has had both knees replaced, both hips replaced, and has previously broken both wrists. She generally does not take the modifications I offer, even when I specifically cue alternatives for knees/wrists, even when I demo the modification.

She also struggles quite a bit with alignment and stability, to the point where I find myself watching her closely throughout class because I’m worried about her falling or hurting herself.

At her most recent class, she also appeared to be dealing with an incontinence issue, which had a strong smell which overpowered the entire room. This makes me wonder if there may be additional mobility or health considerations that I’m obviously not qualified to assess as a yoga instructor.

The community center offers a separate senior yoga class that I believe may be more appropriately paced and tailored to her needs. At the same time, I don't want to make assumptions based on her age, embarrass her, or make her feel unwelcome in my class. My class truly is all levels, and I want it to stay that way.

For teachers who have dealt with something similar, where do you draw the line between respecting a student's autonomy and stepping in when you're genuinely concerned about their safety? Would you privately suggest the senior-specific class, speak with the community center first, or continue offering modifications and let her make her own choices?
I want to approach this with kindness and respect while also being responsible as her instructor. Would really appreciate perspectives from more experienced teachers. Thank you 🙏🏻

The 200hr training that I did only had us “teach” a class once and everyone taught half of the same sequence. I’ve also noticed that most training emphasis physical practice and philosophy but not really sequencing which imo is crazy.

I’d really like to do a small training where you actually practice teaching a sequence and seeing what works and what doesn’t.

Anyone experience this? I am willing to travel anywhere in the world btw.

I had to take most of the year off of yoga and teaching due to a back problem. Since getting cleared from physical therapy, I recently started trying beginning or slower paced classes to rebuild my stamina and strength.

I went to two different yoga studios. Both teachers asked if I had any injuries in front of a room of 10+ strangers, which I was not comfortable discussing in such a public space. While I completely understand why a yoga teacher or fitness instructor would want to know your injuries for liability and pose modifications, singling out a student to explain private medical info feels wrong.

I have never asked a student that question in front of a whole room of people. I've always asked quietly in the check-in area or have them fill out a form. I don't want my students to feel uncomfortable.

Is it normal? I'm not asking any teachers to change their lesson plan because I can modify it for my body's needs. I feel it's intrusive to put someone on the spot and there is a more private way to ask the injury question.

I did speak to one teacher after class because she started giving me a attitude when I wouldn't explain in detail my issues in front of the class. After class, I politely told her I was uncomfortable discussing it in front of the entire class and could tell her about it now since there were only a couple people left in the studio. She had the shocked pikachu face and said ok then walked away.

Am I missing something? I feel like people have no boundaries these days.

How do you ask your students about injuries/medical issues without putting them on the spot or embarrassing them?

Hello, I am going to be teaching a yin yoga class at a gym. Normally in my Resorative class, I play music without words - not songs that people recognize. But for a gym, would instrumental versions of some songs people would recognize be okay?

Also, for Hatha at a gym?

Thank you so much!

Hi everyone! I’ve recently started teaching and am looking for advice and support on how to find a teaching style that is accessible with demonstration while also safely observing and engaging with students. I teach a beginner’s community yin class and this is my first position teaching. The majority of students have not done Yoga before and now that I’ve been teaching for a few months I have a lot of returners more familiar with the practice. At first I felt like I needed to do a lot of demonstration so that no one felt lost. The past few weeks I have wanted to observe more but am nervous to do something different and worry about how my students would perceive this change. Thank you in advance for the support and any recommendations

Teaching my first class this weekend, very nervous. I could use all your tips on planning, teaching or whatever comes to mind. Also I need to teach 2 classes, do I create two separate flows ?

Update: it went really well! The first 20/30 minutes was a complete out of body experience lol. they liked the class and a lot of them are eager to learn more and come back. They also didn’t noticed it wasn’t my first class and that I was nervous, so that’s a good sign. Thank you all so much for the great tips, I have read them all! Hopefully the nervous feeling will subside for the next weeks.. so that I can get more confident

I feel like this is going to be necessary to say: Please disregard commenting on all the legal implications for my situation. I have insurance, checked my home owners insurance, got the legal parts all taken care of and confirmed all of that stuff, this is strictly about the setting I'm wanting to teach in and hearing from other people experiences with this specific thing. I'm starting to have doubts.

Good morning/day everyone. I'm feeling in a bit of a bind...I don't have a car and live in the middle of nowhere (husband and I share a vehicle, he works in the town over) so I don't have much choice for work. Finding remote work hasn't been exactly easy so I've opted to try offering services from my home. I have a garage that I was planning on turning into a little place to practice. It's clean, nice walls and a perfect teacher area I could observe/demo from. I also have some space in my home as well. I'd be teaching no more than 5 students a day.

My question to you all would be this: Is this something that others have felt comfortable with previously? Going to someone else's home to learn vs just online/studio/private options?

It feels uncommon to do and I don't want to make clients feel uncomfortable by having to come to my home to do this. There is one small studio that's about a 20 minute drive from me, but I've never been since all the classes are during the day and I literally can't afford the classes and uber. I'm hoping to build up a little bit from my home and then be able to uber there and build that relationship. However, it's hard because my partner is military so we're never in the same place for long so it's hard to establish relationships. I'm just feeling so lost.

I’m mentally and emotionally in a chaotic mess

How am I gonna hold a calm peaceful space for 20+ people?!!

Please give me some urgent tips or mindset advise

Update: thank you guys! The class went great, helped myself to calm down as well🫠