When we think of yoga, what immediately comes to mind?
You might be compelled to think about classes led by calm and physically fit instructors, rustic spaces, atmospheric music, mats, and the other equipment such as blocks or straps. You may think of poses like downward dog, cat and cow, child's pose, tree, or pigeon. Perhaps meditation and stretching may come to mind.
What may not be so obvious is the fact that yoga is in fact a highly profitable industry with many opportunities for yoga enthusiasts to create an additional stream of income or build a successful business. Indeed, popular brands like Lululemon and Lole have become household names thanks to their popular and widely used yoga gear, from clothing to mats and yoga accessories. Apps where yoga practitioners can follow a video or do a yoga class in the context of other workouts are also making significant profits. Yoga instruction and education, which we will discuss in this article, is also a popular place for people to build fitness and wellness careers.
Why is yoga so popular and profitable? Very few other workouts incorporate meditation, strength building, and stretching into a single workout. Yoga requires very little equipment, which makes it a highly accessible fitness activity. Yoga provides health benefits including longevity, increased flexibility, and improved mental health. Studios are more than just places to work out: they are places where people connect, build community, and learn a variety of yoga styles that can range from being intense to completely relaxing.
Getting Yoga Teaching Certification
Becoming a certified yoga instructor is the perfect way to enter the yoga industry and build a career, enhance your knowledge, or become a more active part of the yoga community. You can choose to teach large classes in studios, community centers, fitness gyms, or work with individuals and small groups in private settings. You may elect to build a full time career, or simply work part time for extra income or the personal reward of helping others achieve their fitness goals.
Let's explore the kind of certifications it takes to become a yoga instructor. We will then explore the career options you can have once you become a certified yoga teacher!
Thousands of Canadians teach yoga, or have combined yoga with other health and wellness practices like nutrition, personal training, lifestyle coaching, and meditation. Those that have a love for fitness and want to build a career as a yoga teacher have many options to get started!
What Yoga Certifications can I Earn to Become a Yoga Instructor?
Becoming a yoga instructor may seem like a lot of work, but the truth is that it is a rewarding experience that can only lead to more opportunities. There are few different ways to become a yoga instructor in Canada. The option you choose will ultimately depend on your budget, career goals, and learning goals.
Many prospective yoga teachers start by taking a 200 hour or more yoga teacher training course from a local studio or online. Some courses can be as long as 500 hours! These courses will cover a number of topics, such as the philosophy and history of yoga, meditation, class sequencing, poses, and other topics related to yoga instruction. Longer courses may go deeper into topics. To determine which length of course is right for you, inquire at the schools you are considering.
The studio or school you choose to earn your yoga certification can play an important role in your learning. Many people choose to earn their certification in studios they already have a relationship with, or are close to their home. You will want your learning to be as convenient as possible, to ensure that you make every class on time. Others may choose to learn yoga instruction online, which is another widely available option. Once you have finished your course, you can go to the Canadian Yoga Alliance (CYA) to get your membership. The CYA is an organization that works to regulate the industry and maintain standards of practice.
Another option you may choose to take, particularly if you are already a qualified fitness trainer, is to learn yoga instruction through a course at Canfit Pro or a continuing education option. While these courses will not get you CYA membership, they may be useful if you are looking to incorporate some yoga moves into your existing fitness instruction.
Strong yoga instructors will have years of experience and training in practicing yoga as a student and as a teacher.They will also be certified and have spent hundreds of hours in a yoga teacher training course.
Is it Possible to Find Work an Uncertified Private Yoga Teacher?
Private yoga instruction may be preferable if you want more flexibility and freedom with the classes you teach and the clients you have. As a private instructor, you can work with the clients you want to work with. Private instruction also is not tied to a single place: for example, you could choose to work in a home studio or teach in a park or agreed upon place. In a private teaching context, you can negotiate your own pay and manage your income as an sole proprietor.
But do you need to attend yoga teacher training courses if you are teaching privately?
Do I Need Yoga Certifications to Become a Personal Yoga Trainer?
While you could certainly teach yoga to individuals or groups without a yoga qualification, membership in the CYA and the completion of an accredited course is typically expected in teachers at yoga studios and other fitness facilities. Many people who look for personal yoga instruction may also look for this qualification, so it is certainly worthwhile to earn your certification.
What is the Structure of Private Yoga Classes?
The structure of a private yoga class will depend on your own teaching style and the preferences of your clients. In many cases, you will start with a warm up, a sequence of poses, and a slowing down at the end with time for meditation. If you are combining yoga with other services such as strength training, nutrition consulting, or Pilates, your class structure may also vary. The beauty of teaching a private yoga class is that you have the freedom to be creative and as flexible as you choose!
Becoming a certified yoga instructor is a career choice thousands of people have made in Canada. Yoga instruction is a popular choice for fitness professionals who want to incorporate it into their skills repertoire or open a fitness studio for yoga and other wellness activities.
How do I Find Work Opportunities as a Certified Private Yoga Instructor?
Finding work opportunities as a certified private yoga instructor is easy on Superprof Canada. On Superprof, you can set up a free account as a yoga teacher and students looking for a private class can easily find your contact information. Simply visit the site, and follow the steps it takes to create an account. You can then add your picture, and a profile to describe yourself. If you have yoga qualifications and other fitness certifications, be sure to include them! You should also include information about your background experience in yoga and any specific groups you enjoy working with. Once your profile is up, prospective students can search the site and contact you directly if there is interest. You may even offer virtual instruction, if you have the right technology and are comfortable teaching online. Starting your private yoga practice couldn't be easier!
Becoming a yoga teacher is a role that many seek: in the world of fitness, there are few things more rewarding than sharing your expertise and promoting health and wellness in the community. Learn more about yoga teacher training in Canada.
What About Finding a Yoga Instructor Near Me?
Not sure if you want to be an instructor? Considering private classes for your own learning? You can find local yoga instructors that can teach you using Superprof as well. Rather than entering the site as a teacher or tutor, you can browse teacher profiles as a student and see if there are any teachers that interest you. Once you find some suitable candidates, contact them through the site to set up an initial conversation.
Check out the Superprof site today!
Practitioners of yoga can often become so devoted to the activity that they want to share their expertise with others. As a yoga instructor, you can truly invest your time into learning not only how to create engaging and dynamic classes, but also understanding the human body.
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