How to design your initial class schedule

The most effective way to design your initial yoga schedule is to align your class times with the daily routines of your ideal students. Rather than filling every hour, start with a few 'peak time' slots—such as 7:30 am for the pre-work crowd, 12:30 pm for lunch breaks, or 6:00 pm for evening decompression—to ensure your classes are convenient and consistently attended.

1. Identify your students' availability

Consider who you are teaching. If your target audience is stay-at-home parents, mid-morning classes after the school run are ideal. If you are targeting corporate professionals, early mornings and late evenings will be your bread and butter. Choosing the right time is often more important than the specific style of yoga when people are deciding whether to book.

2. Balance your styles and levels

Avoid scheduling high-intensity Vinyasa classes late at night, as this may interfere with students' sleep. Instead, aim for a balanced mix across the week:

• Morning: Energising flows or Hatha to wake up the body.
• Lunchtime: Short, 45-minute sessions focused on desk-bound tension relief.
• Evening: Grounding Hatha, Yin, or Restorative yoga to help students wind down.
• Weekends: Longer, workshop-style classes or gentle Sunday sessions.

3. Factor in 'The Buffer'

One of the most common mistakes for new teachers is scheduling classes back-to-back without a gap. You need at least 15 to 30 minutes between sessions to greet students, handle enquiries, tidy the space, and reset your own mindset. Remember to account for travel time if you are teaching at different locations.

4. Define duration and frequency

Consistency is more valuable than variety when you are starting out. It is better to have three well-attended classes a week than ten classes with only one person in each. Standard durations are usually 45 minutes for express sessions, 60 minutes for standard classes, and 75 to 90 minutes for more advanced or restorative practices.

Example Initial Timetable

Tips for success

• Start Small: You can always add classes later, but cancelling a class due to low attendance or burnout can damage your reputation early on.
• Check Local Competition: See what other studios in your area are doing. If everyone is teaching at 6:00 pm on a Monday, could you offer a 7:30 pm slot instead?
• Listen to Feedback: If your students constantly ask for a weekend class, take note. Your schedule should be a living document that evolves as your community grows.