What Is a Yoga Instructor and How to Become One

A yoga instructor is a trained fitness professional who specializes in yoga practice. As a yoga instructor, your responsibilities and duties include preparing the studio for the class, creating a relaxing and peaceful practice environment, teaching poses and proper form including modifications for beginner students, teaching proper breathing, sharing yogic philosophy, and helping their students along in their yoga practice journeys. You may conduct classes in a yoga studio, fitness facility, or home for a group of students or an individual. Your job is to nurture your students and help them practice yoga well.

To become a Yoga Instructor or teacher, you need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience as a yoga practitioner. Yoga Instructors usually specialize in a particular style or two, and so you must decide which form of yoga instruction you wish to pursue. Examples include Ashtanga, Hatha, Bikram, and Vinyasa. Though some employers prefer specific certifications, many yoga instructor jobs just require a standard 200- or 500-hour yoga certification. In these programs, you study the basics of yogic philosophy, yoga practice, meditations, and physiology to gain the skills and qualifications you need to fulfill your responsibilities in this career.

Aside from completing the certification and having an experienced mentor, you need to be in good physical condition and practice yoga regulalry. This takes qualities such as dedication, a belief in the philosophies of yoga, and the desire to share this philosophy with others. As a Yoga Instructor, you will regualry exercise skills in communication, leadership, customer service, and management to effectivly run your classes.

To be a good Yoga Instructor, you must be highly trained and knowledgeable and have a passion for teaching and wellness. Good Yoga Instructors understand the importance of proper training and have completed a 200- or 500-hour certified yoga instructor training course. They also possess a deep love of yoga practice and teaching and are willing to take the time to help guide students in their practice. Excellent teachers understand the style in which they have trained, yogic philosophy, anatomy and physiology, and the benefits of mindful meditation. They recognize that yoga is not mastered in a day but is a journey that is about wholeness and wellness, not just fitness.

Job Summary

Our studio is looking for a Yoga Instructor to join our team! You must be passionate about your craft and willing to work with students of all fitness levels. Our ideal yoga teacher has trained in a variety of yoga methods and worked as an instructor for several years. We want you to create fun and effective classes, and you must be responsive to the needs of our clients. You also need to be organized, reliable, and able to arrive at all your scheduled classes and appointments on time.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the yoga room is set up correctly for class
• Lead students on proper breathing techniques and poses
• Document student attendance
• Keep accurate records on student fitness goals and progress

Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current yoga certification
• Completion of a 200-hour yoga training course is a plus
• 1-3 years of yoga instructor experience preferred
• Friendly and outgoing with excellent communication skills