I teach at both one of the major health clubs and at smaller studios. While I really enjoy my students at the huge clubs, I must admit what we teach is not real yoga. As my Fitness Coordinator continues to remind me, even through the class is called yoga, what we teach is "Group fitness." Corporate policy will not allow chanting, head stands, neck roles, lights must be on and many other things that complete a student's yoga experience.

Also with my class size of 50 students at the large club and only 6 to 10 at the studio, a teacher is very limited in the ability to help correct students and really not allowed to even touch students. There is no comparison to what a student benefits from at a private studio vs a major club.

I do not teach yoga expecting to get wealthy, I teach because I truly enjoy it. What the big clubs pay an instructor is insulting. What I have witnessed is that any teachers looking to make a living as a fitness instructor use the club to get started, but then leave as soon as they find something that pays better. Except for the instructors at the big clubs that teach from their heart, teachers at smaller studios end up being much more experienced.
I was hoping to open my own studio soon, but reading about studios closing down is very disappointing.

Perhaps a yoga bailout is in order?

Namaste.. David