Whether or not to purchase yoga insurance is a question that surrounds instructors from coast to coast. While yoga insurance is not a requirement in Maryland, many teachers are purchasing liability insurance to protect themselves, their buildings, and their practices from being sued. Purchasing liability insurance is not just a question asked by yoga teachers in studios, but also by anyone who instructs in a school, fitness center, hospital, or other venue. Yoga teachers and studios are encouraged to purchase insurance to cover liability risks associated with student injuries that incur both during the practice and in slip/fall cases outside the building. Having Maryland yoga insurance not only provides peace of mind to the instructor, but also shows a level of care and concern for their existing and potential customers. Clients who know that an instructor has yoga insurance are much more likely to choose that person or studio to practice at than someone who does not have liability coverage.
In fact, many yoga studios are now requiring that each individual instructor has his or her own liability insurance. This way, the studio remains protected in the event that a customer sues the instructor because of an injury received during yoga. Since yoga is not considered by mainstream media to be an intensive or physically exerting exercise, many people make the common misconception that injuries are uncommon. However, yoga is not for the faint of heart, as many of the poses can leave people short of breath and testing the limits of their body. Since yoga focuses on stretching and strengthening all parts of a person’s body, injuries do happen. While it is almost never the fault of the instructor, in today’s sue-happy world, it is imperative to protect yourself from a lawsuit. In the long run, the short term cost of Maryland yoga insurance will be worth the expense.
To become a certified yoga instructor, it is advised that people have at least two years of yoga experience; however, many teachers have been practicing for years. Additionally, to become a registered yoga teacher, you must complete an intensive 200 or 500-hour training program. During this course, students will learn the history of yoga and how to teach the practice’s many different forms and exercises. People interested in becoming certified should expect to spend between $2000 and $3000 for the course. Becoming a certified yoga teacher can be a satisfying experience; however, don’t risk your hard work and time by not protecting yourself with malpractice insurance.