Your Path to Yoga Certification: How to Become a Yoga Teacher

Do you love yoga and want to share its benefits with others? Becoming a certified yoga instructor may be the right career path for you. Teaching yoga is a transformative and rewarding career, but one that requires commitment and dedication. As an instructor, you'll have the opportunity to guide and inspire others on their own yoga journeys.

If you're wondering how to become a yoga teacher, this comprehensive guide will help. We'll discuss each step of the process and give you tips on how to succeed. 

Explore and Learn Yoga

Before committing to a yoga teacher training, take a range of classes in addition to your regular practice to determine what type of program you want to proceed with. Additionally, attending classes with different teachers helps you decide if teaching yoga is what you really want to pursue. 

Observe and learn from your yoga teachers during classes. Notice how they structure their lessons and create a safe environment for the students. Learning from experienced teachers can help you develop your own teaching style. 

Additionally, some programs may require the students to have at least a few months to a year of personal yoga practice. You'll likely be admitted to a local in-person YTT if you demonstrate your commitment by attending regular yoga classes at the specific studio. 

Sign Up For Yoga Teacher Training

When you're certain that becoming a yoga instructor is right for you, the next step is enrolling in a teacher training program. Look for a yoga school that identifies with your needs & lifestyle. 

If you choose a YTT that is Yoga Alliance certified, you can obtain the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 credential after completing 200 hours of training. Some aspiring yoga teachers may also choose to pursue from the beginning an RYT 500 credential, which requires them to attend a single 500-hour program or complete 200 hours plus an advanced program for 300 hours. Taking a Yoga Alliance-approved training is completely optional but still majority of programs fall within this category. 

A typical 200-hour training program can cover breathing techniques, yoga philosophy, human anatomy and physiology, practicing and teaching yoga, and marketing your business. Based on the training you choose, some programs will also cover advanced anatomy and specialized yoga styles. Additionally, you may also need one-on-one coaching to improve your teaching skills. 

Yoga instructors can also find specialty or advanced programs that allow them to teach yoga to special populations like pregnant women, veterans, and children. However, a teacher should complete a general 200 RYT training before taking these advanced courses. 

Online, In-Person, or Hybrid YTT Options

Once you have chosen the type of YTT, you can consider how you’d prefer to learn. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, online yoga teacher training began to rise in popularity, allowing studios to train students internationally. And now, in 2025, students have many different options, such as 100% online YTTs, hybrid, which allow for some online learning, or students can choose to stay true to a standard in-person format. 

Let’s explore these 3 options deeper: 

1. Online yoga teacher training offers flexibility, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and from anywhere. If you have a busy schedule, online training may be the best option. However, note that hands-on experience is essential for developing your skills as a yoga instructor. Make sure to attend in-person workshops if you prefer online training to develop your skills further, but most YTTs will incorporate hands-on experiences to make sure you get a well-reounded education. 

2. Traditional in-person training allows you to interact face-to-face with experienced yoga teachers and get feedback in real time. You can gain a deeper understanding of yoga principles through demonstrations and connect with like-minded yoga students to deepen your appreciation for the modality. Also, you can receive personalized guidance from instructors who will help you overcome obstacles and empower you to reach your full potential. 

3. Hybrid training combines in-person and online, offering a balanced approach. You can still learn on your own time but have the opportunity to receive face-to-face feedback.  Keep in mind that you may have to travel or be in a specific location for some time to maintain the in-person requirements. 

Gain More Experience and Pursue Continuing Education

During your 200 HR YTT, to further develop your knowledge and skills, start teaching yoga to family members or friends. Once you've refined your teaching strategies and increased your confidence, gradually move on to smaller groups and larger classes. Over time, you'll be able to develop your style and voice. Always be receptive to feedback, as that's how you become a more effective yoga teacher. 

Remember, though, once you begin teaching people outside your program, you begin to take on liability risk. To keep yourself fully protected, purchase NACAMS student liability insurance for just $60/year. 

Pursuing continuing education is also essential to staying current and improving your skills. To deepen your understanding of yoga, it's helpful to regularly attend conferences, workshops, and training programs. You may also want to explore specialized training programs, such as yoga therapy or restorative yoga. 

Don’t Skip Any Crucial Steps When Becoming a Yoga Teacher

Becoming a certified yoga teacher requires hard work and a passion for the practice. You can set yourself up for success in becoming an instructor by following the steps outlined above. Asking for help from other instructors and pursuing continuing education also helps you become better at what you do. 

If you want to pursue yoga, remember to protect your assets with the right yoga insurance coverage. NACAMS offers professional and general liability insurance and identity theft protection. 

With NACAMS, you can focus on sharing yoga's benefits with others while protecting your business. Purchase online today for instant coverage. 

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