Do You Have to Be Flexible to Be a Yoga Teacher? And Other FAQs for Future Yogis

There are many misconceptions about what it takes to be a yoga instructor. Yes, many instructors are thin, extremely flexible, and have been practicing for years. But these are not prerequisites for becoming a yoga teacher. You simply need to love the practice of yoga, have a little experience with it, and have a willingness to learn. 

If some of these worries and questions have been holding you back from pursuing yoga as a career, some answers to common questions might help put your mind at ease. These FAQs represent some of the typical concerns people have when thinking about their future in yoga. 

Do I Need Certification to Teach Yoga? 

Yes, this is a must. Even if you have been practicing for a long time, you should have a certification before you start teaching others. Legally, certification is not required, as this is not a regulated industry. The government does not require fitness instructors to be certified, but it is important if you are serious about a career. 

The most basic reason to get certified through yoga teacher training is so that you can find work. Yoga studios are not likely to hire uncertified instructors and clients are unlikely to choose teachers without any credentials. 

More importantly, yoga certification teaches you how to teach the practice. Just because you do it yourself doesn’t mean you know how to effectively instruct others. 

The industry standard is a 200-hour course approved by the Yoga Alliance. It is a foundational type of course that teaches you about the yoga philosophy, poses, and how to guide others through the poses. If you get this far and really enjoy it, you can also complete 300-hour and 500-hour Yoga Alliance-approved courses. 

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How Much Personal Yoga Practice Is Needed to Enroll in a Certification Course? 

This is one of the most common concerns people have about starting a yoga teacher training program. Many people assume you have to be a very experienced practitioner with years of regular practice. 

This is a misconception. Many programs have no real requirement for experience level, but it’s a good idea to have some. At least three months of regular practice—a few times a week—is a great starting point. As long as you have been moved or positively changed by your own private yoga practice, you’re ready to get started. You’ll learn a lot in certification courses that will advance your knowledge and practice. 

Do You Have to Be Flexible to Be a Yoga Teacher? 

Another major worry people have is flexibility. Many yoga instructors are experienced practitioners who have developed very flexible bodies, so it might seem like this is a requirement. The truth is that some people will never be that flexible, no matter how much or how long they practice. 

So, rest assured, you do not have to be able to twist your body into a pretzel of a yoga pose to get started. And, if you never develop as much flexibility as some yogis, that’s fine. You can still be an effective and successful instructor. Many instructors have this limitation but still find the joy in practicing and sharing it with others. 

If you struggle with flexibility, you should work to try to improve it. You can become more flexible with yoga and specific stretches and mobility exercises. You should not let limited flexibility keep you from doing yoga or from pursuing instructor certification. 

If you have never been very flexible, yoga is exactly what you should be doing. Check out this guide to using yoga to improve flexibility and range of motion. 

Do You Have to Be Thin and Fit to Be a Yoga Instructor? 

This concern is similar to the question about flexibility. Again, some instructors have a certain body type: thin, fit, and very bendy. Don’t worry if this isn’t you. There is no body type that can’t do yoga. It is truly for everyone. 

Also, keep in mind also that asanas are just one part of yoga. You’ll also learn how to perform and teach breathing exercises, meditations, and the philosophy of yoga.

What if I Don’t Have a Lot of Time for a Certification Course? 

You can now do yoga instructor courses totally online. You’ll do some book work, learning about body mechanics and yoga history and philosophy. You will also have live, online sessions on poses, techniques, and teaching methods. With today’s technologies, there is no reason you can’t do this remotely and complete a course on a schedule that works for you. 

Can you really make a career of teaching yoga classes? Learn more here about what fitness group instructors earn. 

Can You Be Too Old to Become a Yoga Instructor? 

There is absolutely no age limit on practicing or teaching yoga. As long as you can practice yoga, you can be an instructor and benefit from a certification course. You are never too old to learn something new or start a career if you have the energy and time to do it. 

Is Yoga Certification Only for Future Yoga Teachers? 

Not everyone who completes a yoga instructor course becomes a teacher. In fact, not everyone who enrolls ever intends to become a teacher. A yoga certification course provides a comprehensive yoga education that can help you deepen your own practice. 

Many participants get a lot out of a course that benefits them personally and has nothing to do with a career. If you’re curious about the history and philosophy of yoga and learning how to break down poses, consider joining a course for fun or to advance your practice. 

If I Want to Be a Teacher, What Do I Do After Certification? 

Your first steps in becoming a yoga instructor are to enjoy your own personal practice and complete at least a 200-hour certification program. Once you are certified, you can start looking for a job as an instructor. 

Working in yoga is very flexible. You might want to try working full time or make it a side hustle. You can find a job with a gym or yoga studio and work as an employee. Or, start your own small business and take on clients on a schedule of your choosing. 

Finding a few classes to teach at a gym or studio is a great place to start. Regardless of your future ambitions, this will give you experience and allow you to network with potential employers and clients. Consider offering a class for friends and family at your home or in a local park. This is a good way to start getting the word out and finding people who want to become regular paying clients. 

The most important prerequisites for becoming a successful yoga instructor are a passion for the practice and a desire to share it with others. With these minimal requirements, you can benefit from a yoga certification course and then decide if you want to work as a teacher or just use it to deepen your own experiences. 

The ISSA Yoga & Wellness Academy offers a 200-hour online yoga instructor certification course. It’s Yoga Alliance approved! This online yoga teacher training course is a great first step to turning a love of yoga into a career as a registered yoga teacher.