Feeling nervous about offering private yoga lessons? You’re not alone! Many yoga teachers hesitate—not because they lack skill, but because they lack confidence. Pricing, session structure, and meeting individual student needs can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: you already have everything you need to teach private lessons successfully. You just need to step into your confidence.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey with private clients, the benefits of one-on-one yoga, and three key steps to help you feel at ease teaching private sessions. Plus, I’ll offer a bonus tip to add value and keep your students coming back.
why private yoga lessons matter
Private yoga lessons offer so much more than group classes—for both you and your students. They allow for:
• Personalized attention: Every session is tailored to the student’s unique goals, injuries, or preferences.
• Stronger relationships: You get to know your students deeply, which improves retention and referrals.
• More income per hour: Private sessions can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Greater confidence in teaching: Learning how to teach the person in front of you translates to better group classes, too.
Yet, despite all these benefits, many yoga teachers avoid private lessons because they feel unsure about how to structure them, what to charge, or how to market their services. I was the same way—until I realized that confidence comes from clarity, preparation, and practice.
my journey with private lessons
Can I tell you something? Teaching private yoga lessons used to terrify me. And that’s after 10+ years of working one-on-one with high-profile clients—including the most famous man in my town!
I started teaching private lessons in 2004 as a trade, exchanging yoga sessions for coaching in marathon and triathlon training. These were comfortable because they felt like a skill swap. But when I began offering paid private lessons, things got real.
One of my first big private clients was Roy Williams, the beloved basketball coach at UNC. When I first started teaching Roy and his wife Wanda, I was intimidated. But as I continued showing up, preparing well, and adapting sessions to meet their needs, my confidence grew. Eventually, I even wrote a book—Everyday Yoga—based on the sequences I developed in those private sessions.
If you’re holding back from offering private lessons, you’re not just limiting your income—you’re missing the chance to see the real impact of your teaching. Here’s how to step into your confidence and start offering one-on-one yoga with ease.
3 steps to confidence in private yoga lessons
1. Clarify Your Offer
Before you start offering private lessons, get clear on:
• Who you want to teach (athletes, beginners, seniors, busy professionals?)
• What type of private lessons you offer (alignment-focused, restorative, strength-building?)
• Your unique expertise (What have you personally learned from yoga that you can share?)
Defining your niche will make marketing effortless. If you struggled with yoga post-baby or found it essential for managing stress, those experiences can shape your offer!
Tip: Write out a short elevator pitch: “I help [type of student] with [specific need] through private yoga lessons.” This will make it easier to talk about what you do.
2. Set Your Pricing with Confidence
Many teachers undervalue themselves when setting private lesson rates. But here’s the thing: if your rate feels slightly uncomfortable to say out loud, you’re probably on the right track.
Start by considering:
• Your experience and expertise
• The market rate for private yoga in your area
• The value of your time and preparation
You can also offer package deals to encourage consistency while keeping your hourly rate high. Listen to Episode 20 for more on pricing with confidence!
3. Structure Your Lessons Simply
You don’t need an elaborate plan—just a clear, flexible framework. Try using my 6-4-2 method for sequencing private sessions:
• Six moves of the spine: forward bend, backbend, side bends, twists, axial extension
• Four lines of the hip: front, back, inner, outer
• Two core moves: stabilization and engagement
Tip: Use a simple intake form (via Google Forms or Airtable) to learn about new clients before the session. This saves time and helps you show up prepared.
Bonus Tip: Add More Value with Follow-Ups
Want to keep your private students engaged? After the session, send them:
• A short written recap of key takeaways
• A simple home practice plan
• A quick demo video (even filmed on your phone!)
This small extra effort sets you apart and makes clients more likely to rebook.
you already have the skills—now it’s time to offer private lessons!
Teaching private yoga doesn’t have to be intimidating. With clarity on your offer, confidence in your pricing, and a simple session structure, you’ll feel prepared and at ease.
Repeat after me: “I can make a big difference one-on-one.”
Want to dive deeper? Listen to more in season 1, episode 23 of Yoga Teacher Confidential:
