Yoga Teacher Training GuideYoga Certifications: 10 Steps to Becoming a Yoga Instructor

To become a yoga instructor, you typically need to complete yoga teacher training (RYT is recommended) and obtain certification. However, before enrolling in training, jn studio advises having one to two years of foundational yoga practice. This ensures you have sufficient physical fitness and strength before pursuing certification, which will be more beneficial in the long run.

A yoga instructor needs a certain level of professional knowledge, including muscle engagement and which body parts each pose targets, to teach students correct yoga postures and techniques. They also need clear articulation and logical communication skills to ensure smooth classes and maintain good rapport with students. Finally, patience is essential to observe each student's physical characteristics and tailor instruction accordingly. And most importantly, instructors must always maintain a passion for yoga and teaching, selflessly sharing their knowledge to convey the beauty of yoga.

Yoga certifications are currently divided into two main categories: domestic and international. Domestic yoga certifications include Class B and Class C yoga instructor training, while international yoga certifications are primarily RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and YAI (Yoga Alliance International). Below, we'll introduce domestic yoga certifications, RYT certifications, and YAI certifications one by one:

While RYT certification isn't strictly required to become a yoga instructor, it's often a key consideration for venues when screening potential teachers.

The American Yoga Alliance is currently the most representative and authoritative international yoga organization. As such, its foundational yoga courses and valid certifications are the industry and international standard for assessing a teacher's professionalism. In other words, obtaining RYT200 certification is generally the basic threshold for yoga instructors to begin their teaching careers.

With so many yoga styles and teachers, each with their own teaching methods, specialties, and guidance styles, jn studio recommends first identifying the yoga style you wish to master and exploring your preferences before choosing a teacher.

When selecting a teacher, you can check their experience on the Yoga Alliance website. Also, observe their teaching style and how they break down cues and poses to see if it suits your learning style. Additionally, confirm whether there will be opportunities to stay in touch with your instructor after training to discuss any questions about your practice.

Earning RYT certification means you've passed the exams and are a qualified yoga instructor, but it doesn't automatically make you a true yoga teacher.

To start teaching classes, jn studio recommends that new instructors begin by teaching friends and family to gain experience and build a reputation. If you want to expand your client base, you can seek referrals from teachers and friends, or actively apply to small community studios, yoga studios, or gyms to explore various opportunities.

Domestic Class B or C yoga certifications are more affordable, costing only NT$50,000–60,000. The internationally recognized RYT200, however, typically costs around NT$100,000.

jn studio offers a 2-stage international instructor training program, totaling 20 hours over 3 days, priced at NT$31,800. An early bird discount is available for NT$28,800. Additional instructor courses for yoga wheel and aerial hoop are also offered, with children's yoga instructor training, singing bowl instructor training, and RYT200 programs to be launched soon.

Yoga teacher training programs are more diverse than ever, with options ranging from intensive courses to weekend and online classes designed for working professionals. Since class locations and teaching styles vary, we recommend considering your needs and budget to choose the yoga teacher training that's right for you.

When selecting a yoga teacher training program, pay attention to details like institutional accreditation, instructor teaching style, and curriculum structure. Twosevenths has compiled four essential self-assessment questions to ask before enrolling in a yoga teacher training course:

There are many career paths for yoga instructors, including opening a personal studio, teaching group classes at yoga studios or gyms, or offering online instruction. Salaries are typically calculated hourly, with new instructors earning around $500-800 per hour, though income can be less stable at this stage. As you gain experience and build a reputation, your hourly rate can increase based on your performance, and specialized classes like prenatal or children's yoga often command higher rates.

Building a personal brand allows you to attract your own students once your reputation grows, leading to more exposure and higher hourly fees. If you're invited to teach at external yoga events, pricing will vary depending on the event's scale and theme.

Aerial yoga is an evolution of traditional yoga, using suspended fabric to provide different stimuli and training while maintaining yoga's relaxing spirit. For this reason, jn studio recommends at least six months of consistent practice to build a solid foundation before enrolling in instructor training. Once certified, you can become an aerial yoga teacher.

jn studio offers an introductory aerial yoga workshop (regular price $15,800, early bird $13,000) to help you determine if becoming an instructor is the right path. After completing the assessment, if you wish to become a certified international instructor, you can then proceed to the Level 2 training.