How to Build a Sustainable Yoga Career That Lights You Up | A Conversation with Cody Schmidt

Cody Schmidt has built a career around the parts of yoga and Ayurveda that most energize him, from intimate classes to deeper one-on-one client work.

In this conversation, we talk about the small studio he runs with his mom, why they intentionally keep classes small, and how multi-week programs allow them to take students deeper than a typical drop-in class.

We also get into something I think more yoga teachers need to consider: you can create incredibly valuable experiences for clients without being in the room with them. Cody shares why some of his online clients actually progress faster than his in-person clients, and what changes when you have the opportunity to work with someone more closely.

We talk about teaching, confidence, one-on-one work, building a client base, and the business skills it takes to turn yoga into a career you can actually sustain. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Cody Schmidt and his journey

02:16 How Cody found yoga and his early influences

04:10 Starting yoga with his mother and early practice

07:47 Immersive yoga teacher training in Florida

09:10 Confidence and fundamentals in teaching yoga

11:03 Overcoming imposter syndrome and cultural respect

13:19 Transition from restaurant management to full-time yoga

15:42 Living at the ashram and deepening practice

17:03 Balancing restaurant work and yoga career

20:24 Designing small series for targeted transformation

26:01 Introduction to Ayurveda and its integration into practice

28:23 Personalized support and client relationships in Ayurveda

32:16 The individualization of Ayurveda and client care

37:58 Impact of vulnerability and space in healing

39:47 Curiosity, research, and continuous learning in Ayurveda

45:46 Physical and psychological benefits of movement and yoga

49:44 The energizing effect of teaching and the importance of independence

54:47 Online teaching, accountability, and deep connection

58:02 The power of cueing, props, and embodiment in practice

01:02:23 The journey of learning and mastery in yoga and Ayurveda

01:08:29 Living in alignment and the importance of routines

01:12:16 How to connect and work with Cody Schmidt

Connect With Cody:

Website: theyogacode.co

Instagram/TikTok: @theyogacode

YouTube: The Yoga Code Studio

✨Connection elevates us! Connect with other yoga teachers and get support as you build your yoga career. 👇

Join the free Teacher Circle HERE

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