How Will I Be Prepared to Teach Yoga Classes?

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Many potential teachers ask, “How will I be prepared to teach Yoga classes?” The path toward teaching is not clear and interns need guidance. The obvious view is: If you enjoy yoga and want to make it a way of life, you could become a certified Yoga teacher. Teaching Yoga is a fun way to practice, do what you love, and live happily ever after. At least, that’s the way some of us would like our path to be. Depending on your goals and financial situation, you could teach Yoga as a hobby, to make extra money or earn a full-time income. That said, the depth of teaching is deeper than it looks because: Getting the most from your effort in teacher training and beyond requires you to know what you are doing and to follow a path of continuing education.

Some interns and teachers object to continuing education at a time when education in sports medicine and Yoga is making new discoveries every week. In fact, continuing education improves classroom safety and the insurance companies know it. With the help of the Internet, every field has more books and videos produced than ever before. Therefore, if you think one 200-hour course will give you all the answers to the past 5,000 years of Yoga education, that is pure fiction. In Yoga and many other fields there is no “one and done” teacher training course. We are all works in progress and a teacher is really a student for life. Above all, the safety of our students depends on our continuing education.

Practice

It seem obvious that you must practice Yoga before you become a teacher. Once you start to teach, you don’t have to be a master teacher at the start, because you can learn as you go. Knowing as much as possible about Yoga gives you an advantage as a teacher and makes your life much easier when questions come up. If you would like to get the best possible results, learn as much as you can and realize student questions will also develop your teaching ability. Teach and practice Yoga for at least a few hours each week, if you want the most from your effort, and you will be glad you did. Each class that you teach or attend as a student is a chance to learn something new. Whether you are a student, intern or teacher, journaling will help you learn new methods, retain memories, and monitor your progress.

Consider Online Courses or Classes

How will I be prepared to teach Yoga classes on my tight schedule? Many people struggle to keep up with their busy lives, and they don’t know what to do about it. In those cases, taking instructor classes might seem all but impossible. It does not have to be. When you don’t have time to take classes in-person, online classes might make sense for you. You can study on your own time, and you don’t have to spend time driving to a Yoga school.

If you work a second job, online classes give your schedule some flexibility by letting you learn on your own time so that the process becomes much easier to fit into your schedule. You can find many online classes when you look for them. The problem is that they are not all the same. You want to get quality classes at a great value. If you want to get the most for your money, read online reviews before deciding, which course or class is the best for you.

Get Certified

You want to get certified if you are serious about becoming a Yoga teacher. Complete 200 hours of training to reach that goal, and you will be glad you did. Courses offered by Aura Wellness Center teach you everything you need to know about being a certified yoga instructor.

Going through Aura Wellness Center gives you a variety of great benefits you don’t want to overlook. Aura Wellness Center is recognized worldwide and has teachers in many countries, so you can teach almost anywhere you go. You also get access to online training to get your skills updated, and you will know you have made a choice that continues to help you as your knowledge grows.

Find a Place to Teach

Once you are certified to teach Yoga, find a place to teach. You can apply to work as an instructor at most facilities where people meet, which comes with several benefits. You don’t have to find your own students, and you won’t have to rent a space to teach. Health clubs, dance studios, senior centers, churches, and any place where people gather can provide space for Yoga classes.

On the other hand, starting your own Yoga school is an exciting experience and gives you the chance to earn even more. If you want to teach Yoga independently, look for spaces in any business district. If you have a large yard, you can even teach Yoga classes at your home. Part of being prepared to teach Yoga classes is to listen to opportunities and your intuition. All of us have a different path, but it helps to listen and recognize opportunities.

Decide How Much to Charge

This is a stumbling block for many Yoga instructors. Some teachers do not feel comfortable charging. Yet, how were large ashrams and studio chains funded? Additionally, you paid for years or decades of Yoga instruction and now you want to pass your knowledge onto the next generation. You have the option to teach for free, if you want to teach as a hobby. Many free teachers reach a point of burnout. Sadly, they attract students who can afford to contribute, but free classes often create a lack of respect for the teacher and Yoga itself. Part of being prepared to teach Yoga classes is to navigate around stumbling blocks.

If you intend on receiving compensation for your knowledge, decide how much you will charge to teach Yoga. Your choice depends on several factors. Your location, experience and reputation all play a role in the amount you can earn. The competition is another factor you must consider. Research what other Yoga teachers in your area charge, and you will be off to a great start. You can expect to earn between $25 to $100 per class. If you are a well-known teacher and teach in an upscale area, you can receive more than that.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Yoga teacher is not as hard as you might think. It does take some time and dedication, if you would like to reach your goals without too much trouble. Manage your time and dedicate at least several hours each week to reaching your long-term goals. Write down your goals and how you plan to reach them. Also, make a list of all the benefits you get when you reach the outcome you had in mind. Doing so helps you maintain your motivation more than you once thought possible.