The Job Description of a Yoga Instructor

Yoga instructors are in demand. The rapid increase of interest in yoga and Pilates, however, has led to undertrained instructors (undertrained instructors increase the number of student injuries). Fitness centers and private studios are looking for instructors to handle the increasing number of students who are looking for a gentle way to improve their health with a balanced, low-impact, full-body workout.

  1. Identification

    • A yoga instructor teaches yoga's principles and movements. He is familiar with the asanas, or yoga postures, as well as breathing and relaxation techniques. The instructor may be called on to consult with private clients about lifestyle and health choices, as well as discuss physical limitations and how they may be overcome within the classroom setting. The instructor is also responsible for developing the format of the class and class routines for maximum fitness benefits for his students.

    Education

    • A yoga instructor must attain and achieve a yoga certification that's kept current. This certification may be attained by training under a currently certified yoga instructor in a studio setting or may be achieved by home-based learning if the school is able to certify yoga instructors. Most yoga certifications require between 100 and 500 logged hours with a certified instructor. This is to ensure that the person undergoing training understands the concepts of yoga, as well as the basics of how to teach those principles.

    Employment Outlook

    • Entering the fitness field has a positive outlook for future employment. Positions for fitness instructors are increasing much faster than average, with growth expected at 29 percent between 2008 and 2018. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "When interest in [Pilates and yoga] exercise exploded, the demand for teachers grew faster than the ability to train them properly." This leaves an increasing need for certified instructors. People are becoming more aware of their weight and health issues and are turning to yoga as a healthy way to balance mind and body, as well as to perform low-impact exercise to lose weight and become healthier

    Fitness Center Hours, Pay and Conditions

    • Many fitness centers employ yoga instructors to run classes and be available for private consultations. The pay rate is usually a flat rate with a potential of a bonus based on the number of people within the class. Fitness centers may include large gym settings, community recreation centers or corporate fitness centers. Yoga instructors may be employed at several fitness centers, as classes may not be frequent enough at one center to maintain an instructor's salary requirements. Instructors working for fitness centers make an average of $13 to $27 per hour, based on experience, according to PayScale.com. Hours vary based on the needs of the clientele of the fitness center and may range from very early morning to the late evening.

    Private Studio Hours, Pay and Conditions

    • Yoga instructors in private studios have the added responsibilities of running a business and possibly hiring staff. The private studio instructor usually has several years of experience running classes, often in a fitness center setting first. A private studio offers the added benefits of variable hours based on the schedule of the instructor but adds many hours of administrative tasks, including hiring staff, answering phones, paying the bills and setting the schedules. The hours are variable but are still based in part by the clientele the instructor services. If people are looking to take classes in the morning, an instructor may find herself more successful in the morning than in the early afternoon. The salary for private instructors is slightly higher, averaging $15 to $32 per hour, based on experience and client base, according to PayScale.com.