Is there anything better than doing something you adore as your profession? Definitely not. So, if you are passionate about yoga then becoming a yoga instructor may be the perfect vocation for you.
And if nothing else, you can be sure that you’ll always feel relaxed and joyous in your role – that’s literally the whole point of yoga. Goodbye, stress.
Well, don’t part ways with the stress just yet. You’ve still got to work out how to achieve your dreams first. But don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for. In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you’ll need to know about becoming a yoga instructor.
So, you’re one step closer to achieving your dreams? Ready to learn more? I bet you are.
Yoga Instructor Requirements
Most jobs come with requirements of some kind, right? Like a degree or a certain amount of experience. So, what requirements can you expect to meet as a yoga instructor?
Well, technically, none. In the U.S., and most other Westernized countries, there aren’t actually any specific governing bodies or accreditations that you must register to. You also don’t actually need any particular certificates to be able to start a yoga class.
However, notice how we said words such as technically or actually. This is because though they aren’t legally required, it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll ever find a yoga class where the instructor hasn’t undergone some kind of training.
And usually, most venues will want to see a certificate before you can start teaching a class. Then there’s all the issues of insurance – you’ll need that before you start too.
Yoga Studio Requirements
Okay, so while the government won’t expect any particular requirements or qualifications for you to be a yoga instructor, your studio is likely to have their own set of rules and regulations.
Of course, this means that there can be some discrepancy between the actual requirements depending on each particular studio. However, as a general rule of thumb, they’ll expect you to have a minimum of 200 hours of yoga teacher training.
Though 500 hours of training is often more appreciated.
Yoga Alliance
If you’re looking to become a yoga instructor, then Yoga Alliance is a registration body that you’ll definitely need to check out.
Now, don’t expect this to be like the typical accreditation body you’d find in universities and similar industries. To be able to register with Yoga Alliance, you’ll be required to attend training by a school and teacher that is registered with them.
This is because they will approve the specific curriculum to ensure that you are up to standards.
But a quick scroll through their website will enlighten you further about the registration credentials aligned to the training and more.
Can You Complete Yoga Teacher Training Online?
Yes, online yoga teacher training is actually really popular. After all, 200-500 hours of learning is a pretty big commitment, and for many individuals, it would be impossible to complete if they couldn’t do it on their own terms and timescale.
Completing yoga instructor courses online is just as valid as in-person classes, though they might be slightly different. Of course, as with anything they come with their cons and pros.
Some people find it difficult to study online without a physical person in front of them, which can be a make-or-break con for some. While the ability to fit your lessons around work, children, and other responsibilities makes it super appealing to others.
Just be sure to do the research into the company you choose to ensure they are legitimate and are the right fit for you.
How Long Will Yoga Instructor Training Take?
Well, this will depend on the training you choose. The 200-hour programs require 200 hours of training, and the 500-hour programs, you guessed it, take 500 hours to complete.
Usually, in-person training courses will have a specific and rigid start and end date, while online courses may have a little more flexibility. How quickly you’ll get through those hours-worth of training will really depend on your availability.
For example, those with more spare time may fly through the course in 40 days or so, while someone on a stricter time schedule could take more than 400 days. It’ll all come down to how often you can set time aside for your lessons.
Can Your Yoga Certification Expire?
Okay, so another question you may have is whether or not the certification will expire after a certain time period. And the answer is no. Usually.
Typically, once you’ve completed your course, you will always hold onto that certification. A little bit like degrees. You’ve put in the time and the effort, and this is your reward for doing so.
However, there may be extra lessons that you can opt to take should you wish. These are usually more specialized to a specific form of yoga for those that want to push their education even further.
Will You Need Insurance?
Absolutely. Once you’ve got those credentials under your belt, you’ll need to acquire some insurance before you can roll out your mat and begin leading a class.
This is so that the studio can ensure that you will practice yoga in a manner that is safe for your students. This is standard practice so that the venues can protect themselves in the case of a lawsuit.
So, as soon as you’ve got your certification, ensure that you get some insurance, and then you’re ready to find a venue, start teaching a class, and finally achieve your dreams!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more rewarding than being in a job that you adore and are passionate about. Especially, when you are then teaching others about your passion too.
But if you want to achieve this, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve had anywhere between 200-500 hours of yoga training. You’ll also need to ensure that you are ensured to teach a class.
But once you’ve completed those steps, you’ll be all set to begin a profession that you’ll love.
I created this website to help newcomers to yoga and enthusiasts alike, and to share our common passions for yoga.
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