A yoga teacher is a trained instructor who helps improve a student’s physical posture, breathing control, and spiritual well-being. They are passionate about healthy and holistic living.
If you’re preparing to pursue a career in yoga teaching but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post discusses six skills you need to not only become a yoga teacher but also gain client trust:
1.In-depth Yoga Knowledge
Understanding yoga postures (asanas), including alignment, variations, and modifications, is important. It allows you to safely guide students through poses and minimize the risk of strain or injury.
Most yoga teachers have a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology to understand different muscle groups and create a targeted yoga plan for clients. A yoga teacher must have a comprehensive knowledge of yoga philosophy and ethics to help students understand the deeper meaning of yoga practices.
2.Additional Certificates
Yoga certifications help you establish credibility and cater to a broader demographic. A 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is the basic certificate you need. To enhance your skills, you can get additional certifications, such as:
300-Hour and 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training: They are advanced-level yoga training courses that will make you eligible for high-paying yoga practitioner jobs.
85-Hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training: This allows you to teach pregnant women and handle their yoga needs.
95-Hour Children’s Yoga Teacher Training: To teach children, you can get certified as a children’s yoga teacher trainer.
3.Physical Fitness
Yoga teachers lead by example. You should be able to do the poses and breathing exercises you are teaching your students. Being physically fit doesn’t mean fitting into a certain body type. It means curating a lifestyle that represents yoga and meditation principles.
You will also be able to demonstrate poses for varying abilities and limitations. Being physically fit will help you feel more confident in your yoga skills.
4.Active Listening Skills
Effective and active listening skills help you build rapport with your students, allowing them to share their concerns freely. You can take training in emotional intelligence and empathy to provide premium care to your students. Here’s how you can practice active listening skills:
- Pay attention to what your client is saying and make them feel heard.
- Learn to read the facial expressions and gestures of your students to understand their comfort level.
- Avoid distractions when you’re conducting a session.
Learn to appreciate constructive criticism and tailor your approach. This will provide a personalized experience for your clients and help you become a better yoga teacher.
5.Public Speaking
A significant portion of yoga teaching includes giving instructions to a large group of people. Whether you’re conducting a one-on-one yoga session or a group class, you should be able to speak clearly.
Start by understanding your audience and their skill level. This will help you determine the choice of words and organization structure. Focus on the following aspects:
Voice projection: Speak in a voice loud enough to be heard by a large audience.
Pauses: Add strategic pauses and paces to emphasize key points and poses.
Storytelling: Teaching a yoga class doesn’t have to be monotonous. Incorporate relevant stories and engage with your students to create a wholesome experience.
With consistent practice and training, you can improve your public speaking skills and teach classes without feeling awkward or nervous.
6.First Aid Knowledge
In case of a medical emergency, yoga instructors and teachers can play the role of a first responder. Take first-aid training to handle minor cuts, injuries, or allergic reactions until help arrives. Most first-aid courses offer CPR certifications, which can be life-saving.
Comprehensive first aid knowledge and CPR training will demonstrate your commitment to your students’ safety.
