Yoga jobs

Type of Job

Yoga teachers help people to learn the various positions, breathing, meditation and visualisation techniques that are involved in yoga.

What is the job about?

Yoga is studied for many reason, including:

• Exercise - to improve physical fitness and flexibility
• To increase well-being
• To increase relaxation
• To address various health problems
  
  

Yoga teachers design courses and lesson plans and lead classes. They need to be able to:

• Recognise the needs of students of different levels
• Teach a wide range of yoga postures
• Adapt postures for those with specialised conditions (e.g. pregnancy)
• Teach breathing techniques
• Assess students' progress

Key Skills & Knowledge needed

All yoga teachers must firstly be experienced, with several years of yoga practice. They need to have an interest in people and a caring approach. Other skills include:

• The ability to motivate individuals and groups
• Good communication skills
• A good awareness of the risks inherent in exercise

Qualifications and experience needed

Yoga teachers must have extensive experience of yoga. In addition you will need:

• A recognized yoga teaching qualification
• First aid certificate
• CPR certificate
  
  

The recognized qualification is the CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Yoga - it is also recognised for membership of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

You can also study for a teaching award from the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), or, if you are already a yoga teacher, it is possible to get your skills and knowledge recognised through Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL). This has been developed by SkillsActive, yoga organisations and the fitness industry.

What other training and development could I do?

To develop your skills further, you can study for a specialised qualification in an area such as Teaching Yoga to Children, Pregnancy, or Meditation.

Salary and benefit expectations

Most yoga teachers are self-employed, so annual income will vary considerably. Typical rates per session range from ?20 to ?60.

Where else can I go for more information?

You can find out more at:

SkillsActive
Castlewood House
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
www.skillsactive.com

Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)
3rd Floor
8-10 Crown Hill
Croydon
Surrey
CR0 1RZ
Tel: 020 8686 6464
www.exerciseregister.org

British Wheel of Yoga
25 Jermyn Street
Sleaford
Lincs
NG34 7RU
Tel: 01529 306851
http://www.bwy.org.uk/