To become certified to teach yoga at the most basic level takes 200 hours. Every school schedules these hours differently so this could take from 2 weeks to 6 months. This standard of 200 hours is regulated by Yoga Alliance (See ‘Who is Yoga Alliance and Why are They Important’ blog post). To become certified as a group fitness instructor can take 4-8 weeks, depending on the program.
Remember that at the end of any program you will not become a fully trained yoga or fitness instructor. You never become a fully trained yoga or fitness instructor. You are first, and foremost, a student. Always growing, always learning. Keep this humble, curious mind throughout your life and career. Then, your teaching (and your life) will flourish.
As for the actually time commitment, that varies depending on the school. Here at O2 Yoga Teacher Training we offer two different schedules to fit your lifestyle. For those of you that work during the week we offer a part-time program that runs on the weekends. This program takes 4 months to complete and classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays, with a few weekends off for holidays. The second option is a full-time intensive that runs Mondays through Fridays over a 6-week period. At the end of both courses you will be a certified 200-RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) who is eligible to register with Yoga Alliance. This will allow you to teach at any gym, community centre, or yoga studio in the world.
One of the biggest benefits with completing your training at Oxygen Yoga & Fitness is that we add in the fitness element. At the end of the program you will be able to teach fitness, yoga and a fusion blend of the two. This makes you eligible to teach at any of our 21 locations (and growing).
It is a privilege and a great responsibility to lead others on their yogic or fitness path. We get to see people grow and flourish and we get to have a part in that amazing journey. It is a rewarding and satisfying job if you have a passion for helping others grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and physically. In order to facilitate this grow we, as instructors, must continually grow ourselves. Continued study and education is a must! And luckily, studying yoga and fitness is exciting and joyful so it isn’t work!
See you on the mat!
Christina