How do I afford more training on a yoga teacher’s income? The training that pays for itself.
As yoga teachers, we’re lifelong students at heart. But continuing education, workshops, and certifications often come with a high price tag—and when you’re earning from classes, privates, or studio gigs, it’s easy to wonder:
How can I afford more training on a yoga teacher’s income?
The good news? Some trainings can actually pay for themselves—if you approach them strategically.
In this post, I’ll show you how to invest in the right training, how to make it profitable, and how to keep growing without draining your bank account.
Shift Your Mindset: From “Expense” to “Income Opportunity”
Instead of asking “Can I afford this?” try asking:
“Will this training help me earn more, teach more, or stand out?”
When you approach training as a business investment (not just personal growth), the question becomes how it will pay for itself, not if.
Choose Trainings That Open Doors to Income
Not all trainings are created equal. Some deepen your practice (valuable!), but others allow you to expand your offerings, raise your rates, or enter a new niche.
High-ROI Training Examples:
Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Certification
→ Serve a new student group & charge more per classYoga Nidra or Restorative Training
→ Lead workshops or offer premium relaxation classesTrauma-Informed or Accessible Yoga
→ Offer inclusive private sessions & connect with organisationsBreathwork or Meditation Certification
→ Sell standalone sessions or bundle into retreatsYin Yoga Training
→ Teach slower-paced, introspective classes that are in high demand
Pro tip: Focus on trainings that allow you to start teaching something immediately afterwards.
How My Yin Yoga Training Paid for Itself
One of the best decisions I made was to train in Yin Yoga. At the time, I wasn’t sure I could justify the cost, but I felt pulled to the practice and the training was incredibly accessible.
As soon as I completed it, I launched a weekly Yin class at my local studio. Within the first month, it was full. Students were craving stillness, nervous system support, and balance to their active lives.
I even started offering Yin & Sound Healing workshops and seasonal “Yin + Intention” events. Not only did the training pay for itself quickly - it became a core part of my weekly teaching schedule and income.
Yin is a powerful example of a training that serves both your students and your bottom line. It’s low-impact, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. It filled a gap in my teaching and opened new doors.
Offering Yin Training Online & In Person
Because this path has been so impactful for me, I now offer my own Yin Yoga Teacher Training, both online and in person. My goal is to help other yoga teachers expand their offerings, attract more students, and feel confident teaching meaningful, slower practices. Whether you're brand new to Yin or looking to deepen your skills, this training is designed to be practical, nourishing, and immediately applicable—so you can start teaching and earning right away.
How Postnatal Yoga Became My First Teaching Break
Right after completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training, I signed up for a Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga certification. At the time, I didn’t know if it was the “right” next step—but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made early in my teaching journey.
That training helped me land my very first regular class, a mom & baby class, and from there, new teaching opportunities began to open up. Being able to step into a niche so quickly gave me confidence, stability, and a foothold in the local teaching community.
There’s also a genuine need for postnatal yoga teachers—especially in cities like London, where studios often struggle to find qualified teachers who understand the realities of postpartum recovery. These classes are not just about movement; they’re about nervous system support, emotional safety, and building community.
With a postnatal certification, you can:
Offer dedicated classes for new mums, solo or baby-inclusive
Work with midwives, doulas, and women's health clinics
Charge premium rates for private sessions
Support long-term student relationships from pregnancy through parenthood
Tip: If you’re a new yoga teacher wondering how to gain traction quickly, postnatal yoga can be a surprisingly accessible and sustainable starting point—just like it was for me. The training I did was with Lauren from Island Prentatal Yoga. I did an in person training initially and then an online training to gain my 85hr Prenatal Yoga Certification.
Do the Maths: Break Even, Then Profit
Let’s say you’re eyeing a £900 training. Instead of seeing that number as a loss, create a simple earning plan.
Example:
Training: £900
New Class: “Sunday Night Restorative” or “Mum & Baby Yoga”
Price per student: £15
10 students x 6 classes = £900
You’re profitable in just 6 classes. Obviously, this doesn’t include other costs to take into consideration, but it gives you an idea of how to calculate it.
Or, offer a 4-week series or workshop at £100 per student and break even after 9 people sign up. Simple maths - real results.
Creative Ways to Afford Training Now
If money’s tight but you’re ready to grow, here are smart strategies that work for yoga teachers:
Trade or Barter
Offer to assist in trainings, help with admin, or promote in exchange for partial tuition. It’s always worth an ask. Be sure to follow the teachers before you approach them. Some schools or trainings offer either sales or competitions. A friend of mine won a 50hr training simply by putting her name in for it! It’s possible and well worth a shot. I have sometimes asked a teacher when they will do their next sale so I can plan for it. I feel it’s ok to ask as long as it’s humble and kind.
Payment Plans or Scholarships
Many programs offer flexible options—just ask. Never assume you can’t afford it.
Pre-Sell a Future Offering
Know you'll lead a class or workshop after your training? Offer early-bird sign-ups now to cover the cost in advance.
Collaborate with Other Teachers
Pool resources to bring a teacher trainer to your area for a local intensive—cheaper and builds community. It can be a great way to bring a teacher who wouldn’t normally come to your area.
Affordable Training Alternatives
You don’t need a £3,000 retreat to keep growing. Try:
Online certifications (lower cost, same credentials, some self-paced or live online)
Short intensives or CEUs for targeted learning
Books + mentorship combos to deepen skills with minimal cost
Some of the most profitable niches are built from low-cost, high-impact trainings that solve a real need for students.
Final Thought: Choose the Training That Chooses You Back
Your time, energy, and money are sacred. Choose training that not only enriches your practice but gives you something tangible to offer the world in return.
Because when your training lets you teach more, earn more, and impact more lives in your community (friends, family, students), it’s not an expense.
It’s an investment that pays you back again and again.“Will this training help me earn more, teach more, or stand out?”
When you approach training as a business investment (not just personal growth), the question becomes how it will pay for itself, not if.
Learn more about the Online 50hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training