5 Lessons I’ve Learned Teaching Corporate Yoga to Employees
When I first started teaching corporate office to employees, I didn’t know what to expect. What happened was far from anything I would have imagined. I was moving boxes, shifting cabinets, and folding ping pong tables to get the proper setup. I used the folded ping pong table as a wall for privacy. We used the boxes as yoga blocks for balancing poses. I became an interior designer of zen spaces and MacGyver of yoga props. Teaching yoga to employees is a whole different ball game than guiding a studio class. But here’s the thing—it’s also wildly rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These lessons didn’t just make me a better teacher; they made me a better listener, problem-solver, and yes, yoga enthusiast. Here are the top five things I’ve learned:
1. Keep It Real (and Accessible)
Office yoga isn’t about showing off your Insta-worthy inversions. When I stepped into an office, I felt the opposite of flashy; private, intimate, and humble. Employees are just trying to survive their workday, not audition for Cirque du Soleil. Most employees don’t have mats, equipment, yoga clothes, or even 60 minutes. Your sequences should be simple, effective, and stress-relieving—no wardrobe malfunctions required.
OYO Tip: Desk yoga and accessible stretches are the MVPs here. If your poses work in workwear, you’re golden. Here are 5 ways you can modify poses for Desk Yoga.
2. Flexibility Goes Beyond the Mat
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If you think teaching yoga is all calm vibes, try setting up in a conference room that’s been double-booked or losing Wi-Fi mid-Zoom class. We’ve all made mistakes teaching virtually, especially when clients throw you a curveball. Corporate life is full of obstacles, and being adaptable is your superpower. Have a lesson plan, but be ready to go with the flow teaching corporate yoga classes.
OYO Tip: Always have a Plan B (and maybe even a Plan C). Bonus points for staying zen when chaos strikes.
3. Talk the Talk When Teaching Corporate Yoga
Let’s be real: most employees don’t care about aligning their chakras. What they do care about is how yoga can make them feel less stressed and more focused in the moment. Learn to translate yoga-speak into benefits that resonate in the corporate world.
Example: Swap “open your heart chakra” for “release tension in your upper body from too many hours at your desk.” Check out the A-to-Z guide on yoga cues for corporate yogis.
4. Connection Is Your Secret Sauce
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The best classes aren’t just about the poses; they’re about the people. Whether you’re teaching in-person or online, a warm greeting, remembering names, or even asking, “How’s everyone feeling today?” goes a long way in building trust and engagement.
OYO Tip: A quick pre-class check-in makes participants feel seen—and keeps them coming back.
5. Teaching Corporate Yoga Is Not About You
Office Yoga is about the greater movement of conscious business. Yes, we help people feel better in their bodies and mind through Desk Yoga and meditation. At the heart of this practice lies the bridge between yoga principles and business practices. How do we practice ahimsa in the corporate space? How do we, as yogis and business leaders, show up for our clients? Corporate yoga isn’t your stage to show off your advanced flows. It’s about creating a safe, welcoming space where employees can recharge and executives can rethink their priorities. Simplicity and relatability always win.
OYO Tip: A calming breathing exercise or a moment of mindfulness can often leave a bigger impact than the fanciest pose in your arsenal.
Teaching corporate yoga has taught me to expect the unexpected, meet people where they are, and prioritize what they need over what I think looks cool. If you’re ready to dive into this niche, know that it’s a rewarding journey full of surprises (and a few tech hiccups). Understand the power of training before jumping into the deep end.
Want to step up your corporate yoga game? Join Office Yoga’s Teacher Training and learn how to create impactful, accessible classes for every workplace. Let’s bring the zen where it’s needed most!