Yoga Instructors: Job Description
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Yoga instructors guide students in yoga practice. They help students learn correct form for poses. Yoga instructors may also provide guidance in yogic philosophy as well as areas complementary to yoga, such as nutrition and meditation. Professionals in this field teach group classes, workshops, or one-on-one classes at yoga studios, fitness centers, and related facilities. Read on to learn more about how to be a yoga instructor.
Yoga instructors may work full- or part-time, and some are self-employed. Depending on their employer and yoga class schedule, instructors may work daytime, evening, night, weekend, or holiday shifts. Travel isn't uncommon, whether it's among several locations of a gym or to clients' homes. PayScale.com reported the median annual salary for yoga instructors was $35,000 as of December 2020.
Career Requirements for Yoga Instructors
| Education Required | Completion of teacher training program |
| Certification or Registration | Optional registration may be preferred by some employers |
| Key Skills | Physical fitness; strong speaking and communication skills; motivational skills |
| Additional Requirements | CPR certification |
| Median Salary (2020) | $35,000 (for all yoga instructors)* |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, *PayScale.com
How to Become a Yoga Instructor
Let's take a look at the steps required to become a yoga instructor.
Step 1: Study and Practice Yoga
You should take courses in varying types of yoga to understand which style works best for you. Different types include Ashtanga, Anusara, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Kundalini yoga. In addition, the style of instruction may vary by facility and teacher. You should pay attention to these differences in order to find the type of training that fits you best.
Success Tips for Yoga Instructors:
Find a mentor. A mentor can help aspiring teachers learn about various teaching techniques and styles of yoga. In addition, mentors can help aspiring yoga teachers decide which training program is most suitable.
Step 2: Complete Yoga Instructor Training
Yoga instructor training includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, instructional techniques, and yoga philosophy. You'll gain hands-on experience by observing teachers and teaching classes. Many schools adhere to the guidelines set by Yoga Alliance for 200-hour and 500-hour teacher training programs; the Yoga Alliance itself requires at least 200 hours in order for applicants to qualify for yoga teacher certification. When working on your yoga certification, you will need to choose one major yoga school to pursue in order to have a basis from which to work with students. Keep in mind that different types of yoga come from very different traditions and have different goals for their practitioners.
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Success Tips for Yoga Instructors:
- Network with teachers and classmates. Yoga instructor training does not guarantee a job.
- Know your market. Competition among yoga teachers is strong in some areas. You may consider a unique approach to distinguish yourself from other teachers. For example, depending on the market, teachers can offer yoga tailored to golfers and other types of athletes.
- Become certified in CPR. Most health and fitness centers require that instructors have the skills to deal with a health emergency by being certified in CPR. Students can take a CPR course while enrolled in a teacher training program.
Step 3: Register as a Yoga Instructor
Wondering how to get a yoga teaching license? Students who complete programs that meet the guidelines set by Yoga Alliance can apply for the organization's Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) credential. Registration is voluntary, but most employers prefer credentialed instructors. Obtaining yoga instructor certification is extremely important in order to make sure that you can safely instruct your pupils and to make sure that you are sufficiently knowledgeable about your area of expertise. As you continue your journey to get yoga certified, you will also likely get a better understanding of what your job entails and how you want to pursue your career as a teacher.
Step 4: Complete Continuing Ed Requirements
Now that you understand how to get certified as a yoga instructor, keep in mind that continuing education may be required throughout your career. Most professionals in this field attend workshops and seminars to keep their knowledge up to date. Teachers registered with the Yoga Alliance are required to complete 75 hours of continuing education every three years. This includes teaching yoga for 45 hours and attending additional classes for 30 hours. RYTs who meet certain experience and education requirements can pursue advanced credentials.
FAQs
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Can I Get My Yoga Certification Online?
It is possible to obtain your yoga certification online. This is a great option for those who are working or who do not live near an in-person training facility. Keep in mind that in-person training will likely give you a better grasp on the positions you will be teaching, but if you have been trying to work out how to become a yoga teacher without access to in-person training, this may be an ideal option for you.
What Kind of Yoga Should I Practice?
What kind of yoga you specialize in will depend on a number of factors. How high-intensity do you want your practice to be? Is your goal fitness, mindfulness, or something else? Keep in mind that while many yoga practices are considered culturally open (meaning that anyone can learn them), others may have some cultural limitations that you should keep in mind. Be sure to do your research in order to find out which school works best for you. Look into the history of each type of yoga.
What Skills Do Yoga Instructors Need?
Here are some of the most important skills for yoga instructors to cultivate:
- Patience
- Compassion
- Excellent communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Mindfulness
- Approachability
- Ability to explain concepts clearly
To become a yoga instructor, you need to be knowledgeable and able to do yoga along with completing a formal training course and meeting any requirements set by your employer.
