How to Become a Yoga Instructor in Canada

Looking to exercise your mind and body while pulling in some extra dollars? Becoming a yoga instructor could be your next move.

Yoga’s origins can be traced over 5,000 years back in northern India. However, in the western world, the culture of yoga has only recently emerged as a new alternative towards health practices.

The benefits of yoga are both physical and mental, as the balance between these is at the heart of one’s yoga philosophy. This philosophy may have attracted you to your local studio and may have you wondering how to become a certified instructor.

Becoming a full-time or part-time registered yoga teacher is a great way to earn money while working a flexible schedule (no pun intended).

But where do you get started? How long does it take to become a yoga teacher? What qualifications do you need to become a registered yoga instructor? Let’s find out!

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1. Enroll in a yoga teacher training program

In order to teach yoga, you must first complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training course. There’s no prerequisite to enroll, and everyone is welcome!

This course caters to students of all fitness levels and backgrounds, and is both for individuals who want to improve their practice and who want to be able to teach yoga. Successful graduation from this training program enables you to obtain liability insurance, a Yoga Alliance membership, and pursue teaching opportunities. 200 hours is all you need!

Alternatively, you may choose to complete 500 hours of yoga teacher training. This is a combination course that fuses both the beginner and advanced training into one.

However, this is not recommended for beginners as the content covered is extensive. Imagine getting your bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in one fast-paced program!

2. Obtain your Yoga Alliance membership

The next step to becoming a yoga teacher is obtaining membership with the Canadian Yoga Alliance.

Membership with a yoga alliance is a big help when applying for jobs at studios, as it tells employers that you have met the minimum training requirements for teaching. However, paying for a membership does not tell employers how advanced you are, the quality of your training course, or whether you have any teaching skills.

For that reason, it may not be something you’re interested in if you’re planning on teaching yoga classes online, for example.

3. Get some teaching experience

While some may feel confident jumping into instructing immediately after completing their 200-hour certification, others may need time to practice. It can take years to feel confident and have a presence in your teaching.

Experience is the best way to build confidence and find your voice and teaching style. You could offer yoga classes to friends, family, and anyone else who may be interested. Think heading to the park on a warm day to lead strangers in a free drop-in class, or reaching out to local businesses like restaurants to partner in ticketed events like yoga and brunch. After all, who wouldn’t want to start their day with a little downward dog followed by mimosas?

Regardless of how you choose to practice, the time you spend gaining some teaching experience is invaluable. It’ll increase your confidence, help you establish a presence in your teaching, and make you more employable at local yoga studios. So, get as much experience as you can!

4. Apply to yoga studios

Once you’re feeling confident in your practice, you’re ready to start getting paid to teach!

Finding employment with a local yoga studio is an excellent way to ensure steady income teaching. While working at a studio, you can expect to earn $20 to $80 per yoga class (depending on your teaching experience and the yoga establishment).

If you want to teach private sessions, then you can expect to earn between $50 and $150 per yoga class.

Alternatively, you may choose to teach online. In that case, the sky is the limit!

Regardless of how or where you earn money teaching yoga, it is important to continue to develop and grow your teaching practices throughout your career.

Looking into free online workshops and opportunities for continuing education are excellent ways to stay up-to-date in your yoga practice and teaching.

5. Get insured

If you’re looking to start a yoga instructor business, you’ll want to make sure you have the correct insurance policy to protect you from any potentially crippling fees and damages.

There are three kinds of insurance that a yoga instructor needs:

• General Liability Insurance

  • This policy protects your business from any accidents or injuries that may occur within your facility. Whether someone slips after hot yoga or trips over a mat, you’ll be protected against lawsuits from visitors who are injured on your premises.

• Professional Liability Insurance

  • This policy helps protect your company from things like damages, legal fees, expert testimony, and lost wages. Many yoga studios won’t even let you see clients in their facilities without proof of professional liability insurance!

• Contents Insurance

  • Owning a yoga business often involves working with different equipment, from computers to yoga mats and blocks. Having this policy helps protect the things you need to keep your clients flowing from pose to pose.

Related read: Why Yoga Instructors Need Insurance

Insurance policies are as unique as your business. Get a quote today for custom coverage that’s suited to you and your yoga business.

Need Insurance for Your Small Business?

APOLLO and Gallagher have partnered to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get a free quote online in under five minutes and receive your policy instantly.

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