A good Yoga instructor has a strong desire to teach and inspire others. They also have a good amount of fitness/stamina and a willingness to push themselves out of their comfort zones.
The first step to becoming a Yoga teacher is doing a yoga teacher training program. Look for a school that is committed to diversity and inclusivity.
Getting Started
Whether you are a seasoned yogi or just starting out, the journey to become a yoga teacher can be transformative. It takes time, effort, and practice to hone your skills and develop into the best version of yourself. But, the rewards are endless, and a regular yoga practice can make you feel more secure, confident, and compassionate towards yourself and others.
The first step to becoming a yoga teacher is to identify your objectives. Are you interested in one of these Wellness Retreats or do you want to make new friends in a laid-back setting? This will influence the type of yoga teacher training for you. Once you have identified your goals, it’s important to find a yoga training institution that fits your needs and is accredited by the Yoga Council of India (YCI). This will ensure you receive a high-quality education.
There are several different styles of yoga, so it’s important to determine which style speaks to you most. Also, consider what the demographic is for the area where you plan on teaching – if it’s a retirement community, Gentle Yoga might be a good fit, whereas Vinyasa could be a good choice in a younger crowd.
While there are no minimum qualifications needed to enroll in a yoga teacher training program, it’s a good idea to have a strong physical fitness and flexibility level before embarking on the journey. You should also have a basic understanding of the Yoga Sutras, which are the foundation for yoga practice. It’s also helpful to have an interest in philosophy and spirituality, as yoga is more than just exercise.
A 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is a powerful way to deepen your own practice and learn how to teach. The training offers a month-long immersive experience that will beef up your yoga practice and help you develop a deeper understanding of classical yoga, as well as its roots in the spirituality of India.
This teacher training can be completed in-person or online, and offers a flexible format that allows you to work through the material at your own pace. The program is led by experienced yoga teachers who have a passion for inclusivity and are dedicated to helping their students grow as individuals and teachers. Upon graduation, you will receive a RYT-200 certification from the Yoga Alliance.
Choosing a School
You want to make sure you pick the right yoga teacher training course for your needs. Some schools are more expensive than others, and there are also different formats to choose from. For instance, you can find 200-hour programs that run over several months or one that runs over the course of a year. A long program is great for people who want to immerse themselves in the yoga teachings and learn as much as they can.
You should also think about what style of yoga you would like to teach. Many courses will have a lot of different styles mixed into them, so you can get a feel for all the options out there. It is best to choose the style that really speaks to your heart and resonates with you. You will be a better teacher and inspire more students to come to class when you teach in your preferred style.
It is important to find out more about the teachers on your course and how much experience they have. If possible, try to take a class with them before signing up. You will be learning a lot from these people, and they can have a huge influence on your yoga practice and teaching career. Some teacher training courses will have a number of different instructors, while others will be run by a single person. If you are looking for a specific style of yoga, you should make sure the instructor has that background and knowledge.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a yoga teacher is building relationships with students. You can develop friendships that last for years. These friends can help you through difficult times and support your growth as a yoga teacher. However, it is important to remember that not every student will be kind or supportive. There will be some who will never come to class, and others who may have a negative attitude toward you or your music.
You should be prepared for rejection in your yoga career, especially when you are first starting out. You will be taking in a lot of information during your teacher training, and this can be overwhelming for some people. It is vital that you stay true to your WHY – what made you want to become a yoga teacher in the first place. This will ensure that you attract students to your classes who are actually interested in yoga and who align with your beliefs and philosophy.
Taking Classes
Once you find a teacher training program that resonates with you, commit to it fully. Show up, take lots of notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Remember that teacher training will give you a lot of theoretical knowledge but the real learning comes from teaching classes. And, the more you teach, the better you will get.
When teaching, remember that the most important thing is connecting with your students. Great yoga teachers are good communicators and know how to help their students feel at ease. This can take time to perfect, so be patient with yourself. It’s also important to listen carefully to your students so you can understand what they need from the practice.
It’s also important to provide a safe space for your students to explore their bodies and emotions. This can include offering a variety of poses and levels of difficulty to accommodate all students, including beginners. You should also be able to modify your class for different types of students, such as pregnant women or people with injuries. Finally, it’s important to be a positive role model and encourage your students. This can help boost their self-esteem and improve their overall mood.
Yoga is all about mindfulness and connecting with the present moment. So, it’s helpful to set a mindful intention for your class before you start. This can be a simple phrase like “openness” or “healing.” Lastly, it’s important to close your class with five to ten minutes of Savasana (corpse pose). This helps students relax and unwind after a hard workout.
You can also add a deeper spiritual component to your class by focusing on gratitude. This can help your students appreciate the little things in life, such as a warm cup of tea or a beautiful sunset. It can also improve their mental health by lowering stress and increasing happiness. Finally, it’s also a great idea to use music during your class. It can help to set the mood and add energy to the class. So, be sure to create a playlist that will inspire your students.
Getting a Job
Once you have completed your teacher training, it is time to start looking for your first yoga teaching gig. Before you do, make sure that you have the finances in place to cover your living costs for a while, as the transition from nine-to-five to full-time yoga teacher is not always easy financially. You will also need to purchase yoga mats, studio space and other teaching supplies for your classes.
When you are ready to begin the search, do a quick online search for yoga studios in your area. Make a list and visit them to find out more about the styles of yoga they offer and to meet the instructors on staff. This can be a good opportunity to ask the instructor if they have an open yoga teacher position and if they would be willing to hire you.
Some yoga teachers have found that a great way to gain more exposure and potential new students is by creating content for their website or social media accounts. This can include helpful videos, articles and other materials that are related to the practice of yoga and address common issues that may affect your target audience. Some yoga instructors have even taken on freelance work as a means of supplementing their income from teaching.
Getting your first job as a yoga instructor can seem like an overwhelming process, but by taking it one step at a time you can be ready to take your first class before you know it! Be sure to keep up your regular yoga practice while searching for a teaching job as this will help you maintain the knowledge and confidence you gained during your teacher training.
Lastly, reach out to other yoga professionals and instructors in your area to see if they have any information about available yoga teacher positions. Often times, people who teach yoga regularly have relationships with other yoga instructors and gym owners in their community and can be a good resource for getting your foot in the door. Also, don’t forget to expand your professional network by joining online groups for yoga professionals and reaching out to others in the industry!