If you’re passionate about holistic well-being and wish to give people physical, mental, and spiritual clarity, then starting a career in yoga can be rewarding.
Here is a step-by-step guide for building a career in yoga:
1. Understand the Philosophy of Yoga
Before you gain any formal training or certificates, gain deeper insights into the art of yoga and its philosophy. Yoga goes beyond physical postures and encompasses mindfulness and self-awareness. As a teacher, you will understand the reason behind various yoga poses and build a passion for teaching yoga.
Consider learning various yoga types and styles, such as:
- Vinyasa.
- Hatha.
- Ashtanga.
- Yin.
- Kundalini.
While Ashtanga is a vigorous form of yoga that involves rapid postures and focuses on upper body strength, Yin is a meditative style that is perfect for relaxing the body and finding inner peace. Learning the philosophy behind various yoga styles will help you find your personal preference.
2. Finish a Yoga Teacher Training Course
The next step is enrolling in a yoga school established by the Yoga Alliance. Yoga teacher training courses are available at two levels: A 200-hour and 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification. Here’s a short overview:
RYT 200: It is an entry-level yoga teacher certification incorporating a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology. You will also learn yoga techniques, teaching methodologies, and ethical guidelines.
RYT 500: It incorporates multi-style yoga teaching. You will learn advanced asana practice, Pranayama, and meditation. RYT 500 is a huge milestone for yoga practitioners.
After completing the 200-hour training, you will have to pay a registration fee for the exam and pay annual dues to stay connected with Yoga Alliance.
3. Get Additional Certifications
Once you have finished basic training and gained certification, it is time to go the extra mile. Here are some certifications you can earn:
RPYT 85-hour: A Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (RPYT) creates safe training programs for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
RCYT 95-hour: A Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher (RCYT) cultivates mindfulness, empathy, and self-awareness in children and young students.
Many fitness institutions require yoga teachers to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. This ensures teachers have the knowledge and training to handle a medical emergency.
Additional certifications will help you stand out and match with high-paying opportunities.
4. Look for Teaching Opportunities
Now that you have the knowledge and skills to begin practicing yoga, it is time to find teaching opportunities. Most people begin by finding internships in their local community centers and gyms. You can also teach yoga classes to your friends and family to build rapport and gain access to networking opportunities.
Collaborating with a job board is one of the most beneficial ways to find a job. They have pre-vetted fitness centers and institutions and can help you find jobs that match your skill level. You can simply make an account and search yoga instructor jobs. You can find both remote and on-site opportunities by filtering the results based on demographics and experience.
5. Focus on Soft Skills
To have a successful career in yoga, you need exceptional soft skills to create a safe environment for your students. Here are four such skills:
Active Listening: Pay attention to what your client says and learn to assess nonverbal cues. Active listening will help you build rapport with your clients and allow them to share their concerns freely.
Public Speaking: Whether you’re conducting a one-on-one session or a group class, it is important that your audience can hear and understand you. Use strategic pauses to emphasize important points.
Adaptability: The learning pace and style of every student are different. Learn to adapt your yoga teaching style depending on your client’s needs. Create an inclusive environment for all.
Other soft skills needed to excel in yoga care include patience, empathy, and the ability to accept constructive criticism.