Teaching Yoga: The Business of Fitness & Wellbeing

For many, yoga is more than just a personal practice—it's a calling. But what does it take to turn that passion into a sustainable business? As the wellness industry grows, so does the opportunity for yoga instructors to create thriving careers in fitness. Whether it's teaching classes, creating online content, or building a wellness brand, yoga offers a variety of business paths that extend far beyond the walls of a studio.

Meet Nya Thornton and Autumn Cochella, two yoga instructors who not only embraced the power of yoga but also turned it into successful businesses. Their stories highlight how teaching yoga can lead to a fulfilling career that blends wellness, entrepreneurship, and purpose.

Yoga as a Pathway to Business

Like many others who discover yoga, Autumn Cochella didn’t initially see it as a career. "I went into my first class thinking, ‘I’m already flexible, I don't need this,’" she recalled. But after that first class left her body feeling sore in the best way, Autumn realized yoga offered much more than just stretching—it had the power to reshape her life. Soon, she found herself practicing regularly, and eventually, she turned to ISSA's Yoga 200-hour certification to formalize her knowledge.

Autumn’s journey into the business of yoga unfolded gradually. Working as a community development director, she balanced her full-time job with yoga classes until, one day, the balance tipped. “This April (2024), I was finally able to release myself from my eight-to-five job,” she said. Today, she runs her own wellness business, offering yoga, Pilates, and nutrition guidance full-time. Her schedule is packed, and she has carved out a profitable niche by teaching in both studio and gym settings while expanding her reach online.

For Autumn, the key to building a successful yoga business lies in passion and authenticity. “Start with your own personal practice first,” she advises. “Your students will know the difference if you’re offering something you love or just an additional service.” That authentic passion is what draws students in and keeps them coming back, building the foundation for a sustainable business.

Finding Your Niche and Growing Your Brand

Nya Thornton’s entry into the world of yoga was a little different. Having always been passionate about fitness, Nya initially saw himself as more of a strength trainer. It wasn’t until he sustained an ACL injury that yoga came into the picture. “The gym owner suggested I try yoga for recovery,” Nya said. Though he was hesitant at first, he found that yoga not only helped his body heal but also transformed his approach to fitness.

After earning his yoga certification through ISSA, Nya expanded his business offerings to include yoga, realizing how it could complement traditional strength training. “It sharpened my knowledge with clients,” he said. Soon, his client base grew, as people sought out his holistic approach to fitness—one that balanced strength with recovery, intensity with mindfulness.

But Nya’s journey wasn’t just about personal growth. It was about filling a gap in the market. “I didn’t see a lot of men practicing yoga,” he explained. By targeting a demographic that was underserved in the yoga space, Nya built a brand that spoke directly to men, showing them that yoga wasn’t just for women but could enhance athletic performance and overall wellness. His unique positioning has allowed him to tap into a community that traditional yoga studios often overlook.

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The Business of Connection

In both Autumn and Nya’s stories, one theme remains consistent: connection. Building a yoga business isn’t just about leading classes or creating online content—it’s about forging meaningful connections with your students. Autumn shared a story about one of her most loyal students, a woman who came to class with the humble goal of being able to get up off the floor without grunting. “We celebrate the small wins together,” Autumn said. It’s these moments of personal connection that build trust and loyalty among students, helping instructors grow their business through word-of-mouth and repeat clients.

Nya echoed this sentiment. After teaching a series of chair yoga sessions to a client who struggled with mobility, he noticed her remarkable progress. “One day, she didn’t touch the chair at all,” he said. That moment solidified his belief in the power of yoga and the impact it could have on people’s lives. It’s these success stories that not only validate the work instructors do but also help grow their businesses.

Building a Business Around Well-Being

Yoga is more than a practice; it’s a holistic approach to life. As more people embrace wellness in their personal and professional lives, the demand for yoga instructors who can guide them on this journey is higher than ever. From corporate wellness programs to online classes, the business of yoga is expanding rapidly.

Autumn, for instance, has found success teaching in various settings, including corporate environments. “Big companies and government agencies have wellness dollars to spend,” she said, noting that many businesses are seeking yoga instructors to enhance employee well-being. By tapping into these opportunities, Autumn has been able to diversify her revenue streams and build a robust yoga business.

Nya, on the other hand, is growing his business by reaching out to schools and veteran communities, finding that yoga helps people of all ages and backgrounds improve their physical and mental health. “Yoga really did change my life,” he said, “and now I get to help others experience that same transformation.”

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How to Get Started

If you’ve ever thought about teaching yoga, the business opportunities are vast. As Autumn and Nya’s stories show, a career in yoga can take many forms—whether it’s teaching classes, building an online brand, or offering corporate wellness services. It all starts with a solid foundation.

The ISSA Yoga 200-hour certification course provides the knowledge and tools you need to build a successful yoga business. From anatomy and teaching techniques to professional development and entrepreneurship, the course covers everything to help you turn your passion into a career. And with ISSA’s flexible, 100% online format, you can get certified at your own pace while receiving support from experienced instructors.

As Autumn says, “Yoga is for everybody, and we can all benefit from it.” Whether you’re looking to teach in a studio, create an online following, or lead corporate wellness programs, the business of yoga is full of potential. It’s time to take the first step—start your yoga business and share the gift of wellness with the world.