Blog

Mastering the Business of Yoga Podcast (M.B.Om.)

How to Legally Protect Your Yoga Business

How to Legally Protect Your Yoga Business

Welcome yoga entrepreneurs!

As yoga instructors, our passion drives us to help others, but safeguarding our own journey as entrepreneurs is equally important. As a yoga instructor, you operate in a semi-unregulated industry that brings with it many layers of risk, and as you dive into the online world to market your business (or run online yoga classes), you’re opening yourself up to more legal issues.

Creating a solid legal foundation is essential and allows you to move forward with building your business without stress!

BUT, you also don’t want to do this with generic legal agreements that aren’t specific to yoga!  That’s why I partnered with Law Is Fun.

They specialize in the yoga and wellness industry, their legal agreements are written specifically for yoga, and they speak to the nuances of our industry. So, you can be confident you’re covered for all risks!

They have legal bundles that provide JUST what you need, or individual agreements to fill gaps in your coverage.  

Disclaimer: Nothing provided in this blog should be construed as legal advice. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a lawyer if you would like legal advice specific to your business.

What legal agreements does every yoga instructor need?

This will be slightly different if you are a yoga teacher operating online or if you own a studio. The information below is for those operating online. If you’re a studio, I’d suggest taking a look at either their Basic Studio Package or Complete Studio Package.

Now, for the yoga teachers creating a business online…

I’d recommend checking out the Yoga Teacher Package. You can use my code MBOM to save 10% on any package or agreement on their site.

Below are the four agreements every yoga teacher needs:

Privacy Policy + Terms & Conditions (two agreements):

  • Teaching yoga involves handling personal information. The Privacy Policy + Terms & Conditions establish clear guidelines for data protection, forming trust between you and your clients. It ensures you’re compliant with privacy laws while demonstrating your commitment to professionalism. Every website in the world requires these agreements.

Waiver of Liability:

  • Anytime you’re providing any kind of coaching, unexpected twists can arise. The Waiver of Liability acts as your legal armor, protecting you from potential claims stemming from client injuries or dissatisfaction. It’s your safety net, allowing you to focus on the yoga without worrying about them suing you because of getting injured during your classes.

Service Agreement:

  • The Service Agreement creates a seamless working relationship. It outlines the specifics of your services, fees, cancellation policies, and other critical details.

These are four absolute essentials if you’re just getting started… but most of you are ALSO going to be diving into social media, affiliate marketing, and sharing testimonials.  

The Yoga Teacher Package includes the below agreements for FREE as a bonus.

Affiliate Disclaimer:

  • If you’re engaged in affiliate marketing, the Affiliate Disclaimer adds an extra layer of transparency. It discloses any potential financial relationships, cementing your credibility and trustworthiness. It’s legally required if you’re going to be making a commission on recommendations you make of other companies’ products.

Social Media Disclaimer:

  • Your online presence matters. The Social Media Disclaimer clarifies your role, preventing misconceptions about your content’s purpose. This ensures that if someone follows the “advice” or education you put out on social media, you aren’t going to get in trouble.

Non-Disclosure Agreement:

  • The Non-Disclosure Agreement ensures confidential discussions remain just that – confidential. It establishes a safe space, but is also used if you work with contractors or employees and want to keep your business workings private!

Media Release:

  • One of the most powerful ways to build new business and get clients is to share testimonials. It’s a core part of most marketing plans! But if you haven’t had a Media Release signed, you won’t legally be able to use or post their testimonial! Make sure to have this signed so you can promote away.

Everything above is included in the Yoga Teacher Package

But do any of these apply to you?

  • You work with contractors?
  • You have employees?
  • You create and sell online courses?
  • You run an online community?
  • You do giveaways?

If so, keep in mind that each of these has their own legal risks. Law is Fun has yoga-specific agreements for each of these layers of your business.

Putting it all together

Legal protection is an essential part of being a yoga instructor. Trust me, you don’t want the stress of leaving yourself open to legal issues.  

Being proactive and setting yourself up with a solid legal foundation will provide peace of mind and set you up to succeed in your business and grow without limits.

Law is Fun is a great and affordable option for those who don’t feel like they want to work with a lawyer or need additional support from a lawyer. Their agreements were written by a 5-star yoga lawyer who has worked with over 1000 yoga businesses in the last six years.  

Don’t forget, you can always use my code MBOM for 10% off their agreements and packages.

If you’re someone who would prefer 1-on-1 support from a lawyer, I’d recommend reaching out to Cory at Conscious Counsel.

Photo by Conscious Design on Unsplash

HOSTED BY AMANDA KINGSMITH

Mastering the Business of Yoga Podcast (M.B.Om)

Search all podcasts

Subscribe to the podcast

APPLE

SPOTIFY

STITCHER

3 Ways To Grow Your Yoga Business

3 Ways To Grow Your Yoga Business

Once you’ve developed your yoga business to a certain level, you’ll want to take it to the next level. There can be multiple benefits to this, including: Expanding your customer base. Generating more revenue. Developing a core base of loyal consumers. You might be...

read more
How To Be A Supportive Yoga Teacher

How To Be A Supportive Yoga Teacher

For many yoga teachers, running classes or online sessions is not just about teaching clients about technique or making workouts technically perfect. Being a yoga teacher is also about making a positive difference to the people who attend workshops or tune in...

read more
Creative Strategies for Hiring Staff for Your Yoga Business

Creative Strategies for Hiring Staff for Your Yoga Business

Expanding your yoga business often means hiring more people or teaming up with others so that you can deliver more to your customers. Hiring employees can be difficult when you have high standards but perhaps not a lot of experience in hiring people. Trying to find...

read more
2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Yoga Teachers

2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Yoga Teachers

Happy holidays, yogis! After a wild, chaotic year where we were forced to pivot our yoga businesses in a big way, I think we’ve all made it onto the “nice” list. That means we deserve a little holiday love!  This year’s holiday gift guide is all about helping you to...

read more
How to Diversify as a Yoga Teacher

How to Diversify as a Yoga Teacher

In the world of yoga and yoga teaching, there’s no shortage of business opportunities. If you’re looking to switch things up and diversify your income as a yoga teacher, you might be wondering which are the best paths to take. And that’s exactly what we’re going to...

read more
4 Things That Your Yoga Business Website Needs to Succeed

4 Things That Your Yoga Business Website Needs to Succeed

Do you have a website for your yoga business? If you have been relying solely on social media up to this point, you may want to consider creating a website. Having a website has so many advantages and is an excellent way to reach potential clients and build up a wider...

read more
Supporting Your Clients In Lockdown

Supporting Your Clients In Lockdown

Many people are still experiencing lockdown and social distancing measures that are keeping them at home. This is a tough situation to be in, with people who rely on going to the gym or studio to exercise facing an extended period indoors and coping with other...

read more
4 Things To Consider With Your Home Yoga Practice

4 Things To Consider With Your Home Yoga Practice

One of the few silver linings to come out of the current lockdown is the way it’s encouraging us all to be inventive when it comes to our exercise. We’re learning and trying new home workouts. We’re learning just how much we can get done without expensive equipment....

read more
Mastering the Business of Yoga podcast

Mastering the Business of Yoga Podcast (M.B.Om)

Welcome to M.B.Om, a podcast all about mastering the business of yoga – I’m so glad that you’re here!

As your host, I’m dedicated to bringing interesting and inspiring yoga teachers to your ears. I’ve sought out yoga teachers who have been successful in the yoga industry to help teach you about the business of yoga; the possibilities of being a yoga teacher, the realities of being a yoga teacher + the awesomeness of being a yoga teacher.

To be the first to know about new episodes, be sure to subscribe to the show: 

APPLE

STITCHER

SPOTIFY