Summer-proofing your teaching

1. Make the most of the outdoors

Take advantage of the lighter mornings and evenings, avoiding the peak heat of the day. Yoga on the beach, Pilates in the park. Sunrise classes whilst the kids are still in bed and it’s quiet and mystical. Sunset classes once the weather has cooled and people have eaten and put the kids to bed. You could even offer an optional sea dip if you’re fortunate enough to live by the sea. You could also theme a class around the moon cycle, which people love. Ask people to bring their own mats to save you carrying too much equipment.

(NB: You may need insurance to charge for classes in public spaces. A ‘by donation’ model may get around this, but it’s worth checking. If you’re offering a sea dip afterwards, make sure people sign a waiver confirming they do so at their own risk.)

2. Tap into summer events and alternative venues

Look beyond your usual studio and take advantage of one-off events and alternative venues. Festivals are on the increase and almost always have a wellness area. Campsites often want yoga or Pilates classes on offer, and yurts are popping up everywhere, with the option to teach inside or outside depending on conditions. Approach venues directly and ask to teach for them, or arrange a private hire and run your own classes, workshops or day retreats. Plenty of sites also have saunas, outdoor lakes and cold plunges you can build workshops and retreat days around.

It’s worth researching and reaching out early, the best slots and collaborations tend to get snapped up well before the season kicks off. Now’s the time to plan for 2027!

3. Scale up with your own camp

Fancy taking it to the next level? Why not organise your own Pilates or yoga camp? Collaborate with a few other teachers to put on camping weekends with a variety of classes, perhaps with massage available too… Plan a mini festival with the aim of getting 100 attendees. Who knows where it could go from there? It’s all possible, and already happening!

4. Get creative

Our very own Louise Windsor has been running her freedom dances outside for the first time this summer which are going from strength to strength. Now holding them monthly at 2 venues in her own words ‘they couldn’t have gone better’ and are almost always sold out with a waiting list. They include a cacao ceremony and mini sound bath at the end. Very inspiring.

5. Run a retreat

A retreat can be for a day, overnight, long weekend or even week-long. Many teachers combine them with other popular summer activities such as surfing, paddleboarding or open water swimming. With warmer weather becoming more consistent, you can go more local, saving costs and reducing your footprint, while still creating that summer holiday, healthy-activity feel.

Retreats are a fantastic opportunity for collaboration. Partner with another wellbeing professional to share the workload, double up on outreach, and hopefully carve out some fun for yourself too!

6. Reframe your indoor classes

For indoor classes, consider re-branding them as “escape the heat”. At the start of the season, it’s common for students to favour the beach, or getting outdoors over classes. However, once the weather settles, the novelty often wears off, and they may be glad of a break, especially during a heatwave. If your studio has air conditioning, fans, windows that open or a view over the sea or outdoors, highlight that in your promotion. And, as mentioned, it may be worth tweaking your timetable to offer early morning and later evening classes… giving people the option to come after the beach.

7. Promote the benefit, not just the class

Consider re-branding your indoor classes to promote the benefit. For example, “a good night’s sleep despite the heat”. One of the most common complaints I hear about hot weather is difficulty sleeping, especially for those in midlife and beyond, when temperature regulation is already harder to manage due to hormonal changes. A slower-paced class such as Yin, restorative, Yoga Nidra, somatics, sound, or a combination of these, can help reduce core temperature and increase the chances of a better night’s sleep, with the added benefit of time away from devices and a drop into the parasympathetic nervous system. If you’re not already trained in these practices, maybe now is the time to add to your repertoire…!

8. Offer quick, cooling practices

Offer 10–15 minute cooling breathwork practices in person, online, or as pre-recorded videos participants can return to whenever they need. Something quick and easy to help people stay cool in the heat. Include Sitali, Sitkari and Chandra Bhedana: well-known cooling pranayama practices, often described as a “natural air conditioner for the body and mind,” which also support focus, emotional regulation, balance and relaxation. Pilates teachers, you know only too well how important the breath is, and these pranayama practices are not reserved for yogis only.

9. Take your classes online

Offer online or hybrid classes so your students can still practise with you while on holiday or when their routine shifts. Even better, create an on-demand library, so students can practise with you even while you’re on holiday yourself! All you need is your phone, and a tripod.

10. Balance your year

Finally, consider putting on more classes or workshops in the autumn, winter and spring months, so you’re not relying so heavily on the peak summer season. And use the opportunity to take some time out for yourself, to enjoy this beautiful sunshine. 😊