Are you interested in becoming a yoga instructor? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world have discovered the many benefits of practicing yoga, and many of them want to be able to share what they’ve learned with others.

If this describes you, the first step is to consider whether or not becoming a yoga instructor is the right choice for you. It’s important to know that becoming a yoga instructor isn’t always easy—you’ll need to invest time and energy into both your practice and your teaching skills. But if you’re committed to this path, here’s how:

First, decide if you want to be a teacher at a studio or an independent instructor. Teaching at a studio might mean working closely with other instructors and having access to more resources than if you were working independently (such as equipment). On the other hand, being an independent instructor means that you’ll have more freedom over your schedule but may have less support when it comes time to market yourself.

Next, decide what type of certification program would best suit your needs and goals. There are many different types of certification programs out there—some are more focused on teaching techniques while others focus more on business skills like marketing yourself or running a successful business venture as an entrepreneur-minded individual.

How To Become A Yoga Instructor

Yoga is a popular exercise practice designed to build your strength and flexibility while also providing a positive impact on your life spiritually, mentally and emotionally. If you are passionate about helping others and enjoy the art of yoga, then becoming a certified yoga instructor can be a very rewarding career. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about becoming a yoga teacher including job requirements, average salary and frequently asked questions about this career choice.

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What does a yoga teacher do?

A yoga teacher guides students through the practice of yoga by helping them learn the correct form for different poses. Yoga instructors may also provide their students with additional guidance in areas such as yoga philosophy, nutrition, meditation and deep breathing techniques. A yoga teacher can teach group classes, workshops and one-on-one personal training sessions.

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The average salary of a yoga teacher

Yoga instructors work various shifts that can include a full- or part-time schedule. The salary of a yoga teacher varies based on their level of training, experience, geographic location, the types of classes they teach and the number of courses on their schedule. The national average salary for a yoga instructor is $30.91 per hour with a salary range between $7.25 per hour and $76.00 per hour.

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Yoga teacher requirements

Here are a few common job requirements for yoga teachers:

• Complete training with a registered yoga school.
• Obtain CPR/first aid certification.
• Become a registered yoga teacher.
• Thorough understanding of various yoga and mindful meditation techniques.
• Strong business, organization and administration skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Strong motivational skills.
• Personal commitment to physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

How to become a yoga teacher

Follow these steps to become a yoga teacher:

1. Learn yoga

Before you can embark on your journey to become a yoga instructor, you should have a thorough understanding of the practice of yoga on a personal level. There are many different styles of yoga and taking classes in each of these different styles can help you determine the type of yoga practice that best fits your personal preferences. Yoga styles include vinyasa, ashtanga, Bikram and Hatha.

The way each style is taught may also vary based on who your instructor is and where the class is held. You should consider trying several different styles of yoga taught by different instructors in various locations to help you find both your practice and teaching style. You may also consider choosing a current yoga teacher to act as your mentor and help guide you through the process.

2. Complete a training course

Your next step is to choose a registered yoga school that follows the guidelines established by the Yoga Alliance and enroll in a teacher training program. Yoga teacher training programs are offered at two different levels. The first level is a 200-hour certification program and the second level is a 500-hour certification program. What you want to do after you become certified as a yoga teacher often helps determine which program level is right for you. Both program levels include coursework in physiology, anatomy, yoga philosophy and instructional techniques.

In addition to the standard registered yoga teacher training programs, you may decide to pursue certification in a specialty area. For example, specialty certifications include both registered children’s yoga teacher and registered prenatal yoga teacher. If you know you want to work with a specific group like children or pregnant women, you may want to consider these certifications as well.

3. Get registered

The registered yoga teacher certification is an internationally recognized credential that shows you have met the minimum standards of yoga training established by the Yoga Alliance. To get your RYT certification, you will need to have completed at least the 200-hour level registered yoga school training program and pay a $50 application fee and your annual $65 dues. There is an additional $50 application fee to upgrade your certification to the RCYT and RPYT specialty designations.

4. Become certified in CPR

If you want to teach in a health or fitness center, you will most likely need to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as “CPR.” Health and fitness centers usually require their instructors to be CPR certified to ensure they have the basic skills needed to respond to a health emergency.

5. Decide what type of yoga teacher you want to be

There are several different types of yoga teachers. Some yoga teachers cater their classes to specific groups while others hold classes in specific locations. For example, a yoga teacher may decide to target a niche market such as providing yoga instruction to professional athletes or they may decide to offer classes through a yoga studio or online.

6. Begin teaching classes

You are now ready to begin teaching yoga classes on your own. You may start by offering yoga classes and events within your home or community to your friends, family and other network connections. When hosting these events, it is important to establish yourself as a professional and charge a fee for your courses. You can also begin teaching classes at local yoga studios, gyms or other fitness facilities and even at businesses like local restaurants.

7. Maintain certifications

You will need to complete continuing education coursework and continue to pay your annual dues to maintain your yoga teacher certification. You may also need to complete continuing education or renewal coursework to maintain your CPR certification.