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IN: Yoga

What To Expect As A New Yoga Teacher: Part 1

October 4, 2017 By Melanie No Comments

what to expect as a new yoga teacher “Yoga is a light which once lit will never dim. The better your practice the brighter your flame.”

~ B.K.S Iyengar

Yoga practice has only been a part of my life for the past four years, and yet, it seems like it’s been a lifetime. It’s changed me in every possible way {read How Yoga Changed My Life} and when I took a month off from my full time job back in June to complete a 200 hr. YTT program, I had never felt so sure of anything in my life. The training was tough {read 5 things I learned from YTT} but it was so incredibly fulfilling.

Teaching yoga brings me so much joy. But that’s not to say it hasn’t come with its share of growing pains. I’ve only been certified for the past three months and after teaching just four classes, I’ve already learned so much! Some learnings I expected while others came as a complete surprise — and that’s why I wanted to share it with you all. I started writing out a list of everything I’ve experienced thus far and it became so long I feared that I would put you all to sleep if I listed everything! So with that said, this post is just part 1 of a multi-part series… because I honestly believe the first year of teaching is 100% a trial period. It allows you to dip your toe in the water and figure out what teaching yoga means to you.

So if you’re considering becoming a yoga teacher or are a newbie in the biz like myself, I hope you’ll enjoy following along as I make ALL the mistakes that you can learn from. 🙂 Oh — please keep in mind that I am by no means an expert and am not speaking on behalf of every new yoga teacher. These posts are purely an inside look at my own personal experience.

My two insights for today’s post are: 

  1. You will not get a job at a reputable studio right away 
  2. You WILL mess up 

Seems pretty obvious right? Well, the first one I definitely knew. The second, I was secretly hoping wouldn’t happen… but of course I was totally wrong. So allow me to elaborate on both:

Yoga Teacher 2

Getting A Job At A Studio Is (Nearly) Impossible

I’m not saying there’s not a chance that you’ll land a well-paid teaching gig right outta Yoga Teacher Training, but let’s be honest, the yoga world is highly competitive and all “oms” and “Namaste” aside, it’s a business. A multi-billion dollar business. Which means the market is saturated, competition is high, and studios are only willing to hire the best of the best. This usually means that the majority of teaching jobs require at least 2-3 years’ experience (if not more) and sometimes even 500 hrs. of teacher training under your belt. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re banking on yoga teaching being your full-time job. I’m not saying all of this to bring you down but it’s important to remain realistic and set your expectations accordingly.

So how in the world are you, a bright-eyed and fresh new yoga teacher, supposed to get experience if studios won’t hire you? There are various ways to go about this, but if you’re really looking to start teaching right away I suggest being nimble and super proactive. The following are a few ways to get started:

  • Host Free Classes In A Public Space (or open studio)
    • Get on social media and tell your friends, family and local yogis that you’d like to host a free class for them. It can be in a park, on a beach, or even at certain studios that offer community classes. I was able to get on the monthly schedule at the Athleta Flatiron studio here in NYC because it’s free and open to the public. I know the notion of free classes isn’t great, but it’s honestly such an amazing way to practice and start building a network. I obviously only recommend this if you have a full time job.
  • Teach A Corporate Class
    • If you do happen to work full time, whether that is at a small startup or a large corporation, I highly recommend going to your HR director and asking if they’d be willing to let you teach yoga for your colleagues. My very first class happened to be for a few of my co-workers in our office kitchen and it was honestly such an amazing experience. It helps to teach in an environment that you feel safe and familiar with, and of course with people who you know are there to support you.
  • Hold Small Classes For Friends
    • Whether you choose to offer private sessions or just ask if your girlfriends would want to get together to have you walk them through a flow, teaching your friends is such a fun way to become more comfortable with your sequences! And to get good honest feedback too. 😉

yoga teacher 3

You Are Going To Make Mistakes While Teaching

I’m sure this still happens to the most seasoned of yoga teachers — but I guarantee that it will happen often as a newbie, and that’s okay! It’s all a part of the process and as long as you learn from your mistakes, then you’re on the right track.

During my demo class at Athleta, I forgot a part of the sequence about 30 min into teaching and in a panic I just started winging it in hopes that it would come back to me. This wasn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it really wasn’t the best thing either. At one point half the class was facing forward and the other half was facing the back of the room. One woman had walked out about 15 minutes in and two other girls started doing their own thing several times. By the time everyone was laying peacefully in savasana I was three steps away from a full blown anxiety attack. On one hand I was so relieved that I managed to give them enough things to do to fill the hour and on the other hand I felt like such a failure. I was pretty much on the verge of declaring that I wasn’t quite ready to teach yet, until a girl from the class came up to me afterwards and thanked me for “such a great experience.” It was her first time doing yoga and she wanted to make it a regular thing. It was at that moment that I remembered why I wanted to do this in the first place… and that’s to bring some kind of joy and positive feeling to at least one person.

I picked myself up and told myself I was going to try again. But of course, practice the hell out of my sequence before going for round 2. As a result, my first real public class went super smoothly and I was incredibly grateful for having such a brutal demo class to learn from!

Yoga Teacher

There’s still so much for me to work on and improve — and that’s what I’m so excited for.

At the end of the day it’s important to remember that no one comes to yoga for you. They come for themselves. And if you can make them feel something, whether it be strength, peace, pride, relief, or self-love, then that’s all that matters. 

I think one of the best things about being new is that the journey is only going to get better from here. Each class is a learning opportunity, each student provides their own set of challenges, and at the end of every class if you can walk away with a bigger sense of appreciation for what yoga can do for people, then you’re absolutely on the right track.

I have so much more to share and will be updating you guys on more of my learnings very soon. In the meantime, if you’re in the NYC area I’d love to see you on October 14th! I’m co-teaching an acroyoga class with my friend Jules at 11am in Brooklyn Bridge Park and will be teaching a Vinyasa Flow that evening at 5pm at Athleta.

I hope to meet some of you IRL soon

So many hugs,

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Meet Melanie

Meet Melanie

Hi and welcome to Headstands & Heels! I’m Melanie — a Digital Strategist turned Wellness Entrepreneur, certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), dog mama, and content creator based in Denver. I hope to encourage others to follow their dreams and cultivate a healthy, balanced lifestyle filled with mindfulness and positivity. 💕 Send me a note at: mel@headstandsandheels.com

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This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favor
This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favorite cozy fall crafts! It’s so cute and simple to make — perfect for a crafternoon with the girls or as a bookclub activity 📖🧡🍁

Just comment “bookmark” and I’ll send you everything you need to make this yourself! Or send this to someone you want to have a cozy craft day with ☺️

#fallvibes #fallcrafts #cozyhobbies #cozyseason #hobbiesareselfcare #romanticizeyourlife #fallgirl #craftinspo #girlswhoread #bookstagram

#JUSTINSbrandpartner 🍁 Send this to someone you
#JUSTINSbrandpartner 🍁 Send this to someone you want to have a snack-filled cozy, outdoor movie night with! 

You all know how much I love hosting and this snack station is sooo perfect for an outdoor movie date night or girl’s craft + movie night with friends! I loaded up the table with popcorn, apple cinnamon muffins, apple cider and justin’s NEW Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Mini Candy Bars

JUSTIN’S® Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Candy Bars are USDA-certified organic, gluten-free do not contain stevia or sugar alcohols– and most importantly, they taste amazing! They come in both 1.4oz single-size bars or the mini-size bars that you see here! 

Be sure to stock up on these for your next cozy Fall gathering or Halloween party! 🎃 

#autumnvibes #fallgirl #autumnparty #cozygathering #cozysnacks #outdoormovie #movienightathome #fallhardwithjustins #JUSTINScandybars

Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the mos
Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the most wholesome girl’s night in combo 🧡

Wait till the end to see how our lil pumpkins turned out and send this to someone you want to do this with! 

#romanticizeyourlife #cozyseason #outdoormovienight #fallvibes #fallactivities #cozycrafts #girlsnightin

✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got
✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got you covered with 5 super cozy, creative & cute fall gatherings to bring your friends or family together! 

Trust me when I say you’ll want to save this for later or send to a friend who you want to do one of these with! 🎃

🧡PUMPKINS & PSLS: combine cozy home cafe vibes with an autumnal crafternoon 

🧡COOKBOOK CLUB POTLUCK: pick a cozy, seasonal themed cookbook and have all your friends pick a dish to make, bring & share! 

🧡 GILMORE GIRLS NIGHT IN: set up a spread from “Luke’s Diner” and spend an evening watching some of the best fall episodes (I’ve listed a ton in my Autumn watch list post) 

🧡SPIRITS & SPELLS SOIRÉE: get your coven together for a witchy cocktail party complete with dark candlelight and potion inspired sips 

🧡 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: pick a fall friendly mystery, serve mulled wine and get together to discuss all the plot twists and theories 

Let me know if you’ll be hosting any of these and if you want to see a similar roundup for the holiday season in November!

#fallgirl #autumnparty #hostingideas #girlsnightideas #fallparty #cozyseason #cozyvibes #fall2025

The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate
The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate Lily’s first time in the northeast 🍎💕

#autumnvibes #fallactivities #applepicking #fallgirl #autumnaesthetic #falltrip #pinterestaesthetic

#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings li
#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings like this… 

🍁Wearing comfy, cute loungewear 
🍁Sipping an iced maple latte by the fire 
🍁Making a yummy pre-workout breakfast featuring my favorite pumpkin @noosayoghurt. It’s made with whole milk, tastes incredible and has the most smooth, velvety texture
🍁Fitting in a quick pilates workout 

The best part about romanticizing the little things is that the most basic routine somehow feels just a little more special. And I think we all deserve to start the day with feel-good rituals that we can lean into and fully appreciate, don’t you? 🤎

#cozyseason #autumnvibes #fallgirl #morningroutine #morningrituals #cozymornings #happyhabits


Now presenting your ultimate Autumn Watch List!! ✨🍿 🎥 

Get the popcorn + your fav snacks ready because this roundup has ALL the best cozy movies, shows and even fall specific episodes of your classic favorites (hands up if you love Gilmore Girls, Friends and Gossip Girl! 🙋🏻‍♀️) 

Swipe through, SAVE to reference later and share with someone who you think would love a cozy movie night in! 🧡

I hope you all find this roundup helpful and that it inspires many cozy evenings this season 🍂 

#autumnmovies #fallvibes #fallgirl #fallbucketlist #cozyseason #cozyselfcare #cozymovienight #movienightathome #tisautumn #feelslikefall

Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁
Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁🤎 

📍 Evergreen, CO | 📸 @hnguyenphoto 

#fallaesthetic #fallincolorado #familyphotoshoot #pinterestaesthetic #fallorado #leafpeeping #autumndays #babysfirstfall #newparentslife

a slow self care shower always hit different and i
a slow self care shower always hit different and it’s extra fun when it has you starting the week smelling like a pumpkin spice latte 😆🧡✨

~ comment “pumpkin” and I’ll send you all the links to everything you see here ~

#selfcaremorning #selfcareday #morningvibes #autumnrituals #fallgirl #feelslikefall #fallmorning #softwellness #softgirlera #asmrbeauty #morningroutine

✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood ho
✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood holiday✨

I’ve been listening to The Life of a Showgirl on repeat all day and can’t wait to sing my heart out at tonight’s release party!! 🎶💃🏻🪩 Who else is going and what are your favorite songs on @taylorswift’s new album? 

Mine are: The Fate of Ophelia, Opalite, Wish List, Cancelled and A Life of a Showgirl 

#swifties❤️ #ts12 #thelifeofashowgirl #october3rd

The most wholesome outing with my two favorite fur
The most wholesome outing with my two favorite furbabies, because our pups deserve a little fall sweet treat (and the quality time) too 🐶🧡☕️ 

#pumpkinseason #romanticizeyourlife #rescuedogmom #coffeerun #pslseason #fallvibes🍁 #coffeetreat

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” 🍁 

One of my fav quotes from a childhood literary heroine who taught me to romanticize the every day and that there’s always scope for the imagination 🧡 (and if you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables, you’re missing out) 

Since the holiday season kicks off next month, October is fully dedicated to all the best fall activities! Here are a few that I’m looking forward to: 

🍎 going apple picking 
🎃 visiting a pumpkin patch 
🍂 leaf peeping walks 
🍩 making apple cider donuts at home 
🎥 outdoor movie nights 
🍁 fall family photoshoot 
👻 celebrating Halloween as a family 
📖 cozy book club meeting 
🧡 hosting a themed dinner party 

What’s on your October bucket list? 

PS: this Taylor Swift audio is just getting me pumped for October 3rd! 🎶💕

#autumnishere #fallgirl #romanticizeyourlife


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  • In 7th grade, my very favorite English teacher of all time pulled me aside after class. She saw my love of words, cupcake recipes, sparkles, and bows — she saw me for who I was as a 12 year old. I was a sensitive doodler who preferred to spend all day reading and writing in her room instead of going to Math or definitely PE.  She told me that she found this new website called Pinterest, and she knew it would really inspire me. It was invite-only at that time. So if I got my mom’s permission, ...
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This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favor This autumn leaf bookmark is still one of my favorite cozy fall crafts! It’s so cute and simple to make — perfect for a crafternoon with the girls or as a bookclub activity 📖🧡🍁

Just comment “bookmark” and I’ll send you everything you need to make this yourself! Or send this to someone you want to have a cozy craft day with ☺️

#fallvibes #fallcrafts #cozyhobbies #cozyseason #hobbiesareselfcare #romanticizeyourlife #fallgirl #craftinspo #girlswhoread #bookstagram
#JUSTINSbrandpartner 🍁 Send this to someone you #JUSTINSbrandpartner 🍁 Send this to someone you want to have a snack-filled cozy, outdoor movie night with! 

You all know how much I love hosting and this snack station is sooo perfect for an outdoor movie date night or girl’s craft + movie night with friends! I loaded up the table with popcorn, apple cinnamon muffins, apple cider and justin’s NEW Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Mini Candy Bars

JUSTIN’S® Peanut Caramel Nougat Chocolate Candy Bars are USDA-certified organic, gluten-free do not contain stevia or sugar alcohols– and most importantly, they taste amazing! They come in both 1.4oz single-size bars or the mini-size bars that you see here! 

Be sure to stock up on these for your next cozy Fall gathering or Halloween party! 🎃 

#autumnvibes #fallgirl #autumnparty #cozygathering #cozysnacks #outdoormovie #movienightathome #fallhardwithjustins #JUSTINScandybars
Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the mos Hocus Pocus + pumpkin painting may just be the most wholesome girl’s night in combo 🧡

Wait till the end to see how our lil pumpkins turned out and send this to someone you want to do this with! 

#romanticizeyourlife #cozyseason #outdoormovienight #fallvibes #fallactivities #cozycrafts #girlsnightin
✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got ✨Cozy season = hosting season✨ and I’ve got you covered with 5 super cozy, creative & cute fall gatherings to bring your friends or family together! 

Trust me when I say you’ll want to save this for later or send to a friend who you want to do one of these with! 🎃

🧡PUMPKINS & PSLS: combine cozy home cafe vibes with an autumnal crafternoon 

🧡COOKBOOK CLUB POTLUCK: pick a cozy, seasonal themed cookbook and have all your friends pick a dish to make, bring & share! 

🧡 GILMORE GIRLS NIGHT IN: set up a spread from “Luke’s Diner” and spend an evening watching some of the best fall episodes (I’ve listed a ton in my Autumn watch list post) 

🧡SPIRITS & SPELLS SOIRÉE: get your coven together for a witchy cocktail party complete with dark candlelight and potion inspired sips 

🧡 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: pick a fall friendly mystery, serve mulled wine and get together to discuss all the plot twists and theories 

Let me know if you’ll be hosting any of these and if you want to see a similar roundup for the holiday season in November!

#fallgirl #autumnparty #hostingideas #girlsnightideas #fallparty #cozyseason #cozyvibes #fall2025
The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate The sweetest apple picking adventure to celebrate Lily’s first time in the northeast 🍎💕

#autumnvibes #fallactivities #applepicking #fallgirl #autumnaesthetic #falltrip #pinterestaesthetic
#ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings li #ad Give me more sweet and cozy autumn mornings like this… 

🍁Wearing comfy, cute loungewear 
🍁Sipping an iced maple latte by the fire 
🍁Making a yummy pre-workout breakfast featuring my favorite pumpkin @noosayoghurt. It’s made with whole milk, tastes incredible and has the most smooth, velvety texture
🍁Fitting in a quick pilates workout 

The best part about romanticizing the little things is that the most basic routine somehow feels just a little more special. And I think we all deserve to start the day with feel-good rituals that we can lean into and fully appreciate, don’t you? 🤎

#cozyseason #autumnvibes #fallgirl #morningroutine #morningrituals #cozymornings #happyhabits
Now presenting your ultimate Autumn Watch List!! ✨🍿 🎥 

Get the popcorn + your fav snacks ready because this roundup has ALL the best cozy movies, shows and even fall specific episodes of your classic favorites (hands up if you love Gilmore Girls, Friends and Gossip Girl! 🙋🏻‍♀️) 

Swipe through, SAVE to reference later and share with someone who you think would love a cozy movie night in! 🧡

I hope you all find this roundup helpful and that it inspires many cozy evenings this season 🍂 

#autumnmovies #fallvibes #fallgirl #fallbucketlist #cozyseason #cozyselfcare #cozymovienight #movienightathome #tisautumn #feelslikefall
Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁 Got everything on my wish list right here 🍂🍁🤎 

📍 Evergreen, CO | 📸 @hnguyenphoto 

#fallaesthetic #fallincolorado #familyphotoshoot #pinterestaesthetic #fallorado #leafpeeping #autumndays #babysfirstfall #newparentslife
a slow self care shower always hit different and i a slow self care shower always hit different and it’s extra fun when it has you starting the week smelling like a pumpkin spice latte 😆🧡✨

~ comment “pumpkin” and I’ll send you all the links to everything you see here ~

#selfcaremorning #selfcareday #morningvibes #autumnrituals #fallgirl #feelslikefall #fallmorning #softwellness #softgirlera #asmrbeauty #morningroutine
✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood ho ✨October 3rd just became an official girlhood holiday✨

I’ve been listening to The Life of a Showgirl on repeat all day and can’t wait to sing my heart out at tonight’s release party!! 🎶💃🏻🪩 Who else is going and what are your favorite songs on @taylorswift’s new album? 

Mine are: The Fate of Ophelia, Opalite, Wish List, Cancelled and A Life of a Showgirl 

#swifties❤️ #ts12 #thelifeofashowgirl #october3rd
The most wholesome outing with my two favorite fur The most wholesome outing with my two favorite furbabies, because our pups deserve a little fall sweet treat (and the quality time) too 🐶🧡☕️ 

#pumpkinseason #romanticizeyourlife #rescuedogmom #coffeerun #pslseason #fallvibes🍁 #coffeetreat
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” 🍁 

One of my fav quotes from a childhood literary heroine who taught me to romanticize the every day and that there’s always scope for the imagination 🧡 (and if you haven’t read Anne of Green Gables, you’re missing out) 

Since the holiday season kicks off next month, October is fully dedicated to all the best fall activities! Here are a few that I’m looking forward to: 

🍎 going apple picking 
🎃 visiting a pumpkin patch 
🍂 leaf peeping walks 
🍩 making apple cider donuts at home 
🎥 outdoor movie nights 
🍁 fall family photoshoot 
👻 celebrating Halloween as a family 
📖 cozy book club meeting 
🧡 hosting a themed dinner party 

What’s on your October bucket list? 

PS: this Taylor Swift audio is just getting me pumped for October 3rd! 🎶💕

#autumnishere #fallgirl #romanticizeyourlife
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