Valuable Advice for Your First Year as a Yoga Instructor

If you’re starting your journey as a yoga instructor, here are some key pieces of advice that can help you achieve success in your early teaching career. 

Here are some valuable tips to set you on the path to becoming an accomplished yoga teacher.

Picking the Right Yoga Teacher Training for You

Rather than impulsively signing up for the first training you come across, take the time to identify what’s most important to you in the program. Do you want to complete the training abroad, or at a local studio? Consider what will be most beneficial for you and focus on that. 

When I selected a YTT program, one of the essential elements that caught my attention was the emphasis on Eastern-style yoga teachings. I really wanted to learn the philosophy and traditional practices of yoga.

What is most important to you?

If you are interested in a Yoga Teacher Training abroad Click here to view my other post ‘6 Reasons why Bali is the BEST Destination for a Yoga Teacher Training’

• Take the time to research Yoga Teacher Training programs
• See which programs best suit you

Start Teaching Yoga Classes As Soon As Possible 

Your brain will be buzzing with all the knowledge you gain during your YTT. To retain the information, the best approach is to begin teaching as soon as possible. Don’t let the fear of teaching a class prevent you from doing so. 

Pick a date and stick to it. 

If you haven’t been hired by a yoga studio yet, don’t worry. Spread the word on social media and invite your loved ones. The first class doesn’t have to be perfect, but the feeling of accomplishment afterward will be incredible. Check out our other post ‘Useful Tips for Landing a Yoga Studio Job With ZERO Experience Studio Job’

• Begin teaching yoga classes as soon as possible
• pick a date and stick to it
• spread the word on social media and loved ones

The Importance of Maintaining Your Personal Yoga Practice

This is a HUGE one. 

Aspiring yoga teachers must make it a priority to keep their practice alive by dedicating at least 2-3 hours per week to physical practice or studying yoga philosophy. 

This will ensure that one is well-versed in the discipline while pursuing a career in yoga. Consider attending classes in-person or online, and reading books from your favorite yogis to stay connected to the practice.

• Dedicate 2-3 Hours per week to physical practice or studying yoga philosophy
• Build discipline while pursuing a career in yoga

Avoid Overwhelming Your Students with the Perfect Sequence

Don’t worry about nailing a perfect sequence you learned from a YouTube video or a recent yoga class. Instead, create a sequence that reflects your unique teaching style. Your students will appreciate a more focused sequence that avoids over the top language.

When I first began teaching, I tried to remember every pose and get it right, which took me out of the present moment. Remember to remain present and have fun, and you’ll find that the rest will fall into place.

• Done is better than perfect
• Create a sequence that reflects your unique style
• Avoid over the top language (Flowery language)
• Stay in the present moment and have fun with it

Done is Better than Perfect

Sheryl Sandberg

Be Open Minded for Teaching Opportunities  

A great piece of advice from one of my favorite yoga instructors is to say “yes” to every teaching opportunity in your first year. 

Even if it doesn’t seem like the ideal situation, gaining experience and building your teaching career is crucial for success.

This will help you secure more teaching jobs, and enable you to grow as an instructor.

Click here to read our other post on ‘Tips on how to make different streams of income being a Yoga Instructor’

The Evolution of my Yoga Teaching Career

In my first year of teaching yoga, I was fortunate enough to acquire a range of teaching opportunities, including prenatal yoga, private beginner hatha yoga, and yin yoga for beginners at various colleges. Additionally, I taught a breathwork yoga combined class, despite not having a position at a yoga studio at the time.

Once I gained more experience, I was able to create a resume and secure a few classes per week at a yoga studio that aligned with my teaching style. Now, I am proud to be teaching at a yoga studio and a rehabilitation center, where I help clients instill healthy habits into their lives.

• Say YES to every teaching opportunity for the first year
• Gaining experience and building your teaching career is cruical
• More experience = more teaching opportunities

It’s not about YOU

Although yoga is a personal journey, your classes are not about you.

As an instructor, your main goal is to lead your students on a journey of love, wellness and care. Initially, I used to feel insecure and self-conscious when I started teaching. 

However, once I realized that my classes are for my students and not about me, it became easier to focus on their needs. While I still try to look put together, this realization helped me to compartmentalize my teaching.

• Your classes are not about YOU
• Your main goal is to hold space for your students
• Focus on their needs (if that means tailor your sequence to their benefit)

I hope this advice helps create alittle more peace in your first year of teaching!

If you would like to be added to my newsletter and receive the most updated tips and advice for new yoga teachers add your email below!