How to become a Yoga Teacher & Choosing the right training
With the growing popularity of yoga, there is a rising demand for certified yoga teachers who can carry forward the tradition of yoga as a way of life with authenticity and depth. If you are considering teaching yoga, you probably know how yoga has become valuable worldwide and that it is not just a physical form of exercise but a holistic way of life. A career in yoga needs proper training, integrity and a sense of purpose. Let us find out more about how to begin and how to choose the right training.
Popularity of Yoga
In the last few decades, yoga has become increasingly popular all over the world as it is known to overcome the effects of stress and sedentary lifestyles. It helps people who are seeking balance in their lives. Yoga provides a secular and accessible space for personal changes in life. Hence for international celebrities, young professionals, householders, and children, yoga has become a part of daily life.
Yoga’s presence on the global stage has been further amplified by the recognition of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Initiated by the Indian Government, this day celebrates the multiple benefits of yoga and has created awareness in corners of the world where yoga was not previously practiced. This has certainly resulted in steady and increasing demand for well-trained and authentic yoga teachers with knowledge about the theory behind the practice.
The Growing Need for Yoga Teachers
The need for trained yoga instructors has grown exponentially as yoga continues to be practiced in schools, offices, hospitals, prisons, and local communities. However, there are many short-term or superficial courses that offer quick certification, often without the depth or discipline yoga demands. Therefore, there is an urgent need for teachers who are well-trained in the traditional wisdom, and equipped to handle students with various needs such as stress management, chronic conditions, or general well-being.
Today, a yoga teacher is not just someone who can teach asanas or pranayama. They are a guide, a communicator, and one who can offer a compassionate presence with patience.
A Career in Yoga Teaching
Teaching yoga was never about merely earning money for a living. This profession is about practicing what you preach and inspiring others to walk this path. It can surely become a stable and rewarding career, both emotionally and financially, if one has the dedication to pursue it with patience.
As a yoga teacher, you can:
Just like any other profession, your success will depend on your personal commitment, your teaching skills and your integrity.
Skills Required to Become a Good Yoga Teacher
A good teacher is a good student first. If you are considering this path, ask yourself:
Other important skills include:
There are various levels of training, depending on your background, time commitment, and interest area. Here’s a simple breakdown of some popular courses:
1. Basic/Foundation Courses For beginners who want to deepen their practice:
2. 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Basic YTT)
This is the most common starting point for aspiring teachers.
3. 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Intermediate YTT)
For those who have already completed 200 hours.
4. 900-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Advanced YTT)
For those who have already completed Foundation Courses and other YTT courses.
· Covers deeper aspects of therapy, Ayurveda, Upanishads, and advanced practices
5. Specialised Yoga Therapy Courses
Ideal for those who wish to assist in medical, rehabilitation, or psychiatric settings.
6. Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree in Yoga
Available at many Indian institutes and universities.
Recognised Certifications – National and International
When choosing a course, make sure the certification is recognised. This builds credibility and opens up professional opportunities.
In India:
International:
While certification matters, it is the depth of training and your ongoing practice that truly defines your quality as a teacher.
Top Institutes with Good Reputation
When choosing a yoga teacher training programme, it’s essential to select an institute that balances authenticity with practical training. Across India and around the world, there are well-established centres known for their dedication to classical yoga, scientific research, therapeutic applications, and community living.
In India, some of the most respected institutions offer a range of programs—from short-term teacher training to university-level degrees and diplomas. Some focus on asana refinement and alignment, others on holistic living or accessible teaching for different age groups and conditions. These institutions are often known for their focus on traditional philosophy, therapeutic approaches, disciplined lifestyle, and integration of modern science with yogic wisdom.
At the Yoga Institute, Mumbai, which is the world's oldest organised yoga centre, there is a culture of imparting yoga education thorough the guidelines set by the founder, Shri Yogendra ji, more than a century ago.
When selecting a centre, consider the following:
Choose a centre that aligns with your learning style and long-term goals.
What to Do After Graduation?
After completing your training, you may feel ready—or nervous. That’s natural. Here’s what you can do:
Remember, confidence comes with practice. Your first class won’t be perfect. That’s ok. Yoga teaches us to be patient with ourselves.
Availability of Jobs and Setting Up Your Own Studio
Job Opportunities:
You can also create your own niche—prenatal yoga, children’s yoga, yoga for the elderly, or yoga for anxiety. The possibilities are many.
Starting Your Own Studio:
If you wish to start your own space:
A yoga studio is not just a business—it is a sacred space. Treat it with humility and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
o Can anyone become a yoga teacher, or do I need to be very flexible first?
§ You don’t needto touch your toes to teach yoga. What matters is your sincerity, regular practice, and willingness to learn. Flexibility grows over time.
o Is it necessary to be vegetarian to become a yoga teacher?
§ While not mandatory in all schools, many traditional institutions encourage a sattvic diet (vegetarian, simple, clean food) as part of yogic living.
o I have a health condition. Can I still pursue yoga teacher training?
§ Yes, but choose a course that offers individual guidance or has a therapeutic focus. Always consult your doctor before enrolling.
o How much does a yoga teacher earn in India?
§ Presently, beginners may earn ₹500–₹1500 per session. With experience, certifications, and niche expertise, income can increase significantly.
o Can I teach yoga abroad with an Indian certificate?
§ Yes, especially if the certificate is from a well-known institute. Some countries may require local registration or additional paperwork.
o Is online yoga teacher training effective?
§ It depends on the course quality and your self-discipline. In-person training offers better feedback and deeper experience, but online can be a good option if travelling is difficult.
Yoga teaching is a calling. It demands commitment and compassion. It is not just about mastering difficult asanas—it is about standing firm in truth, awareness, and service.
If you are feeling drawn to this path, take the first step. Begin with your personal sadhana (yoga practice). Learn from good teachers. Read the classical texts. Live a yogic lifestyle—not just on the mat but in your values, food, rest, and relationships. Let your teaching be an extension of your transformation. When you grow, your students will grow with you.
How to become a Yoga Teacher & Choosing the right training
With the growing popularity of yoga, there is a rising demand for certified yoga teachers who can carry forward the tradition of yoga as a way of life with authenticity and depth. If you are considering teaching yoga, you probably know how yoga has become valuable worldwide and that it is not just a physical form of exercise but a holistic way of life. A career in yoga needs proper training, integrity and a sense of purpose. Let us find out more about how to begin and how to choose the right training.
Popularity of Yoga
In the last few decades, yoga has become increasingly popular all over the world as it is known to overcome the effects of stress and sedentary lifestyles. It helps people who are seeking balance in their lives. Yoga provides a secular and accessible space for personal changes in life. Hence for international celebrities, young professionals, householders, and children, yoga has become a part of daily life.
Yoga’s presence on the global stage has been further amplified by the recognition of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Initiated by the Indian Government, this day celebrates the multiple benefits of yoga and has created awareness in corners of the world where yoga was not previously practiced. This has certainly resulted in steady and increasing demand for well-trained and authentic yoga teachers with knowledge about the theory behind the practice.
The Growing Need for Yoga Teachers
The need for trained yoga instructors has grown exponentially as yoga continues to be practiced in schools, offices, hospitals, prisons, and local communities. However, there are many short-term or superficial courses that offer quick certification, often without the depth or discipline yoga demands. Therefore, there is an urgent need for teachers who are well-trained in the traditional wisdom, and equipped to handle students with various needs such as stress management, chronic conditions, or general well-being.
Today, a yoga teacher is not just someone who can teach asanas or pranayama. They are a guide, a communicator, and one who can offer a compassionate presence with patience.
A Career in Yoga Teaching
Teaching yoga was never about merely earning money for a living. This profession is about practicing what you preach and inspiring others to walk this path. It can surely become a stable and rewarding career, both emotionally and financially, if one has the dedication to pursue it with patience.
As a yoga teacher, you can:
Just like any other profession, your success will depend on your personal commitment, your teaching skills and your integrity.
Skills Required to Become a Good Yoga Teacher
A good teacher is a good student first. If you are considering this path, ask yourself:
Other important skills include:
Yoga Teacher Training Courses
There are various levels of training, depending on your background, time commitment, and interest area. Here’s a simple breakdown of some popular courses:
1. Basic/Foundation Courses For beginners who want to deepen their practice:
2. 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Basic YTT)
This is the most common starting point for aspiring teachers.
3. 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Intermediate YTT)
For those who have already completed 200 hours.
4. 900-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Advanced YTT)
For those who have already completed Foundation Courses and other YTT courses.
· Covers deeper aspects of therapy, Ayurveda, Upanishads, and advanced practices
5. Specialised Yoga Therapy Courses
Ideal for those who wish to assist in medical, rehabilitation, or psychiatric settings.
6. Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree in Yoga
Available at many Indian institutes and universities.
Recognised Certifications – National and International
When choosing a course, make sure the certification is recognised. This builds credibility and opens up professional opportunities.
In India:
International:
While certification matters, it is the depth of training and your ongoing practice that truly defines your quality as a teacher.
Top Institutes with Good Reputation
When choosing a yoga teacher training programme, it’s essential to select an institute that balances authenticity with practical training. Across India and around the world, there are well-established centres known for their dedication to classical yoga, scientific research, therapeutic applications, and community living.
In India, some of the most respected institutions offer a range of programs—from short-term teacher training to university-level degrees and diplomas. Some focus on asana refinement and alignment, others on holistic living or accessible teaching for different age groups and conditions. These institutions are often known for their focus on traditional philosophy, therapeutic approaches, disciplined lifestyle, and integration of modern science with yogic wisdom.
At the Yoga Institute, Mumbai, which is the world's oldest organised yoga centre, there is a culture of imparting yoga education thorough the guidelines set by the founder, Shri Yogendra ji, more than a century ago.
When selecting a centre, consider the following:
Choose a centre that aligns with your learning style and long-term goals.
What to Do After Graduation?
After completing your training, you may feel ready—or nervous. That’s natural. Here’s what you can do:
Remember, confidence comes with practice. Your first class won’t be perfect. That’s ok. Yoga teaches us to be patient with ourselves.
Availability of Jobs and Setting Up Your Own Studio
Job Opportunities:
You can also create your own niche—prenatal yoga, children’s yoga, yoga for the elderly, or yoga for anxiety. The possibilities are many.
Starting Your Own Studio:
If you wish to start your own space:
A yoga studio is not just a business—it is a sacred space. Treat it with humility and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
o Can anyone become a yoga teacher, or do I need to be very flexible first?
§ You don’t needto touch your toes to teach yoga. What matters is your sincerity, regular practice, and willingness to learn. Flexibility grows over time.
o Is it necessary to be vegetarian to become a yoga teacher?
§ While not mandatory in all schools, many traditional institutions encourage a sattvic diet (vegetarian, simple, clean food) as part of yogic living.
o I have a health condition. Can I still pursue yoga teacher training?
§ Yes, but choose a course that offers individual guidance or has a therapeutic focus. Always consult your doctor before enrolling.
o How much does a yoga teacher earn in India?
§ Presently, beginners may earn ₹500–₹1500 per session. With experience, certifications, and niche expertise, income can increase significantly.
o Can I teach yoga abroad with an Indian certificate?
§ Yes, especially if the certificate is from a well-known institute. Some countries may require local registration or additional paperwork.
o Is online yoga teacher training effective?
§ It depends on the course quality and your self-discipline. In-person training offers better feedback and deeper experience, but online can be a good option if travelling is difficult.
Yoga teaching is a calling. It demands commitment and compassion. It is not just about mastering difficult asanas—it is about standing firm in truth, awareness, and service.
If you are feeling drawn to this path, take the first step. Begin with your personal sadhana (yoga practice). Learn from good teachers. Read the classical texts. Live a yogic lifestyle—not just on the mat but in your values, food, rest, and relationships. Let your teaching be an extension of your transformation. When you grow, your students will grow with you.