So it was 2002. I was 25. Two years out of college. Had about 100 Bikram classes under my belt. Was attending 5-6 times per week. Totally addicted and wanting to attend teacher training. I told my father of my plans, and with him being an Acupuncturist. I planned for a positive and supportive response.
Instead what I heard was, "yoga teachers scratch out a pretty meager living." I never did muster the effort to attend or complete the training. However, over the years I've probably completed somewhere in the range of 700-800 Bikram Yoga classes. My relationship with the practice that is sometimes hot (I feel so totally awesome with consistent practice), and often cold (I better get out of the studio and make some money this year).
I suppose it has worked out for the best. By my early 30's I've had some great work experiences and developed some sales talents that I expect will never be without value and employable use. More importantly, when I go to the studio I'm doing the 26 Postures and 2 Breathing Exercises each and every time. I don't have to get burned out on the hot room by facilitating the classes. When I'm in the torture chamber, it's to do the practice. Pure sweat, effort and concentration.
8 years later and I still think it's a great business. Not golden parachute great, but steady and worthwhile. Looking back, I think I may have not only made a good instructor, but also been a good studio operator. I've never had a studio owner share their balance sheet with me. But I do estimate for a living and looking around at most studios, it seems they do well on the financial side and the helping people be fit and well side also.
Figure 3.5 classes per day times 7 days in a week equals 24.5 classes per week at the studio wit the average class having 20 students, which is 490 student visits per week at an average of $11.5 per student. Based on this formula, the weekly gross of the studio should be in the range of $5500 (estimating is not exact). $5500 times 52 weeks in a year comes to around $275,000 per year in revenue. This without adding any ancillaries like beverages, supplements, apparel, mat and towel rental and the like. I know there is overhead and payroll. But obvious there is some money to be made here. If there wasn't. These studios wouldn't still be popping up all over the country.
I don't regret not heading down the path of instructing Bikram Yoga. And I really respect Bikram's ability to extract royalties and big fees from all these franchisees. Particularly when it is steams and infuriates to no end, these uber liberal crunch type yoga enthusiasts that someone like Bikram would have the crust about him to drive big fat profits from something like yoga, that many assume is supposed to be on a higher plane and above commercialism. I also think 5 Guys Burgers and Fries would make a great business. More on that later.
Robert enjoys writing on health and business related topics. One of his newest ventures is bring together the buyers and sellers of the best whey protein on the planet at 100wheyproteingoldstandardsale.com 100wheyproteingoldstandardsale.com/ where you will find exclusive links to hot deals on top products 100wheyproteingoldstandardsale.com 100% Whey Protein Sale for feeling great and staying fit.
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