Theres One More Step To Becoming A Registered Yoga Teacher
After youve completed your teacher training, you will need to register as a yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance of America. Once registered, youll be listed in their global directory as a teacher who has met their minimum requirements for teaching and has completed their training with an officially registered yoga school.
You are now ready to teach yoga. Remember that the role of a teacher is very important. Keep learning and expanding your own practice, so you can share the wonderful gift of yoga with everyone.
What Certification And Insurance Do You Need What Are The Legal Requirements For Teaching Yoga
The profession of teaching yoga is an open profession. That means you can call yourself a yoga teacher, regardless of your education and experience. There arent therefore any legal requirements for teaching yoga. This being said, of course you should make sure to follow a well-designed education!
To uphold certain standards, some organizations have emerged to make sure yoga teaching in their country is more regulated in terms of safety and ethics. Think of international organizations such as the International Yoga Federation or Yoga Alliance USA, as well as national or more local organizations such as Yoga Alliance UK or the Dutch yoga alliance .
Whats It Really Like To Teach Yoga Quotes From Experienced Teachers
Describe a typical teaching day.
Li says: Depending on the client, I would prepare the class at least a day before to tailor to their level of experience. Id double check the time and location before travel, and make sure I have everything needed for the class e.g. mat, Bluetooth speaker, watch, essential oil, or any other props. I also journal about each class on things to note, or things I could do better after a class.
Clarke advises: There really isn’t such a thing as a typical teaching day it varies so much from day to day and teacher to teacher.
I try to teach a maximum of three classes a day , being a combination of studio classes and private or corporate clients.
Then of course there is self-practice, learning and inspiring to ensure that you have enough to give to others. This is the bit that can be forgotten the fastest, but is so important.
What are the key considerations that our readers should think about when becoming yoga teachers?
Taylor says: If you are looking to cover classes at gyms and local studios, you will need to be available at short notice. Make sure you have some lesson plans in your head that are ready to pull out, and which can be adapted to suit different abilities.
Are there any myths about being a yoga instructor that youd like to bust?
Li advises: You dont have to be incredibly flexible, or be able to do extreme poses, as long as you are knowledgeable about your practice and can teach well.
Don’t Miss: Surya Namaskar Calories Burned Calculator
Yoga Teacher Training In Bali
Nusa Lembongan Bali
Covid-19 Update
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, our upcoming teacher trainings in Bali are on standby until August 2021. Courses in Bali from September 2021 are still open for registration and will run according to schedule until further notice. Our teacher trainings in Portugal in July & September are open for registrations. To secure your spot for any training in the future, a refundable pre-deposit can be made. Click here for more information.
What You Will Learn

Once youve enrolled onto a yoga instructor course, youre onto one of the most important parts when researching how to become a yoga instructor; the learning!
So, what will you actually learn when studying to become a yoga instructor?
We researched a range of different courses and their prospectus, and heres what we found was being taught the most:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- History and background of yoga
- Class structure training
- Development of teaching techniques and skills
- Meditation study
- A lot of practical work
Teaching methods in yoga can vary, but these are the most prevalent topics across yoga instructor courses in the uk. ;
Most courses will require you to teach at least 15 classes during your studies, and to have observed the same amount. This makes a lot of sense, as how could you possibly go out into the world and teach a class without having done this during training?
When looking up how to become a yoga instructor, its a good idea to note that practising and gaining as much experience as you possibly can is vital.
Before and during your training, its a good idea to reach out to existing yoga instructors and ask to shadow them in their classes.
If youre feeling ambitious and a little creative, you should also consider starting a yoga blog or YouTube channel.
Recommended Reading: How Many Calories Do You Burn In Yoga
Why Start A Yoga Teacher Training
At Ambassador Yoga we believe yoga is an anchor that helps people stay stable in a stressed out world. There are a lot of people who need yoga in their lives!; Yoga teachers bring joy and peace to all kinds of people, but we also know from experience that yoga teachers work hard and are often trying to do it all on their own.
If youve thought of running a yoga teacher training and just havent had the time to create the program, we are here to help!
The next phase of your Yoga Teacher journey is here.
Just think of how your career will change as a Trainer!
Basic Yoga Teacher Certification
A 200-hour course is the standard for yoga instructor certification, and most yoga studios require it before you can schedule a class.
Basic certification can be set up in several different ways, including an intensive month-long retreat or a series of weekend workshops spread over several months to accommodate trainees who may have other responsibilities.
Some programs may require your yoga practice or classes to be watched and evaluated, while others may require mentoring with experienced teachers.
Read Also: Does Hot Yoga Burn A Lot Of Calories
What Does It Take To Be A Yoga Teacher
To be a yoga teacher, you first become a practitioner of yoga. After taking classes in various styles, you can decide which type of instructor training you wish to pursue. The Yoga Alliance sets out requirements for 200- and 500-hour yoga instructor certifications. While completing one of these certification programs will help you start your career, having an experienced mentor can be helpful. After completing your certification, you may choose to pursue further certifications, become CPR certified, or register with organizations such as Yoga Alliance as a registered yoga teacher .
Why Teach Yoga Without Certification
Before we get into how you can succeed as a yoga instructor without certifications, its essential to understand how to become a certified yoga teacher.;
Certified yoga teachers can typically have two levels of certification:
- RYT-200 yoga teacher certification
- RYT-500 yoga teacher certification
The RYT acronym stands for registered yoga teacher. The RYT-200 and the RYT-500 represent the 200 hours and the 500 hours of yoga teacher training certifications.;;
The certifications can take anywhere between 2 months to 5 months and cost anywhere between $500 for the RYT-200 to $5000 for the RYT-500.;
Based on the above, the main reasons why someone would prefer to teach yoga without certifications could be:
- Lack of funds to pay for yoga teacher training
- Inability to spend 2-5 months studying to become a certified yoga teacher
- Have sufficient experience that a yoga teacher certification does not lead to any advantages
- To test if teaching yoga is the right calling for them before getting yoga teacher certified
Often you dont have to be an expert in a field to start teaching. Some people are excellent teachers, whereas some experts are horrible teachers.;
If you have the unique skill to teach others, teaching based on your experience is undoubtedly valid, especially in an industry like yoga where there are no formal certifications required. You dont even need to be registered with the Yoga Alliance to teach yoga.;
Read Also: Hot Yoga Outfits
Can You Be A Yoga Instructor Without Certification
You can teach yoga without certification. Teaching yoga does not require you to be certified or registered. However, the yoga industry has trade and professional organizations for yoga teachers, such as the Yoga Alliance, that provide accreditations and registrations, but such certifications are optional.
How Do You Become A Certified Yoga Instructor
This depends on what kind of instructor certification you would like to receive. If youre looking for yoga instructor certification from Yoga Alliance, then you will want to do your yoga teacher training program with a registered yoga school or the Yoga Alliance. It is not necessary to get your instructor certification from YA, though, as its just a private organization that is not connected to any government requirements to teach yoga.
Otherwise, look for a yoga school that has a long-standing good reputation and join their 200-hour yoga teacher training program. This will cover all of the basic knowledge of yoga, such as yoga philosophy, the history of yoga, the Yoga Sutras, teaching methodology, human anatomy and physiology, and the yoga postures.
Read more:200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training: What To Expect, How To Prepare, Where To Do It
Recommended Reading: Prenatal Yoga Poses To Avoid
Become Certified In Cpr
If you want to teach in a health or fitness center, you will most likely need to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as “CPR.” Health and fitness centers usually require their instructors to be CPR certified to ensure they have the basic skills needed to respond to a health emergency.
How To Choose A Yoga Course For Certification :

To shape the career of a successful yoga teacher instructor, investing in a curriculum approved by the Yoga Alliance guarantees great results.
Not only do these programs teach the philosophy and history of this ancient practice; They are the most widely accepted.
Therefore, we highly recommend that the yoga school you choose should be registered with the Yoga Alliance.
When you select a registered school, you can visit the Yoga Alliance website and provide important details including your enrollment to become a registered yoga teacher.
The total cost of a yoga teacher training certification course can start anywhere from $ 1,500 to $ 5,000. For online yoga teacher training you may be able to make it a bit more effective and convenient.
In addition, you can take additional courses such as EFA and cardiopulmonary revitalization for North American teachers, becoming more professional members of the yoga community.
While these courses are not compulsory, your students feel safe knowing that you can successfully conduct first aid.
Yoga Teacher Certification Requirements :-
As we mentioned, to work as a certified yoga instructor from the Yoga Alliance approved program, you must complete a 200-hour course.
Coursework includes hands-on work, classroom assessment and mentoring.
To take your training certification program to the next level, there are several 300-hour yoga teacher training and 500-hour programs to advance your teaching expertise and skills.
You May Like: How Many Calories Burned During Bikram Yoga
Can I Get My Yoga Certification Online
It is possible to obtain your yoga certification online. This is a great option for those who are working or who do not live near an in-person training facility. Keep in mind that in-person training will likely give you a better grasp on the positions you will be teaching, but if you have been trying to work out how to become a yoga teacher without access to in-person training, this may be an ideal option for you.
Tip : Choose The Right Yoga Therapy Program
As is the case for all higher education tracks, not all yoga therapy programs are the same. So, once youve been teaching yoga for about a year and are ready to start your yoga therapy training, youll need to do your research and make sure you find the right one for you.
When selecting a yoga therapy program, be sure to ask about things like:
- Program costs and scholarship opportunities
- PPrerequisites and course credits
Don’t Miss: What To Wear For Yoga Class
Is Online Yoga Teacher Training Worth It
This totally depends on the training courses that youre looking at and who the lead trainers are. Some yoga companies are just churning out training courses without offering much hands-on experience, personalized guidance from the trainers, or even quality education. These kinds of training courses are often sold for less than $500 and are more for those interested in a quick and dirty pseudo yoga teacher certificate than for those who are genuinely interested in learning the history of yoga, proper asana technique, teaching methodology from an experienced yoga instructor, or pranayama breathing techniques.
My online teacher training program, for example, provides TONS of hands-on experience through live Zoom calls and opportunities for teaching experience. I offer quality pre-recorded lessons on human anatomy, pranayama breathing, teaching methodology, and alignment and THEN we come together to discuss it all. In an online program like mine, you get teaching experience and quality feedback from an experienced yoga instructor , which is quite uncommon for most online programs.
Read more:Is An Online Yoga Teacher Training Worth The Investment?
How Long Does It Take To Get Yoga Certified
This depends on the level of training that you get, including continuing education courses. It also depends on where you complete your training. A standard 200-hour immersion course will be about a month long, whereas your local yoga studio likely offers courses over weekends over the course of 6 months.
Read more:200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training: What To Expect, How To Prepare, Where To Do It
Don’t Miss: How Long Do Yoga Mats Last
How To Find The Best Yoga Jobs
Look Online: Search , Indeed.com, or one of the other top job sites using terms like “yoga teacher” or “studio manager” and your location.
Network: Ask around at the classes you attend to see if anyone knows a studio that’s hiring. Tell your friends and colleagues that youre looking for opportunities.
Have I Been Practising Yoga For Long Enough
Often concerns that come up for potential trainees before they start a course is; Have I been practising yoga for long enough? Do I need more experience before considering becoming a yoga teacher? I cant do any advanced yoga poses, can I still train? To join a Yoga Teacher Training future students do not need to have years and years of experience on the mat. Signing up with an open heart and an open mind are the best two things to bring with you as this will also encourage you to embrace the teachings. There is no requirement to be able to fit both feet behind your head whilst balancing on one finger!
Ideally, you should have some regular practice experience prior to the course so that you are comfortable with some of the basic yoga postures. Physically, these training intensives can feel demanding at times so having past experience will help you get the most out of your training without leaving you too tired or too sore!
A minimum of 3 months of consistent practice will help you and your body prepare for the transformational journey ahead of you. Or, if youve been involved with a closely related fitness or sports training background this may also be an advantage to you, but this is not essential. If you are signing up to an Ashtanga or a Vinyasa Flow course it is useful to have participated in these styles of yoga beforehand as they are both dynamic and fluid forms of yoga.
Also Check: How To Clean Jade Yoga Mat
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training
Ashtanga, in Sanskrit, means eight limbs and can refer to the ancient yoga lifestyle that is laid out in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, or to the vigorous style of asana that is taught by the family of Pattabhi Jois his institute, KPJAYI, in Mysore, India.
An Ashtanga asana practice is marked by a universal sequence of yoga postures known as the series. When you show up to an Ashtanga yoga class, you will be doing the same flow of poses, in the exact same order, every time. In the Ashtanga tradition, everyone begins at the same place, with the physically demanding flow known as the Primary Series. Your teacher tells you how far into this sequence you should proceed according to your ability level, and will advance you on to the next poses as they see fit.
An incredibly challenging and transformative style of yoga, Ashtanga has a strong emphasis on dedicated self-practice, meaning you roll out of bed and straight onto your yoga mat for sometimes two hours of huffing and puffing, without the encouragement of a Lululemon-clad yoga teacher.
If you want to become officially certified in Ashtanga yoga, you must study with the founders grandson, Sharath Jois in Mysore, India. At present, only Sharath can authorize a yoga teacher to share Ashtanga yoga with others. However, other yoga teacher trainings led by advanced Ashtangis can give you a wonderful introduction to the practice.
What Is The Best Online Yoga Certification

Look, I know that Im biased, but I genuinely believe that my online yoga certification course absolutely is the best.
Why?
Because Ive been doing it for years, long before ANY other yoga school and certainly before the Yoga Alliance temporarily allowed yoga schools to provide training online.
Read more:How to Choose a Yoga Teacher Training
Read Also: What Yoga Poses To Avoid In Pregnancy
Disadvantages Of Teaching Yoga Without Certification
As stated earlier, a certification is not necessary to teach, but if you choose to say no thanks to taking the courses, what can you expect? After all, a yoga certification is a newer issue, and many established yoga instructors dont have it. Why spend the money on something the tops of the field dont even have?
While you may find a home at a studio that lets you teach a couple of classes, many uncertified yoga instructors can get turned down from fitness gyms and bigger studios if they dont have accreditation and a certification. Just like with any other job, having the certification can make or break an applicant. On top of that, consider this: many yoga students are also yoga teachers.;
Yoga is an ongoing journey, and as a teacher, keeping up with a daily practice is just as important as teaching. Many yoga teachers will pass on a class that is not by a certified individual. They looked for experts and established teachers to learn from, and without the certification, it may seem that you have nothing new to teach them.;