CPR Training for Yoga Teachers: What You Need to Know

Yoga instructors need certain knowledge and skill sets. You must know the basic elements of a yoga practice, for example. You also need to know how to develop and deliver a yoga class. But one piece of knowledge that can truly be lifesaving as a yoga teacher is understanding how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, better known as CPR.

Importance of CPR Training for Yoga Teachers

Yoga can help people relax. That said, some styles of yoga tend to be more strenuous, such as Kundalini, Ashtanga, and Power yoga. Placing greater strain on the heart can increase some people’s risk of heart attack. If this occurs during class, a yoga instructor’s response can be the difference between that person’s life and death.

Certainly, cardiac arrest can still occur during more relaxing styles of yoga, such as Restorative and Yin yoga. The more prepared you are for these events, the greater your ability to help your students no matter what style of yoga you lead. This can increase students’ trust in you as a yoga teacher.

Having CPR training also provides instructors with psychological benefits. It helps increase your confidence in your ability to respond should an emergency arise. This confidence can spill over into other areas of class. Knowing how to administer can also ease your anxieties. At a minimum, you know you have this area covered. This frees your mind to focus on other areas important to a yoga teacher.

Is CPR Certification Required for Yoga Instructors?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shares that most fitness trainers, which includes yoga instructors, must have CPR and first aid training. They also typically need AED certification.

AED stands for automated external defibrillator. This is a device that analyzes a person’s heart rhythm and, if appropriate, delivers an electric shock in an attempt to return it to a normal rhythm. It’s also incredibly easy to use. The AED verbally walks you through the steps of applying the pads, delivering the shock, and continuing lifesaving measures (if needed).

Even if CPR certification isn’t required, it may help you stand out from yoga teachers who lack this training. This can make you a more appealing applicant when applying at a yoga studio or other fitness facility. It also shows that student safety is a priority for you when teaching yoga.

What You Learn in a CPR Class

You learn three basic skills in CPR training. They are:

• How to perform CPR. In a CPR class, you learn the steps required to perform basic life support. This includes learning how to determine when CPR should be initiated. Training also covers the proper way to deliver chest compressions and rescue breathing if a person’s heart stops. Typically, this type of training focuses primarily on adult CPR. Some courses also cover child and infant CPR.

• How to use an AED. Most CPR certification courses also teach you how to use an AED. You learn the steps to using this medical device safely. This includes the importance of not touching the victim when a shock is being delivered. You also typically get to practice using an AED on a manikin or dummy. This can increase your comfort with the device should you ever need to use it.

• How to deliver basic first aid. Not every medical emergency involves the heart. In a CPR/AED/first aid course, you also learn how to respond to major cuts, burns, poisonings, and more. While these types of emergencies may not be common in a yoga class, you never know when you might need these skills. You could come upon an accident, or a family member could have one of these injuries. If they do, thanks to your training, you’ll know how to respond.

How to Find a CPR Certification Course

Several organizations offer an accredited CPR course. One of the most well-known is the American Red Cross. The Red Cross provides in-person CPR training all across the U.S., making it easy to find a course near you. Use their online search to locate training available in your area.

The Red Cross also offers a few different online course options. However, it’s important to understand that these courses do not include certification. The reason is that to earn certification, you must be able to show a certified instructor that you can effectively deliver CPR. Since this isn’t an option in their online courses, certification is not provided.

You can also do an online search for “CPR AED training near me” or “first aid CPR training near me.” This will provide a list of local agencies that yoga teachers can contact. Again, check first to make sure they offer certification. This ensures that you’ll earn the qualifications needed, also ensuring that you’ve learned CPR, AED, and first aid training from an accredited organization. 

Another Option: Yoga Teacher Training That Includes CPR Training

For new yoga teachers, a simpler option is to enroll in a teacher training course that includes CPR training and certification. This allows you to take care of two certification requirements at the same time. You become a Certified Yoga Instructor who is also certified in CPR.

Teacher training is also a good option for instructors who lack this type of formal training. Teacher training can enhance your understanding of yoga philosophy. You also learn about yoga anatomy, proper class design, and how to break down and modify individual asanas.

A teacher training course provides the skills needed to help your students enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits yoga provides. After you earn your certification, you also gain access to numerous continuing education (CE) courses. This helps you stay current on yoga topics. 

You can take CE courses on other topics as well. Maybe you want to offer your students other types of fitness. You might take a course to learn more about the personal trainer role, for example. Or you could learn about Pilates. Knowledge in multiple areas can make you a more effective yoga teacher – even if you decide to not offer other types of training.

In the end, completing teacher training that includes CPR helps you obtain both certifications at once. This can save you time. It can also save you money as, many times, purchasing the courses separately costs more. Really, if you need both anyway, there’s no reason to not pursue a combination course.

Earn Your Yoga and CPR Certification

ISSA Yoga & Wellness Academy offers CPR/AED certification within its Yoga Teacher Training course. This course is approved by the Yoga Alliance. Yoga Alliance approval means you can apply for the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) designation.

References

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Fitness trainers and instructors. (2024, April 17). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm#tab-4

American Red Cross Training Services. (n.d.). View all online safety training courses. Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/online-safety-classes/all-online-classes