Yoga Teachers and AI
Ways yoga teachers can use ChatGPT and still stay authentic. By Laura Campbell
Reading time: 5-6 minutes
Why did you become a yoga teacher? I’m guessing it wasn’t because you just love spreadsheets, accounting software and SEO speak? In fact, few yoga teachers are driven by a desire to become a business owner. Perhaps even calling yourself one feels uncomfortable at first?
Many of us had jobs that didn’t quite light us up or you’ve spent years supporting family commitments. And at some point, you thought: I’ve given so much to the path I thought I ‘should’ follow — the sensible path — but now, I’m ready for something different.
So you take the leap, pushing past imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the voices that say you’re too old/young, don’t look the part and wonder who will even come to your classes. And then… you qualify!
Suddenly, the fear kicks in. Now, you need to build something: a business, a brand, a student base. You’re faced with overwhelming tech, confusing marketing jargon, endless (and often unhelpful) advice. The world of business and online marketing is tough. But you still want to share your warmth, wisdom, and passion.
So how do we bridge this? Can you become successful, without spending hours on admin and marketing? Could a tool like ChatGPT become a yoga teacher’s best friend? Could it ease the burden of ‘the 106 worst bits’ of being a yoga teacher, and give you the time and space to foster genuine connections?
What is ChatGPT…and should yoga teachers care?
So, what is ChatGPT? Ultimately, it's like Google after a seriously strong matcha latte…but one that can write emails, social posts, give you feedback, check your work and brainstorm ideas with you. It can somewhat adapt its tone to suit different contexts (more on this later) and works across multiple languages. The more you use it, the more it will learn how you like to write (you may well find this spooky!). It will never replace your personal touch, but it can help to speed up tasks that are time consuming. And it’s important to be open to things that can help you — after all, being a yoga teacher can be a lonely profession.
Practical ways yoga teachers can use ChatGPT
In each case, how you ask the question is just as important as what you’re asking. I’ve found after much trial and error that being as specific as possible yields a much better result. In each example, I’ll give advice on how to ask (I call this the prompt). Let’s put ChatGPT to the test!
ChatGPT for admin tasks
Write up from an image or proof checking
This is one of my favourite time-saving hacks! I take a screenshot of my class timetable on my mobile and ask ChatGPT to format it for social media.
Prompt: "I run a yoga studio and want to post my upcoming classes. Take the classes from this image and list them as: day, time, class name. Use emojis for clarity. If a class has a red circle, add [waiting list]." This would take me five minutes manually — it’s a boring admin job that ChatGPT handles in seconds.
Tip: Be specific! Tell ChatGPT who you are, what it’s for, and any formatting needs. If it’s proof checking, always ask it to keep your tone for natural results. You can also request improvement suggestions, but be prepared to have a thick skin as this can be a big list!
Writing policies
Many yoga teachers lack clear cancellation policies, and this can become a real issue — especially if you deliver retreats. ChatGPT can help make them fair and professional.
Prompt: "I run local yoga classes in the UK and need a cancellation policy. Clients must give 12 hours' notice to cancel. Up to six hours = transfer only. No refunds except in extenuating circumstances. It should sound friendly yet professional. Anything else I should add?"
For formal but approachable wording, ChatGPT is a great starting point. But always check these policies yourself and seek legal advice where you need support.
ChatGPT for creative tasks
Class themes and ideas
I think it's rare that a yoga teacher never feels their creative pool dry up, ChatGPT can help you brainstorm themes. It’s never going to replace your personal touch or write a better class than you (as you know your students), but if you’re feeling a bit unmotivated, it might just be what you need.
Prompt: "I’m planning a Valentine’s retreat for busy women, focused on self-care and heart-centredness. Can you help me explore philosophical themes, pranayama, and asanas to include?"
Tip: Use it as a springboard for ideas, your personal touch still matters! Sometimes you just need the spark of a new idea.
Blog and social media ideas
If blogging feels like a chore, let ChatGPT suggest SEO-friendly topics. Or let it give you an outline for two weeks of Instagram post suggestions.
Prompt: "I’m a yoga teacher in North London, teaching gentle flow, restorative yoga, and breathwork. I blog about burnout recovery. Can you suggest five SEO-friendly blog titles?
" The results? Some needed tweaking, but it saved me time in thinking about the structure of the blog and meant I didn’t overthink it. Some of the social media ideas were too generic but I liked a couple and it helped me when I was in a mental drought.
Tip: Always personalise the wording but let ChatGPT outline and organise your ideas. You could even ask which of your ideas would be best and why.
ChatGPT for tech tasks
SEO Suggestions
SEO can feel like such an overwhelming part of marketing, in fact like another language! There’s no harm in getting a helping hand here.
Prompt: "I’m a vinyasa yoga teacher in Manchester. I need an SEO-friendly page title, H1, and meta description for my yoga classes page. Can you help?" It won’t be perfect, but even basic suggestions can help you feel like you’re on the right track. I'll bet ‘writing the best meta descriptions’ didn’t feature in your YTT!
Tip: Always mention your location and audience for better results.
The limitations: what ChatGPT can’t do
It goes without saying that sometimes AI gets things wrong. For example, it might mix up awareness days, make an error on where you’re based, or use US spelling when you’re in the UK… you still absolutely need to check everything.
Secondly, there’s always a risk in sounding a bit robotic. There’s also the implications around plagiarism, if you ask for a really generic prompt without much additional context, your answer is going to sound very like the next person and the next. I would hate to see yoga teachers lose their authentic voice and every single yoga class is written the same. Stay you!
There’s an environmental impact to all digital output. AI requires very large data centres which require a lot of power. Be mindful of consumption, the more specific you are, the less back and forth you’ll need, and always use this as a springboard rather than an end destination.
Finally, it doesn’t really know your teaching style or why your customers love your classes. It’s a tool to assist, not to replace you.
I hope this has given you the confidence to approach ChatGPT with curiosity rather than fear. Perhaps it could save you 10 minutes a week — and that all adds up!
Laura Campbell is a yoga-obsessed, relaxation seeking marketer who is most likely to be found at a sound bath. Find out more at: santoshamarketing.co.uk or connect on Instagram @santosha_marketing
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
