6 Ways to Keep Your Yoga Classes Busy During the Summer

Whether you run your own yoga classes or manage a small studio, you've likely noticed a familiar trend: attendance dips as the weather heats up. During the summer months, our yogis travel, their kids are out of school, and they tend to spend more time outdoors. I've noticed this is especially the case in the UK, where warm days are less frequent than Mercury going into retrograde. So, it makes sense that when the sun is shining, people choose a walk in the park or a drink in the pub garden over a yoga class. But while this seasonal shift is natural, it doesn't mean your classes have to sit empty. With a bit of creativity and strategy, summer can actually become one of your most fulfilling and community-focused teaching seasons. Here are six simple but effective ways to keep your yoga classes full all summer long.

1. Take Your Classes Outside

As people want to be outside in the nice weather, it makes sense to bring yoga to the outdoors. How? By offering park yoga sessions (or beach yoga if you're lucky enough to live by the sea!). Outdoor yoga classes offer your students a unique opportunity to connect with nature and themselves. You can position yourself under some trees for a majestic morning experience or find the best sunset spot in the park for a truly memorable evening session.

What I love about outdoor yoga classes is that it draws both regular students and curious passersby. I've lost count of how many times I've taught yoga in the park only to have people stop and ask about it. Many of these observers then joined the session or attended the next one.

Therefore, by offering outdoor yoga classes, you're not just giving your regular yogis a cool 'summer edition' of their practice. You're also attracting people who wouldn't normally walk into a studio, expanding your reach in a natural and welcoming way. Just make sure to check local regulations and promote the classes well in advance on social media, your newsletter, and community boards.

2. Offer Limited-Time Summer Class Passes

Client retention during the summer is challenging because it's an unpredictable time. With spontaneous weekend getaways and impromptu BBQs, committing to a regular weekly class can become unrealistic for many. That's where seasonal promotions come in.

Try offering a 10-class summer pass at a discounted price, valid only from June through August. This creates a sense of urgency, encouraging students to make the most of the offer before it expires. You could even market it as a "Summer Reset" pass to appeal to people looking to stay grounded and healthy during a season of spontaneity and 'pimms o'clock.'

3. Create a Summer Yoga Challenge

People love a good challenge, especially when it comes with a prize! So, for a fun way to boost attendance, run a "30 Days of Yoga" summer challenge, where students earn stamps or check-ins each time they attend a class. At the end of the challenge, offer a prize like a free private session, a yoga mat, or branded studio merch.

Challenges like this not only help keep your classes busy but also build community and offer accountability. This can be perfect for those students who want to stick to their practice but feel swayed by endless garden party invites.

4. Adjust Your Class Times to Fit the Summer Rhythm

As the days get longer and the sunshine increases, most people's routines shift. Many students want to make the most of the warm evenings, so your usual 6 pm class might clash with park walks or sunbathing sessions. Try rescheduling your evening class for 7:30 or 8 pm, and see if your attendance numbers increase.

On weekends, do the opposite. People tend to get up earlier and head out for day trips or activities. If your usual class is at 10 or 11 am, consider offering an earlier session, such as 8 or 9 am, so they can still fit in their practice before the day begins. Minor time adjustments could make a big difference in keeping your classes not only afloat but thriving during the summer.

5. Teach Slower, Cooling Styles

During the hotter months, many people seek ways to cool down rather than generate further internal heat. So, if you're noticing your class number dwindling, move away from those intense, sweaty vinyasa flows. Instead, consider teaching slower-paced classes like Hatha, Yin, or Restorative Yoga, which have a calming and cooling effect on the body.

Yin and restorative yoga are my personal summer go-to styles as they balance the fiery, outward-focused yang energy of summer. They also calm the nervous system, encourage deeper rest, and help your yogis stay centred during this active season. If you're not familiar with teaching yin or restorative yoga, consider changing your flow class to a 'yin/yang' or 'flow and restore' style instead.

6. Collaborate With Local Businesses

It can be incredibly frustrating to see empty mats in front of you or cancel classes because you didn't get enough signups. If you notice this happening frequently, despite trying the above tips, it may be time to think a little more creatively.

Summer can be a great time to partner with other local businesses. You can create a unique offering together or cross-promote each other. Here are some examples of potential collaborations:

Collaborate with a Juice Bar to offer discounted classes with each smoothie purchase

Host a "yoga + brunch" morning session at a healthy/vegan cafe

Host pop-up lunchtime classes at a co-working space

Partner with boutique hotels or B&Bs to offer yoga to their guests as an added perk

There are also numerous local markets, fairs, and festivals taking place during the summer. These offer many amazing opportunities for collaboration, such as teaching at a community festival, setting up a booth to promote your classes, or partnering with market vendors for wellness-themed days. Collaborations like these are a win-win. You gain exposure to new audiences, and they add extra value for the other business's customers.

Final Thoughts

While summer is a naturally quiet time for yoga studios, it doesn't have to mean cancelled classes and a massive hit to your income. With the right mindset and a little innovation, summer can become a wonderful season of creative and community-focused teaching. Whether it's through park yoga, seasonal promotions, or simply slowing down the pace of your classes, there are plenty of ways to keep your yogis engaged and your mats occupied.