Be a Yoga Teacher

If you are passionate about yoga, appreciate its health benefits, and want to share these benefits with other people, then you might be the perfect candidate for teaching yoga! Read this article to learn how.

Steps

Getting Certified

  1. Develop a regular yoga practice. Before you can teach yoga, you will have to become dedicated to practicing it and master all of the postures involved. If you are new to yoga, then find a studio in your area and start with beginner classes, eventually working your way up to more advanced ones.
    • Explore the different kinds of yoga: Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Iyengar, Kripalu are among the many different types. Try out different classes to determine which type of yoga you would like to teach.
  2. Decide where you want to teach yoga. Since there is no universal certification program for yoga teachers, you will have to determine what requirements your particular gym or studio requires.[1]
    • Contact the person who is in charge of the group fitness program at your gym or the manager of the yoga studio you wish to work at. Ask them if there is a particular agency or training program they prefer.
  3. Complete the proper training. Most studios require about 200 hours of hands-on training in yoga before you can teach classes.[1] Again, confirm the details with the gym or studio you want to work at.
    • Find a yoga school or studio that offers training for aspiring teachers. The classes will not only teach you physical postures and routines; you will also learn about physical anatomy, injury prevention, and the philosophy and history of yoga.
    • Yoga Alliance is the national registry for yoga instructors. Their website offers resources and guidelines for completing your certification, and has a directory of teachers in your area.[1]
    • Consider getting advanced training. If you want to teach advanced courses or learn how to teach yoga to special populations (i.e. different age groups or injured students), then consider completing a 500 hour training program.[1]
    • Keep your license current. Some studios may require you to take additional courses every year or so. Complete these requirements as necessary.
  4. Find a job as a teacher. Visit the studio(s) you wish to teach at, and enroll in classes to familiarize yourself with the environment and teaching style. Remember that all yoga studios are different.
    • Meet the teachers and desk staff. Share your training experience with them, and ask them questions about the teaching programs available. Be sure to bring your resume and proof of certification.
    • Apply to various studios in your area to keep your options open.

Being an Effective Teacher

  1. Observe senior teachers. Regardless of the training you have, learning from the masters is the best way to improve your teaching style. Take a variety of yoga classes at different studios and with different teachers and pick up on the qualities of the best teachers you come across.
    • Pay attention to teachers who attract the biggest classes. Notice what these teachers do differently, and adopt these methods when teaching your own class.
  2. Be comfortable in front of a group. Leading a group exercise requires that you be able to both connect one-on-one with others and feel comfortable speaking and commanding an entire room.
  3. Be versatile. A great yoga teacher can change up his or her routine to keep the classes interesting, and tailor a particular class to the needs of his or her students. The more experience you have, the better.[2]
  4. Have a positive attitude. If you want to attract people to your class and keep the coming back for more, you will have to make them feel good about themselves. Keep them motivated with both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.
    • Be sure to pay attention to your students and give them feedback on their form. This will show your students that you genuinely care about them.
  5. Ask your students for feedback. Consider asking your students to fill out a questionnaire at the end of your class so that you can make improvements for the future.

Sample Yoga Teacher Action Plan

Doc:Yoga Teacher Action Plan

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/how-to-become-yoga-instructor
  2. ↑ http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2061/11-Qualities-of-the-Ultimate-Yoga-Instructor.html

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