Council of Independent Yoga Professionals

We are the council of independent yoga professionals– an organization dedicated to empowering indie yoga pros by providing essential resources, advocacy, and a supportive community. Our mission is to ensure fair wages, ethical teaching standards, and sustainable business models for yoga teachers everywhere. By joining CIYP, you’ll have access to professional development, mentorship, and tools to build a thriving yoga career—all while staying true to the spiritual and cultural integrity of yoga.

advocate, educate, communicate

Our purpose is clear: to educate and advocate for the rights and well-being of independent yoga teachers in order to foster a thriving community of professionals.

We are committed to amplifying models that are working — ones that provide fair wages, ethical teaching opportunities, and are sustainable such that yoga teachers can build meaningful, long-term careers.

Through education, mentorship, and collective advocacy, we empower yoga professionals to grow their practice, navigate the complexities of the industry, and stay true to the spiritual and cultural roots of yoga.

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, CIYP is here to provide the resources and support you need to succeed.

The Council of Independent Yoga Professionals (CIYP) will address several key needs within the yoga community, focusing on creating equity and sustainability for yoga teachers.

A lack of community can lead to feelings of isolation among yoga teachers. CIYP will create a strong network of support, promoting cooperation over competition, peer mentorship, and the sharing of resources among yoga professionals.

Many yoga teachers struggle with unstable income, fluctuating class attendance, and limited long-term job opportunities. The CIYP will advocate for fair compensation standards and develop strategies that yoga teachers can implement to ensure a sustainable income, including contracts with studios and transparent pricing for services.

A critical need is education on how yoga teachers can create sustainable business models and manage their finances effectively. This includes offering resources on saving for the future, building a financial buffer for crises, and understanding the balance between business and spiritual practice. Michael’s emphasis on helping yoga teachers “survive the next pandemic” by teaching financial literacy and sustainable practices will guide these efforts.

The yoga industry often lacks clear pathways for professional advancement. The CIYP will provide mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to support the growth of independent yoga professionals, helping them transition from novice teachers to successful business owners and community leaders.

The association will establish and uphold a code of ethics that ensures all yoga practitioners and students are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. It will also focus on promoting inclusive teaching environments that cater to diverse communities, addressing the growing commercialization of yoga in ways that retain its cultural integrity.

With the growing commercialization of yoga, independent teachers often face challenges from larger corporate studios and gyms that may exploit their labor. The CIYP will act as a voice to protect teachers from unfair contracts, improper business practices, and unequal power dynamics.

Become a Member

Become a Member, Today:

You’ll get instant access to community forums, invitations to monthly webinars, and access to a vast library of practitioner-professional resources.

Charter members get a chance to help shape our roadmap to success.

Market Analysis

Here’s the the lowdown:

The global yoga industry is estimated to be worth over $80 billion, with the U.S. alone accounting for over $16 billion annually. Yoga’s popularity has surged in the past decade, with millions of practitioners worldwide, and its appeal spans fitness, wellness, and mindfulness sectors. Independent yoga teachers, however, often face significant challenges, including unstable income, lack of benefits, and limited job security.

Opportunities

The increasing commercialization of yoga presents a significant opportunity to advocate for fair practices and provide alternative business models that prioritize teachers’ well-being.

A Changing Landscape

The growing demand for online classes and personalized yoga instruction (post-COVID) opens new avenues for independent teachers to expand their offerings.

Competitive Landscape:

Yoga Alliance: While Yoga Alliance is a well-known credentialing body, it doesn’t focus on advocacy or the business needs of independent yoga teachers.

Toxic Models

Franchised Yoga Studios (e.g., CorePower Yoga, YogaWorks): These larger studios offer full-time employment, often at the expense of independent teachers who struggle to compete.

Community, Not Franchises

Right now, informal networks exist in many cities, but they often lack the national reach or resources to effect widespread change. Let’s work together to come together.

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The yoga profession should be collaborative, not competitive.

The industry desperately needs a more holistic, healthy ecosystem.

We intend to serve:

Independent Yoga Teachers:
A majority of yoga teachers are independent contractors, working for multiple studios, gyms, or private clients

Yoga Therapists and Coaches:
Professionals who use yoga as a therapeutic practice for specific health conditions.

Yoga Studio Owners:
Small, independent studios seeking resources and advocacy to turn their studios into learning organizations.

Yoga Entrepreneurs:
Teachers offering workshops, retreats, online courses, or other specialized offerings.

Transitioning to Professional Teaching:
New teachers entering the market who require guidance and professional development.

Collective bargaining power and financial education can help save authentic teaching practices.

Michael Joel Hall

Founder

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I can say for certain michael’s commitment to community organization gives me no doubt in CIYP’s future success.

Dr. Madeline Miskie

Vice President, NATS

I’ve worked for a variety of organizations, big and small, and Michael’s understanding of the complex needs of his profession will position this organization for success.

Mara Yocum

Knitters Guild

What Yoga Professionals Deserve:

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Professional Development: There’s a significant gap in business and financial literacy among yoga professionals, many of whom lack the skills to create sustainable careers.

Community and Support: Yoga professionals, especially independents, need a sense of belonging, mentorship, and peer support to navigate their careers.

Advocacy: The industry lacks a unified voice to advocate for better working conditions, job security, and legal protections for independent yoga professionals.

Fair Compensation: Yoga teachers often face low wages and inconsistent work. There’s a growing demand for standardized fair compensation models.

Together, we can save the industry.

There’s no reason for a full time working yoga professional to be below the poverty line in the United States. We intend to help.

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Make a Difference, Today:

Collective action takes community.

Let’s leverage our communities into elevating our industry.

Michael Joel Hall

Founder