Every yoga teacher will face this at some point: You arrive at the studio, maybe light a candle, set up your mat, and . . . no one walks in. Or maybe just one student arrives, turning your planned group class into an unintentional private lesson. It can feel disappointing, frustrating, or even like a personal failure—but it’s none of those things.
The reality is, low class numbers happen to every teacher, no matter how experienced they are. Students have unpredictable schedules. Weather impacts attendance. And new class times often take a while to gain traction. Instead of seeing underattended classes as a failure, we can reframe these moments as opportunities for growth.
reframing low attendance
Our first instinct when attendance is low is often self-doubt. Was my last class bad? Am I not connecting with students? But more often than not, attendance has nothing to do with you. Life gets in the way—maybe there’s a big sports event in town, a traffic jam delaying students, or it’s the first warm day after a long winter.
When you stop taking low numbers personally, you can start seeing them as a gift. Small classes allow for:
- Deeper connections. You can tailor the practice to your student’s needs in a way that’s impossible in a full class.
- More feedback. With fewer students, you can refine your cueing and sequencing in real time.
- Teaching adaptability. You’ll get better at shifting your class on the fly, which is an essential skill in private yoga.
maximizing solo-student classes
When only one student arrives, how do you handle it? Instead of treating it like a letdown, position it as a special experience. I like to say, “Lucky you! You just got a $150 private lesson for the price of a group class.”
Some students might feel uncomfortable being the only one in class. At my studio, we offer them a choice: “If you’d rather not do a private lesson today, you can save your class credit for another time.” But be mindful of your tone—if you sound like you don’t want to teach, your student will feel it! Instead, approach it with enthusiasm and let them know they’re getting something extra special.
how to teach an unintentional private lesson
Stick to your plan. The student signed up for a group class, so don’t suddenly throw them into a full private session. Keep the structure but make small adjustments to fit their needs.
Offer a little customization. Ask how they’re feeling and if there’s anything they’d like to focus on—but don’t overwhelm them with too many choices.
Stay professional. Even if it feels awkward at first, remind yourself that this is a great opportunity to refine your skills and offer deep value to your student.
And remember—sometimes these accidental private lessons turn into recurring private clients!
what if no one comes?
If the class is truly empty, don’t just pack up and leave. Use the time wisely!
Practice teaching to an empty room. Go through your cues, transitions, and timing as if students were there. The more reps you get, the more confident you’ll be in full classes.
Record yourself. Set up your phone and film a few minutes of teaching, or use voice notes to record your cues. Watching or listening back is one of the fastest ways to improve.
Refine your sequences. Take time to tweak your class plan, experiment with variations, or create new themes for future classes.
Help out at the studio. If you’re being paid for the hour, consider using it to tidy props, fold blankets, or do light studio maintenance. A well-organized space benefits everyone.
the real measure of a yoga teacher
The number of students in class doesn’t define your skill as a teacher—how you show up does. Whether it’s a packed room, an unexpected private lesson, or an empty studio, every moment is an opportunity to refine your craft.
So the next time you find yourself staring at an empty class, take a breath. Use the time to improve, experiment, and prepare. Because the teachers who embrace these moments are the ones who grow the fastest.
I would love to hear—have you ever taught an unintentional private lesson? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the Zone, my free online community for yoga teachers! Join for free at comfortzoneyoga.com.
