Yoga has steadily grown in popularity over the years, with people around the world being drawn to its various health benefits. With this increase in demand, many have been exploring the possibility of making a career out of yoga. While there are certainly many benefits to pursuing a career as a yoga instructor, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of becoming a yoga instructor, so that you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right career path for you.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in Eastern cultures. Practitioners follow certain poses and postures, along with meditation and breathing exercises, to help improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. Over time, yoga has also become a form of exercise that can increase flexibility and strength. Many people practice yoga at home, but you can also find yoga studios and gyms that offer classes. If you become a yoga instructor, you can teach classes at yoga studios or gyms, and even run your own studio if you want to go into business for yourself. Yoga instructors train students in how to perform different poses and offer advice on how to optimize their practice. There are various types of yoga, each with their own focuses and goals. For example, there are types of yoga that are designed specifically for strength training, relaxation, or kids.
Benefits of Becoming a Yoga Instructor
As a yoga instructor, you can potentially earn a decent income, set your own hours, and help others improve their health and well-being. Yoga instructors usually earn a steady income, as classes are offered on a regular basis. And, the demand for yoga classes is expected to grow over the next few years, as more people turn to yoga for their health and wellness needs. Some potential benefits of becoming a yoga instructor include: Easier Path to Self-Employment – If you decide to go into business for yourself, you may have an easier time than those who work for someone else. With self-employment, you set your own hours and your own price. This can make it easier to get started and climb your way up.
Potential Drawbacks of Becoming a Yoga Instructor
While a career as a yoga instructor has many potential benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For example, many yoga instructors work on their own and set their own hours, which can be both a positive and a negative. On one hand, you have the freedom to set your own hours and pursue other interests outside of work. On the other hand, this also means you are responsible for all your work-related tasks, and don’t have any regular colleagues to help you out. This can make it challenging to meet deadlines, stay organized, and keep up with a heavy workload.
Another potential drawback of becoming a yoga instructor is that, while many people are interested in yoga as a way to improve their health and well-being, not all see it as a viable career option. Some people may even see it as a hobby, which can be discouraging if you’re interested in making yoga your career.
Qualifications and Requirements for Becoming a Yoga Instructor
There are no federal or state-level requirements for becoming a yoga instructor in the United States. However, the type of yoga you want to specialize in may have its own qualifications or requirements. For example, if you want to teach prenatal yoga, you’ll need specialized training in prenatal health and safety. Most yoga studios and gyms require that potential instructors have a certain level of experience. Some may also expect you to be certified in yoga.
Different types of yoga certification include: Yoga Alliance – This is the most recognized type of yoga certification. It’s also the most widely accepted certification by studios and gyms. However, it’s not free to become certified. Yoga Alliance also has certain requirements for what type of yoga you can teach.
Different Types of Yoga Careers
If you decide to pursue a career as a yoga instructor, you can choose to specialize in one type of yoga or teach a variety of different types. Yoga instructors can work in a variety of settings, including: Yoga Studios – You can teach specialized classes or general yoga classes. Some studios offer specialty yoga classes, such as prenatal yoga or yoga for kids. Yoga Studios are also great places to network and find other instructors with whom you can collaborate. Yoga Schools – If you want to specialize in a certain type of yoga, you may want to consider pursuing a career as a yoga instructor at a yoga school. Yoga schools often offer various types of yoga, including Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, and Kundalini yoga. These schools often offer a more structured environment than a yoga studio, which can be helpful for novice instructors.
Finding a Job as a Yoga Instructor
If you want to find a job as a yoga instructor, you can network with others in the industry and apply for positions at yoga studios and gyms. Yoga studios usually advertise for instructors in local newspapers and online. You can also put together a resume and cover letter and apply for open positions at gyms and fitness centers that offer yoga classes.
If you want to work at a yoga studio or school, you can also submit a resume and work samples online or send them via snail mail. You can also reach out to various studios and schools and see if they’re accepting applications. You can also consider holding a teaching workshop at a studio or school in your area. This can help you get your name out there and get you in the door with local studios and schools.
Other Opportunities in the Yoga Industry
While many people see yoga as a career that involves teaching yoga classes, there are many other opportunities in the yoga industry. If you want to break into the yoga industry, but don’t want to become a yoga instructor, you can also look for positions related to yoga instruction, such as: Yoga Instructor Trainer – As an instructor trainer, you help others become certified yoga instructors. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and learn about the industry from the inside.
Yoga Journal Editor – If you love writing and have an interest in the yoga industry, you can consider becoming a yoga journal editor. This type of job requires you to write articles for a yoga journal, magazine, or website about various topics in the yoga industry.
Conclusion
Yoga has steadily grown in popularity over the years, and many have been exploring the possibility of making a career out of yoga. While there are certainly many benefits to pursuing a career as a yoga instructor, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. In this article, we’ve explored some of the pros and cons of becoming a yoga instructor, so that you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right career path for you.
