Before starting your journey, it’s important to research the qualifications required to teach yoga professionally. You’ll need to enrol on a training programme that will equip you with the knowledge of anatomy, yoga philosophy, and teaching methods needed to design and lead safe, effective classes.

Choosing an accredited course ensures your qualification meets industry standards and prepares you to confidently work with individuals or groups.

These are useful things you should consider when comparing providers:

Learning Support – Ensure you have reliable access to tutors when needed. Flexible support beyond 9–5 is essential, especially if you study around work or family commitments.

How You Study – Leading providers combine online resources with practical workshops. This blended model gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while gaining hands-on experience and expert feedback.

Career Assistance – Course providers should champion your future success, look for a provider who offers services that help you break into the industry, such as CV Support.

Recognition & Awards – Quality shows through industry recognition. Ask which major awards the provider has achieved or been shortlisted for, such as the BFA Awards, ukactive Awards, or National Fitness Awards.

Student Feedback – Independent reviews reveal the real student experience. Check trusted sites like TrustPilot to see ratings, read feedback, and note how many students have shared their opinions.

A recognised yoga teacher training course will cover essential areas such as anatomy and physiology, teaching methods, class planning, and yogic philosophy. You’ll also gain practical experience leading classes, giving you the confidence to teach both groups and individuals.

Most employers expect at least 200 hours of guided training, though some courses provide more to help you stand out. Choosing a programme with higher training hours can strengthen your skills, build your confidence, and show employers you’ve gone beyond the minimum requirements.

With a reputable provider, the qualification process is both rewarding and inspiring, equipping you with the knowledge, experience, and credibility to begin your career as a yoga instructor.

Next, it’s time to think about how to turn yoga into a career. Here’s an overview of the routes you can take once you qualify:

Working for a Studio or Gym – With this option, you’ll be employed on a full-time or part-time basis by a studio or gym. This provides the security of a regular income, valuable experience in running classes, and the chance to build a loyal student following.

Freelancing Across Multiple Studios – Want more freedom and flexibility? As a freelance yoga teacher, you can teach at several gyms or studios, often starting by covering classes for other teachers. This option lets you choose when and where you work, while building a wider network of students.

Starting Your Own Business – If you’d like independence, you can start your own yoga business. This could involve hiring venues, running workshops, teaching online, or offering private sessions. Whilst managing expenses and marketing, this path offers unlimited earning potential and full control over your teaching style.

Where you choose to practise and teach yoga will influence your growth, so think about whether you’d prefer the variety of community classes, the depth of therapeutic and holistic specialism, or the independence and higher income opportunities of a private studio and one-to-one teaching.

As a yoga instructor, insurance is required to protect yourself as a professional. Two policies you should begin with are:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Professional Indemnity Insurance

When considering how to become a yoga instructor, it’s essential to understand your legal and insurance requirements. These insurance policies will protect you, even when working in contracted employment. If working in a contracted role, always be sure to check whether you’re insured under your employer and what you’re covered for.

If working freelance & self-employed roles, it’s essential you take these policies out. These will protect you from claims of negligence of clients.

When starting your own business, you may also need additional cover for staff and equipment.

Once you become a certified yoga teacher, expanding your client list will be one of your main priorities. After all, the more clients you have, the more money you make!

Some of the most effective marketing strategies for yoga teachers include:

• Establishing a social media presence
• Setting up a client referral scheme
• Building your own website
• Creating a Google My Business page
• Utilising paid ads on social media