Yoga Teacher
What is the work like?
Yoga teachers instruct people on the various positions involved in yoga, and also teach controlled breathing, meditation and visualisation. They teach yoga either as a form of exercise, to increase physical fitness and suppleness, or as a therapy to combat or control health problems.
In the UK the most widely taught style of yoga is Hatha yoga, which offers students exercises to stretch and flex the body, develop breath awareness and relaxation and sometimes meditation.
As a yoga teacher your tasks would include:
- designing course and lesson plans
- recognising the needs of beginners, experienced students and mixed ability groups
- teaching a wide range of yoga postures ('asanas') from simple to complex
- modifying asanas for individual conditions such as pregnancy or arthritis
- teaching efficient breathing habits from basic breathing techniques to breath control exercises ('pranayama')
- assessing students' progress and achievements
- evaluating your own courses and teaching skills.
You could specialise in teaching particular groups such as pregnant women.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need:
- extensive experience of practising yoga with a qualified teacher
- a nationally-recognised yoga teaching qualification
- a first aid certificate
- a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certificate (CPR).
If you are going to work with children or other vulnerable groups you will need CRB clearance.
By gaining membership of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), which is also known as the 'Exercise Register', you will be able to show employers and clients that you meet fitness industry standards of good practice. You can find out more about REPs, and recognised courses and qualifications by visiting the REPs website.
At present REPs-recognised yoga teaching qualifications are offered by:
As other courses are approved, they will be listed on the REPs website.
The BWY is the national governing body (NGB) for yoga in the UK. You can do BWY courses throughout the country. Visit the BWY website to search for your nearest course.
If you have completed a teaching award with another organisation you may be able to gain BWY accreditation by completing a BWY Integration Course. Check with BWY for details.
If you are already a yoga teacher you may be able to get your skills and knowledge recognised, and apply for registration at Level 3 with REPs by Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL). This has been developed by SkillsActive, yoga organisations and the fitness industry. Contact SkillsActive for details.
What further training and development can I do?
When you are qualified as a yoga teacher you will need to keep your skills up to date. For example, with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) you will be expected to attend at least one qualifying in-service training day each year to keep your qualification up to date. These are held in each region – see the BWY website for details and links to regional websites.
You can do a variety of further modules after completing your teaching qualification. With the BWY these include:
- Teaching Yoga to Children
- Pregnancy
- Teaching Yoga in Prisons
- Meditation.
Where can I go for more information?
3rd Floor8-10 Crown Hill
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1RZ
Tel: 020 8686 6464
Sleaford
Lincs
NG34 7RU
Tel: 01529 306851
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
There are no set salary rates as most yoga teachers are self-employed. Annual income will vary considerably depending of which area of the country the teacher is situated, the number of sessions taught and type of organisation for which they are running classes.
Most teachers charge either a sessional or hourly rate, usually ranging from £20 to £60.
Figures are intended only as a guide.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would probably include evenings and weekends.
You would usually work in places such as sports and leisure centres and health studios.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- training and experience in yoga practice
- a high standard of physical fitness
- patience
- a caring approach and an interest in people
- the ability to motivate individuals and groups
- good spoken communication skills
- awareness of the risks which can be involved in exercising.
What opportunities are there?
There is a growing demand for yoga teachers in sports and leisure centres, health clubs and community centres. You could work in local authorities, private health clubs or corporate organisations. You will probably work part-time and be self-employed.
With experience you may be able to train to become a yoga therapist (see separate job profile), or do the BWY course tutor qualification so that you can train other tutors.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
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