| So it was 2002. I was 25. Two years out of college. | | | | never had a studio owner share their balance sheet |
| Had about 100 Bikram classes under my belt. Was | | | | with me. But I do estimate for a living and looking |
| attending 5-6 times per week. Totally addicted and | | | | around at most studios, it seems they do well on the |
| wanting to attend teacher training. I told my father of | | | | financial side and the helping people be fit and well side |
| my plans, and with him being an Acupuncturist. I | | | | also. |
| planned for a positive and supportive response. | | | | Figure 3.5 classes per day times 7 days in a week |
| Instead what I heard was, "yoga teachers scratch out | | | | equals 24.5 classes per week at the studio wit the |
| a pretty meager living." I never did muster the effort to | | | | average class having 20 students, which is 490 |
| attend or complete the training. However, over the | | | | student visits per week at an average of $11.5 per |
| years I've probably completed somewhere in the | | | | student. Based on this formula, the weekly gross of |
| range of 700-800 Bikram Yoga classes. My | | | | the studio should be in the range of $5500 (estimating |
| relationship with the practice that is sometimes hot (I | | | | is not exact). $5500 times 52 weeks in a year comes |
| feel so totally awesome with consistent practice), and | | | | to around $275,000 per year in revenue. This without |
| often cold (I better get out of the studio and make | | | | adding any ancillaries like beverages, supplements, |
| some money this year). | | | | apparel, mat and towel rental and the like. I know there |
| I suppose it has worked out for the best. By my early | | | | is overhead and payroll. But obvious there is some |
| 30's I've had some great work experiences and | | | | money to be made here. If there wasn't. These studios |
| developed some sales talents that I expect will never | | | | wouldn't still be popping up all over the country. |
| be without value and employable use. More | | | | I don't regret not heading down the path of instructing |
| importantly, when I go to the studio I'm doing the 26 | | | | Bikram Yoga. And I really respect Bikram's ability to |
| Postures and 2 Breathing Exercises each and every | | | | extract royalties and big fees from all these |
| time. I don't have to get burned out on the hot room by | | | | franchisees. Particularly when it is steams and |
| facilitating the classes. When I'm in the torture chamber, | | | | infuriates to no end, these uber liberal crunch type |
| it's to do the practice. Pure sweat, effort and | | | | yoga enthusiasts that someone like Bikram would |
| concentration. | | | | have the crust about him to drive big fat profits from |
| 8 years later and I still think it's a great business. Not | | | | something like yoga, that many assume is supposed to |
| golden parachute great, but steady and worthwhile. | | | | be on a higher plane and above commercialism. I also |
| Looking back, I think I may have not only made a good | | | | think 5 Guys Burgers and Fries would make a great |
| instructor, but also been a good studio operator. I've | | | | business. More on that later. |