Find a yoga instructor in Saint John

Learn Yoga in Saint John

Yoga continues to be one of the most popular and effective forms of physical fitness. Originating from India over 5,000 years ago, the practice of Yoga has persisted and remains increasingly relevant today. Why? Modern life can be stressful, overstimulating, and overwhelmingly busy. Through Yoga, you can take time to detach yourself from your screen and any distractions around you, and simply focus on your movement and breathing. Through Yoga, you can build strength, increase flexibility, and enhance your mental health.

While Saint John is about as faraway from India as you can imagine, this Eastern Canada city is one of the most beautiful places to learn and practice Yoga. Located on the New Brunswick coast, Saint John and its surroundings are the perfect place to contemplate the natural world and take in the fresh coastal air. Residents of the city also enjoy a lower cost of living than most places, and enjoy a slower pace of life that makes it perfect for personal investment and growth. The city is home to a number of Yoga studios, or you can enjoy private instruction and even learn how to become a Yoga instructor yourself.

New to Yoga? Let's discuss the best ways to get into the activity, and what steps you can take to become a Yoga instructor if you choose to.

How do you Qualify to do Yoga?

Yoga comes in many styles, types and variations: Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, and Kundalini are just a handful. While there is no level of fitness you need to get started in any area, it is generally important to start at a level that is appropriate for your experience and level of fitness. Beginner Yoga classes will focus on basic poses and routines that enable you to become accustomed to the movements, develop strength, balance, and breathing techniques.

Keep in mind that Yoga often gets mistaken for being 'easy', or perhaps even lacking as a full body workout. While you may not get as much heart-pumping cardio as a HIIT or aerobics class, it is equally if not more challenging to complete the movements in class. For example, you will need to use a lot of core strength and flexibility to do Chaturanga, which involves slowly lowering your body and shifting into an upward dog position. Thankfully, a good instructor will be able to modify the routine for beginners so that they can engage in the movement in a way that is accessible and effective.

Do you need to be qualified to teach yoga?

Yes - you to teach Yoga as a licensed instructor, you will need to achieve certification. Here is some basic information on Yoga teacher training and certification.

Training

Yoga instructor training is typically undertaken by longtime practitioners or athletes who are simply passionate about it. Ideally, you will have learned Yoga in classes with certified instructors. You may have even determined a particular style that you would like to teach or focus on. Many studios also offer teacher training and certification courses that will enable you to meet the requirements set by the Yoga Alliance.

Certification

Yoga teacher certification in Canada is offered by the Yoga Alliance, an organization that regulates the industry. There are different types of certification based on the amount of teacher training and practical experience you have accrued through coursework and live instruction. In many cases, Yoga teacher training can be learned virtually and will require you to study anatomy, movement, and other health and medical related topics. You will also need to volunteer your time as a teacher: many Yoga schools will offer opportunities to teach 'Karma' Yoga classes where students take your class for free or a small donation. When your coursework and practical hours have been documented and validated by an accredited Yoga school, you can receive your certification.

Start Teaching Students!

When you have your certification, you can teach classes to groups in a fitness facility, Yoga studio or school. If you are ambitious, you may even choose to open your own Yoga business or teach classes to private individuals.

Do you Have to be Flexible to be a Yoga Instructor?

There is no requirement of flexibility to be a Yoga instructor, but since you will be modelling instructions and movement for your students you will want to be in the best physical shape you can be.

Where Else Can I Learn Yoga?

If you don't have time to take a studio class or simply cannot align your schedule with theirs, consider hiring a private Yoga instructor to teach you at home or in a place of your choosing, like a park or in your home. Private Yoga instructors can be found easily through Superprof Canada, a site that connects students with teachers from all different fields. You can find a Yoga instructor to take you through the basics, help you improve your form, or learn a whole new type of Yoga. If you are looking to become a Yoga instructor, a private tutor can help you with your coursework to ensure you have developed all the skills to be successful in the trade.

Finding a private Yoga instructor is as easy as using the search tool on the Superprof Canada site. You can contact teachers and even pay teachers directly through the site. Find a private Yoga teacher on Superprof today!