10 Lessons From 10 Years in the Yoga & Fitness Industry

This past decade has felt like it’s flown by. Ten years ago, I stepped into the yoga and fitness world with excitement, curiosity, passion, and a deep desire to help people move and feel better. A decade later, I’ve learned that this path is one of continuous evolution—both for myself and for those I teach. Looking back, here are 10 key lessons that have shaped my journey.

1. Your Teaching Will Constantly Evolve

The way I teach today is almost unrecognizable compared to when I started. I used to think there was a "right" way to cue every movement, a "perfect" alignment for every pose. But after years of education and experience, I’ve learned that movement is adaptable, bodies are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Growth requires letting go of rigid ideas and embracing change. Sometimes I look back in horror of something that I used to teach, but I forgive myself because I know I always did my absolute best I could with what I knew at the time. I forgive myself because I always took the approach of looking for feedback and wanting to be better. I’m sure in another decade from now I will also look back and question the things I was teaching.

2. Education is Everything—But Not Everyone Invests in It

Continuing education has been one of the biggest game-changers in my career. It’s why I’ve been able to level up my teaching, prevent injuries, and offer more to my students. It’s why I believe I am still in this industry today and didn’t fall out of it like many others do. I’ve seen how many teachers don’t invest in learning beyond their initial training. I get it—this industry can be financially challenging. But those who keep learning will always be the ones who thrive.

3. You Have to Build This Career Yourself

Unlike traditional jobs where opportunities could be handed to you or on a pathway in front of you that is clear, in yoga and fitness, you are enitrely responsible for creating your own path. No studio is going to build your career for you. The dynamic between studios and their trainers are a very interesting one because I’ve seen it happen too many times where professional boundaries are crossed and abused. I think it’s something that more people should learn about and trainers in the industry should understand their professional role more clearly to be able to stand up for themselves.

If you want to teach full-time, run retreats, start an online business, or grow your own brand—you have to be the one to take initiative and make it happen. Unfortunately it takes a lot of investment in time, money and trial and error, but I believe it’s all worth it in the end if you do.

4. No Two Classes Are Ever the Same

Even if I teach the same sequence, same playlist, same cues, each class is completely different because the people in the room make the experience unique. Every student comes in with different needs, emotions, and energy levels. This is why staying present and adaptable is one of the most valuable skills a teacher can develop.

5. You Never Stop Learning

The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop growing. Even after 10 years, I continue to learn from my students, my mentors, and even my own body. Every new person who walks into my class has the potential to shift my perspective and teach me something new. I always go back to the thought that the more I learn, the less I know. If you understand this quote, then I celebrate you for diving deep into the education.

6. Teaching Can Be Draining—You Have to Protect Your Energy

Giving your all in class is beautiful, but burnout is real. It took me years to learn that I can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries, taking rest days, and prioritizing my own practice has been essential to staying passionate about teaching. I’ve made some substantial changes to my life to be able to carry out the career of a yoga and fitness teacher and teacher trainer. It requires sacrifice and sometimes those sacrifices are not easy. I didn’t learn this quickly but once I did and really let it soak in, I felt like I was able to really climb in my career pathway.

7. Authenticity Will Always Win

When I first started teaching, I felt the pressure to sound, look, or teach a certain way. Over time, I realized that the best teachers are the ones who are truly themselves. When you teach from a place of authenticity, people connect with you on a much deeper level.

8. Your Community is Everything

Whether it's students, fellow teachers, or industry mentors, the relationships you build in this space matter. Having a strong community has helped me through the tough times and made the highlights even more special.

9. Success Looks Different for Everyone

For some, success means teaching 20+ classes a week. For others, it means having a flexible schedule, running workshops, or focusing on online content. There is no one "right" way to succeed in this industry—you have to define success on your own terms. If there was a perfect recipe for success I think we would have found it by now, but everyone defines and lives it through their own unique journey. There’s also the argument out there that there is a recipe for success, but people just don’t know how to execute and act on the required commitment and sacrifice. It’s all up for debate but at the end of the day, just do whatever makes you happy and don’t compare yourself to others.

10. The Journey is Just Getting Started

After 10 years, I feel like I’m only scratching the surface of what’s possible. There’s still so much to explore, create, and share. If the last decade has taught me anything, it’s that this industry rewards those who stay open, adaptable, and committed to growth. It’s easy at times to fall into that mindset of self-doubt and have the imposter syndrome. If I catch myself thinking, who am I to be the one that makes it in this industry, I remind myself that everyone deserves to be successful in their own terms and to make this happen I really need to be willing to fight. So, that’s what I’ll do.

Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out in this industry—or even if you’ve been teaching for years—know that the learning never stops. There will be challenges, but there will also be incredible moments of connection, transformation, and fulfillment.

To everyone who has taken my classes, supported my journey, or shared movement and breath with me—thank you. It means the absolute world to me each time someone chooses to take my class, learn from me or support any of my offerings. I do it because I love helping others learn to love and take care of their mind & body. Here’s to the next 10 years!