The Realities of Teaching Yoga: Vulnerability, Burnout, and the Beauty of the Practice

When I first stepped into the world of teaching yoga, I was filled with passion, purpose, and a deep desire to share the practice that had transformed my own life. Like many yoga teachers, I imagined my days would be filled with peaceful studios, meaningful connections, and the satisfaction of helping others find balance and joy. And while there is so much beauty in this path, I’ve learned that teaching yoga—especially as a full-time career—comes with unique challenges that aren’t often discussed openly.

Today, I want to share some of those challenges in a spirit of honesty and vulnerability, as well as the incredible rewards that keep me coming back to my mat and my students, day after day.

The Income Challenge: Making Yoga Teaching Sustainable

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: income. Many aspiring yoga teachers enter the field with dreams of abundance, only to be met with the reality that making a sustainable living as a yoga teacher can be difficult. Most studios pay per class, and unless you’re teaching multiple classes a day, every day, it’s hard to make ends meet. Private sessions and workshops can help, but building a steady client base takes time and effort.

There have been months when I worried about paying my bills. I’ve juggled multiple gigs, taught early mornings and late nights, and even picked up side jobs to supplement my income. The unpredictability can be stressful, and it’s easy to feel undervalued—especially when you see how much heart and energy you pour into every class.

If you’re a yoga teacher reading this and feeling the pinch, know that you’re not alone. The challenge of yoga teacher income is real, and it’s okay to acknowledge it. It doesn’t make you less devoted or passionate—it just makes you human.

Burnout: When Your Passion Becomes Exhaustion

Another truth: teaching yoga full-time can lead to burnout. When you’re constantly giving—emotionally, physically, and energetically—it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. I’ve experienced weeks where I felt depleted, running from class to class, barely having time to eat, rest, or practice for myself.

Burnout can sneak up on you, especially if you’re driven by a desire to serve and help others. The irony is that the very thing that drew us to yoga—its promise of balance and well-being—can become harder to access when our schedules are packed and our energy is stretched thin.

If you’re feeling this way, please pause and take a breath. Your well-being matters. It’s not selfish to take time for yourself; in fact, it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

The Vulnerability of Illness: When You Can’t Teach

One of the most challenging moments I’ve faced as a yoga teacher was getting sick and realizing I couldn’t teach. Unlike many traditional jobs, if you’re not teaching, you’re not earning. There’s no paid sick leave, no substitute to fill in at the last minute. The fear of letting students down, losing income, and falling behind can be overwhelming.

This vulnerability is something many yoga teachers experience but rarely talk about. It’s a reminder of how precarious this path can be—and why it’s so important to build a support network, have backup plans, and, if possible, create passive income streams (like online classes or on-demand content) to help cushion those times when life throws you a curveball.

Imposter Syndrome: The Voice of Doubt

Despite years of training and thousands of hours on the mat, imposter syndrome still creeps in. There are days when I wonder: Am I good enough? Do I really have something valuable to offer? With social media showcasing seemingly perfect teachers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison.

Imposter syndrome is especially common in the yoga world, where the standards (often self-imposed) can feel impossibly high. But here’s what I’ve learned: every teacher has a unique voice, and your journey matters. The very act of showing up, being present, and sharing from the heart is enough. Your authenticity is your greatest gift.

The Upsides: Why I Keep Teaching Yoga

For all the challenges, there are countless upsides to teaching yoga as a career. I’ve witnessed students transform—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. I’ve built deep, meaningful relationships and become part of a community that feels like family. I’ve had the privilege of holding space for others during their most vulnerable moments, and I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought possible.

There’s a profound sense of purpose that comes from guiding others on their journey. Every time a student tells me that yoga helped them through a tough time, or that they found peace on their mat, I’m reminded of why I do this work.

The Importance of Personal Practice: Filling My Own Cup

One lesson I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) is that my own practice is non-negotiable. When I neglect my personal practice, everything else suffers—my energy, my creativity, my ability to be present for my students. My own time on the mat is where I draw inspiration for my classes, reconnect with my purpose, and remember why I started this journey in the first place.

Your practice is your anchor. It’s where you return to yourself, process your experiences, and find the inner resources to keep teaching from a place of authenticity and love.

Forever a Student: The Power of Continued Education

Finally, I believe that the best yoga teachers are forever students. No matter how many trainings or certifications you have, there’s always more to learn. Continued education keeps you inspired, deepens your understanding, and helps you serve your students in new and meaningful ways.

Whether it’s attending workshops, enrolling in advanced trainings, or simply exploring new styles and philosophies, staying curious and open is essential. It’s what keeps this path vibrant and alive.

In Closing: You’re Not Alone

If you’re a yoga teacher navigating the ups and downs of this path, I see you. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. Remember to take care of yourself, honor your own practice, and never stop learning. Your journey—complete with its struggles and triumphs—is what makes you a truly inspiring teacher.

Let’s keep supporting each other, sharing our stories, and lifting one another up. Because at the end of the day, we’re all students, forever learning, forever growing—on and off the mat.

If you’re a yoga teacher, what challenges have you faced? What keeps you inspired? Share your story in the comments or join me for FREE WEEKLY OFFICE HOURS FRIDAY’S AT 100 AM ON Zoom. —I’d love to connect!