Yoga Training Certification
These days, it seems like every other person is a certified yoga teacher. You may be wondering how to go about this yourself, or whether it’s even realistic. If you’re passionate about the practice and hope to impart its benefits to others, chances are you are a perfect candidate. I’d recommend reading this post first: How Do I Know If I’m Ready For Yoga Teacher Training? If you find that you don’t want to become a yoga teacher, know that you can still deeply enhance your practice and knowledge by enrolling in a training course: Why should you do Yoga Teacher Training even if you don’t want to become a yoga teacher?
Now that you’re sure you want to pursue a certification, let’s talk about how to be a yoga teacher.
How to Become a Yoga Instructor
At the time of this publication, there are no official legal requirements for certification anywhere in the world. This essentially means that to learn to teach yoga, all that’s needed is to pick a program that resonates with you and pursue it passionately! However, you’ll want to pick a program officially recognized by the Yoga Alliance, the internationally recognized education and accreditation organization that has established a system of requirements for teachers and schools. There are many different teacher training programs available worldwide, which offer certification in a wide array of yoga styles and traditions, through ryt 200 online.
So how does one go about becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance? Everyone who has completed a yoga teacher training program with a Registered Yoga School (RYS) can apply for RYT certification. There are several levels of certification for RYTs, depending on the number of training hours completed and the total hours of teaching.
Most people usually start their yoga teacher journey by attending a 200-hour RYS teacher training course. As previously stated, there are many programs available, depending on the style or tradition of yoga, logistics (part-time, full time intensive, local or abroad) and cost.
200-hour programs focus on teaching yoga to the general population. This includes:
- Asana and alignment (which also includes how to guide others into the poses and class sequencing)
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Philosophy and Meditation
All 200-hour programs vary in terms of the style of yoga. But, to ensure a well-rounded education, they all adhere to these basic guidelines as outlined by Yoga Alliance.
Why 200 Hours?
In a 200-hour course, you will not only practice but also learn in-depth about yoga poses–how to execute the poses correctly according to your own physical abilities. You will practice yoga for at least two hours daily, so you come to really understand the mechanics of the poses and what they entail. Your physical health and strength will improve as well.
You will also learn anatomy and physiology, and how they relate to yoga. The benefits and contraindications of the poses will be discussed. Once your physical practice is combined with the knowledge of anatomy and physiology, then the study of alignment in poses comes into play. This is a very important aspect of any yoga teacher training course, as we practice yoga for health … not to injure ourselves!
There will also be sessions on the philosophical aspects of yoga, which are based on Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga. Yoga is all about how to live in harmony with ourselves and others, and during these philosophy sessions, many questions will arise within you as to how you have been living and what changes you want to see in your life.
Then there is also the practice of Pranayama (breathing techniques). This is a crucial step toward the achievement of Samadhi (Divine Union). Your breath affects the quality of your physical, emotional and mental health. So it’s important to learn and understand the proper ways to practice Pranayama.
Throughout the course, you will immerse yourself in yoga. This is not only for your own benefit but also for others: you can only teach what you truly understand. Along the way, the trainers will guide you on how to assess and adjust others into the poses, which includes the use of props or proper verbal cues.
In the end, 200 hours will actually seem too short! As with everything else in life, the learning does not end there. In fact, after a teacher training course, you will come to realize that this is only the beginning of your journey.
After completing a 200-hour program, some graduates may feel inclined to work with specific populations. To this end there are various other extension programs available—kids’ yoga and pre-natal yoga are examples. These programs are usually of a shorter duration.
How Long Does it take to Become a Yoga Instructor?
A yoga teacher’s journey begins even before signing up for a teacher training course. Indeed, it is ideal to have already developed a consistent yoga practice prior to attending a 200-hour program. This way, your body will already be reasonably fit for the physical rigor, and your mind will be prepared with an idea of the asanas and what goes on during class. Is There Anything You Can Do Before A YTTC To Better Prepare Yourself?
Your first official step to becoming a certified teacher will be completing a 200-hour program. After that, if you wish to continue on and become a 500-hour RYT, you can go for a 300-hour program.
Ideally, you’d be able to assist a senior yoga teacher for a few months. Learning directly from someone will definitely fast-track your path to expertise.
In short, there is no definitive timeframe whereby after ‘x’ amount of time, you will become a yoga teacher. Yoga is very hands-on, and the more experience you have with it–regardless of whether it’s with asanas, philosophy, or meditation; the better equipped you will be to teach.
How do I get a Yoga Certification?
First, decide on a style of yoga you love. If you enjoy sweating it out during your yoga practice, a Vinyasa-style program will be suitable for you. If you prefer using props in your practice, then go for an Iyengar or Therapeutic styled program.
There’s one more step to becoming a registered yoga teacher!
After you’ve completed your teacher training, you will need to register as a yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance of America. Once registered, you’ll 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’s Best: Short-term Intensive or Longer Duration; Local or Overseas; In-Person or Online?
There are three choices when it comes to Yoga Teacher Training Courses – either a 3-month long course that runs only on weekends or a full-on one month course or self-paced Online Yoga Teacher Training (available recently Due to COVID-19). Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these options.
Short Term or Long Term Program?
In a short term, the intensive course would definitely be the opportunity of a lifetime to fully immerse yourself into the yoga lifestyle, as you would have set aside all other obligations to fully commit to present during the course. This allows you to be more focused on what is being taught and what is happening daily, with minimum distractions from the outside world. The daily schedule, food, and environment are also designed specifically to encourage the best yogic experience.
The obvious downside to an intensive course is that you might simply be incapable of taking such time off from work or other pursuits. Delaying obligations might cause you to stress throughout the course, which would be highly counterproductive.
A long term course that runs over a few weekends would not require you to take time off from work, and you can likewise maintain your personal life outside of training hours (if you still have the energy to!). This would also be preferable for people who have familial obligations and cannot, for whatever circumstances, be away from home for long.
Another benefit of a weekend course is that you will have more time in between classes to absorb and process what is being taught, so you have more time with your teachers to ask questions and clarify anything you are unsure about.
However, a weekend course will not immerse you in the full experience of a yoga lifestyle, as the majority of the week is spent in the hustle and bustle of your normal lifestyle.
Local or Overseas?
A local course would be cheaper because you would not have to fork out more money for travel, accommodation, and food. The environment would be familiar to you, and there’s no risk of culture shock or disappointment at unmet expectations. However, programs in certain developed countries may actually be more expensive than overseas.
An international course is an unfamiliar setting, but this will help you bond more with your course mates and also spend more time with yourself. If you are the outgoing type, this will also be an opportunity to meet people you’d probably never cross paths with had you done the course locally. You will also experience a different culture and the lives of people vastly different from your own.
It goes without saying that spending a month overseas is more expensive, and the unfamiliar setting may be unsettling for some.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what your priorities are. In my opinion, if you are lucky enough to have the means to attend an intensive course overseas, please do so! You’re sure to return from the experience with life-changing experiences and insights!
Where Overseas?
If you would like a month’s break and have a budget between $3,000 USD to $7,000 USD, then Bali or Thailand would be the preferred choice. You’ll then have a luxurious yoga retreat along with certification.
If your budget is tight, then the other option is doing a yoga teacher training course in India. However, India is the origin of Yoga and you will most likely have the benefit of learning from venerable Indian teachers. If you are really serious about becoming a yoga teacher then you may want to consider doing your 300-hour yoga teacher training in India as well after completing the 200-hour training.
In-Person or Online
Of course, in-person is always the best option but due to COVID-19 now in-person training is not available OR very less in demand and Yoga Alliance has temporarily approved online mode till 31st December 2023. With this, how to become a yoga instructor online option is the best. There are two options for the majority of the online programs. The first option is where the majority of the training is conducted via Zoom or similar platforms. In this option, there is always a limitation of Time Zone and availability during a specific time. And it’s between $800 to $2500 price range. However, there is another option under which the majority of the classes are pre-recorded and there are daily zoom practice sessions and weekly group Zoom sessions. Old sessions can be watched at its own pace. You can complete as fast as 21 days and as slow as 12-24 months. Price is between $375 – $437.
Click Here to Check Online Yoga Teacher Training Program
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Yoga Instructor?
As little as $375 for online YTT. $1,500 USD or as much at $20,000 USD for on-site.
This depends on the unique logistics of the program: duration, location, and accommodation. If you’re doing a program locally, then you won’t need to fork out extra cash for accommodation and airfare. The price of a one-month intensive overseas will depend on both the type of accommodation (five-star hotel or budget hotel) and the location of the program.
Will a Yoga Certification Make You a Great Yoga Teacher?
Formal yoga training is generally the first step to becoming a yoga teacher. But how often do you hear of people failing at yoga teacher training? To become a great teacher, you will have to earn it.
Upon completing a teacher training course, most people are somewhat shocked when they realize they know so little! Yes, teacher training will provide you with a lot of knowledge, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Indeed, there are legendary yoga teachers out there. If they did not receive any formal training, where does all this magic come from?
To be a great teacher, you will have to be dedicated to exploring yoga through attending workshops, conducting your own research, and reading books. But most importantly, you will have to learn through your own experience. Yoga is an incredibly deep aspect of life; it is not limited only to the asanas. It also includes the realms of the spiritual and philosophical. And no organization will be able to sign a certification of your spiritual evolution.
To be able to guide your students through a class and articulate exactly what is happening—which part of the body is feeling what, how to go into the pose, etc.—requires a lot of experience on your part. There is much truth in the saying, “a teacher can only guide his students as far as he himself has experienced.”
10 Steps Infographics Guide – On How to Become a Yoga Instructor.
Are you ready to start your journey and visit this amazing yoga destination?
FAQs
What is the difference between YTT and RYT? ›
Q1) What is the difference between RYT and YTT? Ans: In the yogic culture, the word RYT refers to a Registered Yoga Teacher. On the other hand, the YTT refers to Yoga Teacher Training. You have to complete the YTT to become an RYT.
How do you become an accredited yoga teacher? ›To teach yoga you'll need to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training course. This should cover asana (postures), meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises) yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology, and how to teach.
How long does it take to be a yoga instructor? ›Many people think you can start with either a 200 hour training, or a 300 hour training, but a 300 hour yoga teacher training should only be completed AFTER a 200 hour yoga teacher training has been completed. A 500 hour certification is a combination of a 200 and 300 hour yoga teacher training.
Is a YTT worth it? ›Is it worth it to do yoga teacher training? To think that yoga is becoming more and more popular these days, it would be safe to say that training to become its teacher is going to be worth it. Yes, the many hours of learning and practicing will be difficult but it will be meaningful every step of the way.
What is the highest level of yoga certification? ›500 hour of training is the highest international standard for yoga teachers. After completing this program, you can register as an Advanced Yoga Teacher or RYT-500 with Yoga Alliance. You will possess an in depth knowledge of the history and origin of yoga asanas and yoga philosophy.
Can I make a living as a yoga instructor? ›The income ranges tremendously from the top to bottom of yoga teachers. While most teachers earn less than $30k USD per year, some teachers earn $300,000 or more. The teachers who earn the most all have one thing in common… they earn most of their income OUTSIDE the studio.
Can you teach yoga without a 200 hour certification? ›Please note that legally, you do not need a 200-Hour RYT certificate to teach yoga. But many yoga studio do require their instructors to have a 200 hours certification. However, we do absolutely recommend following a 200 hour yoga certification course before starting to teach professionally!
What is the easiest yoga certification? ›The RYT-200 certification is the quickest path to becoming a certified yoga teacher since it requires the minimum amount of education and training hours (200 hours total).
Do yoga instructors need a certificate? ›Who needs a yoga instructor certification? To start teaching yoga, you do not need to have a certification, but you may have trouble finding a job, or clients, without one. Many studios require that you have at least a 200-hour RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification.
Can you teach yoga without a qualification? ›The yoga industry is unregulated, meaning there are no qualifications required by law to teach yoga.
What is a certified yoga instructor called? ›
A CYT, or certified yoga teacher, simply indicates that the instructor has studied with a specific yoga program and completed the yoga teacher training course.
Where do yoga instructors make the most money? ›| Total Yoga Instructor Jobs: | 127 |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary: | $51,124 |
| Lowest 10 Percent Earn: | $38,000 |
| Highest 10 Percent Earn: | $68,000 |
| Location Quotient: | 1.43 You can read more about how BLS calculates location quotients here |
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How Much Does A Yoga Teacher Training Cost?
There seems to be more than a little bit of confusion surrounding the average salary of a certified yoga instructor. In the United States, yoga instructors make an average of $24.96 per hour, making anywhere from 31K-100K, with the national average clocking in at… wait for it… $60K.
What is the number one reason people quit yoga? ›A perceived “lack of time”
The biggest reason people tend to stop their 90-minute practice is due to a perceived lack of time. It is not about how much time you really have in your day; it is about where you choose to spend it.
Full-time yoga instructors may be so busy that they can't make time for their own practice. This can be frustrating and may lead to career burnout. Look at the work schedule you have and make sure it is sustainable. And don't forget to schedule in time for you and your own practice!
Who is the youngest certified yoga instructor? ›Reyansh Surani (India) has become the youngest certified yoga instructor in the world, setting a new record at the age of 9 years 220 days.
What is the difference between YTT 200 and 300? ›The 200-hour training is generally recommended for any student practicing regularly for at least 6 months to a year. The 300-hour training is generally recommended for teachers who have been teaching for at least 1 year who want to advance their practice and skills.
Can you be an overweight yoga instructor? ›Not only is it possible to be fat and do yoga, it's possible to master and teach it. In the various yoga classes I've attended, I'm usually the biggest body. It's not unexpected. Even though yoga is an ancient Indian practice, it's become heavily appropriated in the Western world as a wellness trend.
How can I make money teaching yoga at home? ›- Start Your Own Online Yoga Studio. Online yoga studios are the best way for certified instructors to make money online. ...
- Create Your Own Yoga App. ...
- Create A Follow-Along Yoga Challenge. ...
- Use Merchandise To Create A Yoga “Tribe” ...
- Create Your Own Yoga Niche.
How do I turn my yoga into a career? ›
- Step 1: Start Teaching Yoga. It all begins here! ...
- Step 2: Start a Yoga Blog. ...
- Step 3: Build Your Personal Yoga Brand. ...
- Step 4: Teach Private Yoga Lessons. ...
- Step 5: Host and/or Teach Yoga Retreats. ...
- Step 6: Sell Advertising and Get Yoga Product Endorsements.
In short, a yoga teacher or instructor can lead students in practicing yoga in a yoga class, while a yoga therapist works one-on-one with a client applying yoga techniques to specific health conditions.
What are the different types of yoga certifications? ›There are two primary designations awarded by Yoga Alliance: RYT-200 and RYT-500. The differences have to do with the number of hours of training. There are two ways to earn a 500-hour certification. The first is to attend a RYS-500 school and complete all of the training there.
What is the difference between RYS and RYT? ›A Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) is a distinction given to yoga teachers whose training and teaching experience meet Yoga Alliance requirements. A RYT must complete training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS), be confirmed by Yoga Alliance and current with annual fees and Continuing Education.
Is it too late to become a yoga instructor? ›Do we have to be of a certain age to join yoga teacher training? Well, it is recommended to be at least 18 years old to join a yoga teacher training in the Rishikesh program but there is no specific age limit. Anyone can join a yoga teacher training course whether you are in your 20's, 30's or even 40.
What is a Level 1 Yoga teacher? ›Prepares you to teach Hatha, Flow, Hot and/or Yin yoga. Helps you to teach and integrate Pranaayama, Meditation, and Philosophy into your classes.
Is 40 too old to become a yoga teacher? ›There is no maximum age for yoga or for teaching yoga. Whether you are starting yoga at 40, starting yoga in your 50s, or starting yoga at 60–or beyond, if your dream is to become a teacher, you aren't too old to achieve your teaching goal.
What is a Level 1 yoga class? ›Level 1 classes are designed for those who have had no previous exposure to yoga, but are eager to learn and start experiencing the amazing benefits of a yoga practice. The beginner student needs slow-paced direction and a great level of detail so they can become familiar with basic yoga poses and use of the breath.
What qualifications do I need to teach yoga? ›You'll usually need 2 years' experience of practising yoga with a qualified teacher to teach it yourself.
What would happen if yoga instructors did not need certification? ›Without a certification, students might not take your classes seriously. As mentioned, some gyms and yoga studios ask for a certification from yoga teachers as part of their requirements. Some yoga studios look for those who are registered with the Yoga Alliance and those who have completed their series of training.
What is a Level 3 yoga qualification? ›
Brief Role Description: Master Trainers in Yoga educational Institutions, Yoga training Courses and training programs. He or she can also act as Evaluator and assessor of Yoga professionals. Can teach in studios, Institutions, colleges/ universities/ Institutions of higher Learning. S. Minimum age: No age limit.
Can yoga be a good career? ›Yoga is among one of the highest-paying professions in the modern world, both in India and internationally. Interestingly, you may start making money from yoga without starting a business. You might think about becoming a yoga instructor if you love helping people and doing yoga.
What is a female yoga called? ›*The term yogi can be used as both feminine and masculine, and yogi is also synonymous with yogin. A yogini is a female practitioner of yoga.
What is the difference between yogi and yoga teacher? ›A yogi is the learner of yoga. According to the Vedic Sanskrit, yoga means to join, to add, or to unite. But, in recent days, particularly in the West, yoga refers to objective exercises only. The term yogi broadly refers to practitioners or a sannyasi of meditation.
What is a master of yoga called? ›< Yoga. Guru is a Sanskrit term for "teacher" or "master", especially in Indian religions. Guru-darshan.
What state has the most yoga? ›In these cities, readers are more interested in articles about fashion and entertainment than yoga. We also mapped out the popularity of yoga by state rather than city. The state-by-state results are less idiosyncratic, with one exception: Vermont. Vermont is the number one state by a long shot.
Where in USA is yoga most popular? ›Where is yoga the most popular in the USA? The cities with the highest number of yoga studios in the USA are San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. After all, these three cities are the three largest in the country, as well as some of the most populous in the world.
Is teaching yoga a good side hustle? ›Since 59 percent of yoga practitioners take classes at least once a week or more, being a yoga instructor is a solid way have a weekly income without monopolizing all of your time. A look at some of the best tips for making money with yoga can help you start earning income in no time.
Which yoga teacher training is best? ›- Drishti Beats Rating 4.94 | NPS 9.8.
- Akasha Yoga Academy Rating 4.90 | NPS 9.5.
- Yoga Farm Rating 4.90 | NPS 9.4.
- Zazyoga Rating 4.90 | Hidden NPS.
- Yoga International | Mazé Method Rating 4.86 | NPS 9.2.
A general rule of thumb is that yoga is best when practiced between two and five times per week. As you ease your way into a consistent practice schedule, that's a good goal to aim for! Over time, you might find that your body can handle five or six sessions each week, if that's what you want.
How much should I charge for a yoga session? ›
| Yoga Class Length | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $10 |
| 45 minutes | $15 |
| 60 minutes | $20 |
How long does it take to become a yoga teacher? To teach yoga you'll need to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training course.
What comes after 200 hour yoga teacher training? ›500 hour of training is the highest international standard for yoga teachers. After completing this program, you can register as an Advanced Yoga Teacher or RYT-500 with Yoga Alliance.
What are the different levels of yoga teacher? ›There are two primary designations awarded by Yoga Alliance: RYT-200 and RYT-500. The differences have to do with the number of hours of training. There are two ways to earn a 500-hour certification. The first is to attend a RYS-500 school and complete all of the training there.
What does RYT mean after a name? ›Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) is a designation given by the Yoga Alliance U.S to an individual who has completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification.
Can a beginner do YTT? ›Yes! You don't need to be able to do a handstand or the splits to be qualified to take a yoga teacher training. You don't even need to be outgoing or comfortable speaking in front of a group of people.
What does RYT mean in yoga? ›A Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) is a distinction given to yoga teachers whose training and teaching experience meet Yoga Alliance requirements. A RYT must complete training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS), be confirmed by Yoga Alliance and current with annual fees and Continuing Education.
What are the 5 major types of yoga? ›Types of yoga include hatha, Iyengar, vinyasa, hot yoga, and ashtanga.
What are the 8 branches of yoga? ›The eight limbs of yoga are yama (abstinences), niyama (observances), asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption)."
What are the hardest yoga classes? ›What is the Hardest Type of Yoga? Although this is unique to everyone's personal struggles, the most commonly classified as “difficult” are Ashtanga, Bikram, Power Vinyasa, Rocket, and Yin Yoga.
What do you call a certified yoga instructor? ›
A CYT, or certified yoga teacher, simply indicates that the instructor has studied with a specific yoga program and completed the yoga teacher training course.
What is the acronym of yoga? ›YOGA acronym : Y is for Yearning; O is for Observing; G is Gaining; Accepting. Kirpa. Meditate for Peace and Happiness. Brahma Kumaris.
What is the acronym for yoga teacher? ›You may then use the abbreviation RYT, which stands for Registered Yoga Teacher, behind your name.
Can you be too old to start yoga? ›Definitely not. People can start yoga at any age! There are yoga classes for everyone. It is a form of exercise that can be enjoyed at any time, from childhood to your advanced years.
What is the easiest type of yoga for beginners? ›Hatha yoga is always recommended for beginner yogis as it's considered a gentler form of yoga. It is, traditionally, a slower-moving class where you hold each pose for a few breaths while maintaining a focus on improving posture.
Which form of yoga might be most difficult for a beginner? ›Ashtanga yoga: strenuous and not just for beginners
Without the support of a professional, this can sometimes go wrong. Ashtanga is considered the most difficult yoga style because you need a lot of patience and discipline.