Yoga Teacher

What is the work like?

Yoga teachers instruct people in the various positions involved in yoga, and may also teach controlled breathing, meditation and visualisation. They teach yoga for the following purposes:

• as a form of exercise
• to increase well-being, physical fitness and suppleness
• as a therapy to combat or control health problems.

As a yoga teacher your tasks would include:

• designing course and lesson plans
• recognising the needs of beginners, experienced students and mixed ability groups
• teaching a wide range of yoga postures ('asanas') from simple to complex
• modifying asanas for individual conditions such as pregnancy or arthritis
• teaching efficient breathing habits from basic breathing techniques to breath control exercises ('pranayama')
• assessing students' progress and achievements
• evaluating your own courses and teaching skills.

You could specialise in teaching particular groups such as pregnant women.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You will need:

• extensive experience of practising yoga with a qualified teacher
• a yoga teaching qualification
• a first aid certificate
• a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certificate (CPR).

If you are going to work with children or other vulnerable groups you will need CRB clearance.

The nationally-recognised CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Yoga is offered by a range of training providers. This qualification is also recognised for membership of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), which is also known as the 'Exercise Register'. By becoming a member of the Exercise Register you will be able to show employers and clients that you meet fitness industry standards of good practice.

You can also gain entry to the REPs by gaining a teaching award from the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), the national governing body (NGB) for yoga in the UK. Visit the BWY website to search for your nearest course.

To find out more about REPs, and recognised courses and qualifications visit the REPs website.

If you are already a yoga teacher, you may be able to get your skills and knowledge recognised, and apply for registration at Level 3 with REPs by Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL). This has been developed by SkillsActive, yoga organisations and the fitness industry. Contact SkillsActive for details.

What further training and development can I do?

As a qualified yoga teacher, you will need to keep your skills up to date. For example, with the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) you will be expected to attend at least one qualifying in-service training day each year to keep your qualification up to date. These are held in each region – see the BWY website for links to regional websites.

You can do a variety of further training modules after completing your teaching qualification. For example, with the BWY these include:

• Teaching Yoga to Children
• Pregnancy
• Meditation.

Where can I go for more information?

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice