If you are looking for flexibility, no marketing obligations, and a chance to do what you love — teach yoga — look no further than fellow yoga teachers. Think about it. Just like everybody else, yoga teachers get sick, take vacations, or need a break from routine.

Finding a dependable, capable substitute teacher might be a huge challenge for yoga teachers in your area. That’s where you come in. Establishing subbing relationships with yoga teachers can be a great approach to teaching yoga, and mutually beneficial for all involved. You get experience without having to market yourself, students get to experience a new style, and regular yoga teachers don’t have to worry about skipping a class. Call fellow teachers to determine whether they have a need for a substitute teacher. Introduce yourself and suggest an in-person meeting. Then, as you are making your subbing arrangements, make sure you do the following:

1. Discuss your experience, teaching methods and yoga background.

2. Experience the current teaching style to avoid jarring established students with a radically different approach.

3. Know the administrative procedures. Taking attendance, managing drop-ins, and adjusting the heating and lighting is specific to each site. Ask for a written procedure to follow to help assure a smooth transition.

4. Establish boundaries for poses. Some teachers rarely, if ever, introduce a full backbend. For the safety of the students, know the class level and what postures to avoid.

5. Be direct and clear about pay. Avoiding the money discussion only makes it more difficult in the long run. Be factual about your pay scale and payment terms.

6. Make it clear that you will not entice the students away from their regular teacher or solicit them in any way.