How to become a yoga instructor?

If you are a yoga enthusiast, you will know that it has many recognised health benefits, both for the body and the mind. So what do you do if you want to take it a step further and teach your passion to others? This article explains what qualifications and personal qualities you require to become a certified yoga instructor.

Job description of a yoga teacher

What's involved in being a yoga teacher? As a yoga teacher, you would be responsible for designing yoga classes and tailoring them to the individual needs of the people in your class. As well as teaching the techniques and positions involved in yoga, you will need to be able to teach recognised breathing techniques. You also need to be proficient in first aid and hold a CPR certificate.

Personal and academic qualifications needed to be a yoga instructor

Personal attributes needed to teach yoga To be good at teaching anything, you need to have a passion for it, and yoga is no different. To be able to do the job effectively, you also need to be patient, motivational and able to inspire your clients. You also need to genuinely care for people and want to help them achieve their goals. Being able to communicate effectively is also vital. Professional requirements for teaching yoga In Britain, the recognised governing body for yoga is the British Wheel of Yoga
( BWY). In the U.S, it is the yoga Alliance. Both bodies run recognised yoga training courses that qualify you to teach. They vary between 200 and 500 hour courses as well as running more specialised courses such as prenatal and child yoga. You will be expected to have practised yoga yourself for some time before you will be accepted on to these courses. What is involved in yoga training courses? During these courses you can expect to be taught the methodology and philosophy of yoga as well as learning how to teach the specific yoga positions and breathing exercises. Classes will also include physiology and child protection. There are a number of different types of yoga, including Ashtanga and Hatha yoga as well as basic yoga. It is up to you to decide which course is best for you. Employment opportunities for yoga teachers The most common place to teach yoga is at health centres, gyms and yoga studios. These are quite hard to get into, so you may need to volunteer your services to begin with. However, with hard work and determination you can land the job of your dreams.