Becoming a yoga instructor with no experience is absolutely possible!
But, you must take it one step at a time.
Below we cover everything you need to know to become a yoga teacher for beginners – from where to start to getting certified and more!
Let’s get started!
Can a Beginner Become a Yoga Teacher?
Here’s the good news: for many teacher training programs, there are no requirements to join! Some programs require one year of regular yoga practice before joining a teacher training program.
Still, many beginners join yoga teacher training programs every day to set the foundation for their own yoga practice.
Not everyone who joins yoga teacher training programs chooses to become a yoga teacher. The program itself can simply be an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into the vast realm of yoga.
Whether you decide to teach or not, a high-quality yoga teacher training program will give you all the tools you need to become a yoga teacher as a beginner or a long-term practitioner.
How to Become a Yoga Instructor with No Experience
As you take this exciting journey to become a yoga instructor with no experience, there are a few key steps to take to help you along the way. See below for the five foundational steps to becoming a yoga teacher for beginners!
Start Practicing
The first step to becoming a yoga teacher is actually to practice yoga. A great place to start is attending some classes from your local yoga studio or your favorite yoga teacher online.
Yoga is all about practice – so the more you can bring yoga into your everyday life, the better teacher you will become.
Along every step of your journey of becoming a yoga instructor, your personal yoga practice is foundational to deepening your understanding of this beautiful tradition and becoming an excellent yoga teacher.
Ask Yourself Why
It is essential to understand why you want to become a yoga teacher. Every person has a passion or purpose in life, and being a yoga teacher is an excellent option.
But it is important to ask yourself this question to figure out why you want to do it in the first place. This can provide you with some valuable insight to determine if it is worth the investment of training or if you’d rather remain as a student.
Regardless, many people still join a yoga teacher training program to deepen their self-practice; it is absolutely not required to change careers by simply entering a yoga teacher training.
Explore Different Yoga Styles
Before choosing a yoga teacher training, it is a good idea to figure out your options. There are hundreds of different styles and lineages of yoga, and each person has their own preference on what they would like to study.
So, take your time to survey the field, try practicing with a few different teachers, and see what resonates the most with you.
Join a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)
The first step to becoming a yoga teacher is to signup for a 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT). This is the foundational course for yoga teachers, and it will give you all the tools and guidance you need to start this exciting journey. Not all yoga teacher training programs are the same, so it is vital to research the different types of yoga teacher certification programs and find the right choice for you.
Start Teaching!
Ultimately, only one thing differentiates a yoga student from a yoga teacher, and that is actually teaching!
A great way to start is by offering free classes to friends and family. You might also explore apprenticing under a more experienced yoga teacher or offering classes in your local park. Over time you will gain the skills and expertise to become an excellent yoga teacher.
Related: How To Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Yoga Teacher?
Every yoga style or lineage has different requirements to teach, but the primary foundational qualification to become a yoga teacher is a 200-hour yoga teacher training certification.
This certification level is perfect for beginners and experienced yoga students to gain all the necessary qualifications. The only other important qualifications to be a yoga teacher are passion for the subject and a sincere heart.
Related: The 6 Main Types of Yoga Certification
Becoming a yoga teacher can seem complex, but it is actually quite simple. See below for some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a yoga teacher for beginners!
Do I Need to Be Flexible to Teach Yoga?
Not at all! Yoga is so much more than a physical practice, and some yoga styles don’t involve movements at all. Additionally, your flexibility level does not indicate your expertise in yoga because yoga is truly an internal process and a state of being; it is not about any physical achievements or level of flexibility.
Can You Teach Yoga if You’re Not Certified?
Yes, you can teach yoga if you’re not certified! In fact, certifications for yoga teachers are a recent development. Traditionally, yoga teachers apprenticed under a senior teacher for years, and they never received any paper certification.
But in modern times, becoming a certified yoga teacher is often recommended because many studios or gyms require it. Additionally, a certification program can give you valuable tools and training to succeed in this field.
What Are the Benefits of Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)?
Yoga teacher training, or YTT, is an excellent way to learn the foundations of yoga and gain valuable tools to be a yoga teacher. The teacher training process is the foundational step for every yoga teacher, and it can truly change your life! The experience of connecting with others on the same path and learning the depths of this traditional practice is priceless.
There are now thousands of yoga teacher training programs online and in-person, so thoroughly research the program before joining. Many yoga teacher training programs can be quite expensive, but there are also lower-cost programs available – but it is crucial to keep in mind that sometimes the cheaper programs will not give you the adequate training you may need.
Related: How Much Does Yoga Teacher Training Cost?
The Secret to Becoming a Yoga Instructor with No Experience
Whether you are a complete beginner or a long-term yoga practitioner, we all start somewhere on the journey through yoga! No one is born a yoga teacher, so remember that we have all been beginners at some point. As you take on this exciting journey of becoming a yoga instructor with no experience, make sure to continue your own yoga practice and always remain a student in some capacity.
Becoming a yoga instructor is so much more than teaching; it is an inward journey to yourself and your higher purpose. Yoga is a vast tradition, and we can all likely spend a lifetime learning the depths of these teachings. Ultimately, we are all constantly beginners, and if we can continue to maintain the beginner’s mindset, we can also remain open to the beauty of life with newfound joyous curiosity!