Government-funded courses can offer financial assistance if you want to complete yoga teacher training. But is it a worthwhile investment? 

To answer this question we’re going to compare government-funded yoga courses with non-funded options, discussing topics such as:

Contents:

• What Are Government-Funded Yoga Courses?
• Is There a Government Grant for Yoga Teacher Training?
• How Long Will I Have to Wait to Get My Yoga Teacher Training Government Funded?
• What is a ‘Self Funded’ Yoga Teacher Training Course?
• Are Government-Funded Yoga Courses The Same As Non-Funded Options?
• What Are The Differences Between Self-Funded And Government-Funded Yoga Courses?
• Does Every Course Provider Offer Government-Funded Yoga Courses?

If you’re interested in turning your passions into a rewarding career, OriGym’s Level 3 Yoga Diploma will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful teacher.

Download our FREE course prospectus to learn more about our qualifications.

What Are Government-Funded Yoga Courses?

Government-funded yoga courses are fairly self-explanatory by name. Applicants can use government funding to cover the cost of their qualifications. 

Whilst this may seem instantly appealing, please be aware that you will need to pay these loans back, and in some instances, the government may even add interest to your debt!

To apply for these government-funded yoga courses, you will need to meet very specific criteria, which can vary depending on which loan/grant you’re applying for. 

Some of the most popular options available in the UK include: 

• Advanced Learner Loan
• Low-Value Provision Scheme

Let’s explore these in more detail:

#1 Advanced Learner Loan

The UK government offers ‘Advanced Learner Loans’ to people over the age of 19 who want to complete a Level 3-6 Qualification at an approved college or training provider. The amount you receive can range between £720 and £4,835.

If you want to apply for an ‘Advanced Learner Loan’ you need to meet specific criteria outlined by the UK Government. Whether you qualify for this will depend on whether you meet requirements such as:

• Age 
• Course 
• College or training provider  
• Nationality or residency status

When you enrol with a college or training provider, they will receive payment from Student Finance to cover the costs of your course.

Keep in mind that you will have to repay your advanced learner loan. This process begins when you earn an income over your predetermined ‘threshold’ amount – this will be outlined to you before your enrolment. 

One of the major downsides of the Advanced Learner Loan is that you will be charged interest from the day you make your first repayment.

#2 Low-Value Provision Scheme

The UK government and the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) also offers the Low-Value Provision Scheme (LVP). It aims to offer short vocational and occupational training for people looking for employment in their area. 

You could qualify with a Level 3 Yoga Qualification through this scheme and gain the skills you need to work in the industry.

To meet the eligibility criteria to receive LVP funding your applications need to provide:

• Evidence you’re looking for work as a yoga teacher – For example you could submit your CV to studios or attend local classes and make friends with instructors.
• Report of The Cost of Your Yoga Teacher Training – This can vary depending on your provider and how you choose to study
• Find an Advisor on Your Course – They will report back to Government about your progress 

You’ll also need to agree to the terms and conditions outlined by the government in order to receive LVP-funded training if your application is successful.

You’ll also need to schedule an appointment with a DWP advisor who will:

• Guide you through the application process

• Review the documentation you’ve provided

• Make sure the yoga training meets the requirements for funding

Once you’ve submitted your application, it will remain active for 12 months or until your employment status changes.

It’s expected that each application that is submitted to DWP can take several weeks to be processed. Which is one of the major downsides to applying for this loan, as it can severely delay your career progression.

It can also be challenging to find a Level 3 Yoga Course provider that accepts funding from the LVP scheme, which could further delay the time it takes to qualify.

Is There a Government Grant for Yoga Teacher Training?

Yes, you can receive a government grant for yoga teacher training. One of the most popular examples being, the Military Resettlement Grant the benefit of receiving which is that you won’t need to pay it back and it’s completely tax free!

According to the RAF website, you can receive up to £15,047 which will be added on to your final month’s salary. 

However, keep in mind that despite the way it’s worded, the Military Resettlement Grant this is not a pension or an equivalent. It’s a lump sum paid to service personnel who are not eligible for:

• Early Departure Payment
• Immediate Pension
• Ill Health Award

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• AFPS 2015 and AFPS 2005: all personnel need to have 12 years’ relevant service (from date of entry)
• AFPS 1975: Officers to have at least 2 years’ Commissioned service and have 9 relevant years of reckonable service from age 21
• AFPS 1975: other ranks to have 12 relevant years of reckonable service from age 18.

There are no specific government grants for yoga teacher training. Therefore it may be worth looking into general grants and bursaries available to adult learners on the UK.Gov website.

How Long Will I Have to Wait to Get My Yoga Teacher Training Government Funded?

Yoga teacher training that is government funded is not instantaneous and it can take some time to be approved. For example, the Advanced Learner Loan can take up to two weeks to be processed.

This time is used to review your application which will look into your residential and financial status.

It’s important when filling out any application that you provide all the correct information and supporting evidence. Even small inconsistencies or mistakes can result in your application being delayed or outright rejected, forcing you to start the process all over again.

What is a ‘Self Funded’ Yoga Teacher Training Course?

When you enrol on a self-funded yoga teacher training course, you will pay the course provider yourself. 

There are many benefits to completing a self-funded yoga course compared to a government-funded one, including it:

• Being a fraction of the cost– Self-funded courses don’t rely on government subsidies that normally come with administrative costs, allowing for lower-priced courses.
• Offering no added interest– Meaning you pay a fixed cost for your course and don’t have to worry about interest rates increasing how much you repay on a government-funded course.
• Coming with a flexible payment plan- Self-funded courses such as the ones available at OriGym allow you to pay in instalments, giving you control over how much you’re able to pay each month.

The cost of self-funded yoga teacher training courses can vary depending on which provider you choose. 

Several factors can influence the overall price of your qualification. We cover this topic in greater detail in our article exploring ‘How Much Does Yoga Teacher Training Cost?’.

Are Government-Funded Yoga Courses The Same As Non-Funded Options?

Yes, they are! Regardless of whether you enrol on a self-funded or a government funded yoga course you’ll receive a Level 3 Yoga Teacher Training Qualification.

You should always check that the training you receive from your provider is regulated by a body such as Ofqual, who is responsible for setting the framework for vocational training courses. 

If a course is Ofqual-regulated, it will be labelled according to its level such as OriGym’s a Level 3 Yoga Teaching Diploma. 

A non-regulated course can delay the start of your yoga career, potentially undermining the skills you need as a yoga professional. Unregulated qualifications aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on and will likely be free or extremely cheap.

Whilst this may seem tempting, be sure to learn more about why you should avoid these providers with this article on ‘Free Yoga Teacher Training’

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If you’re enjoying this article, why don’t give these a read:

• How To Become A Yoga Instructor
• What Makes A Good Yoga Teacher? 
• How Long Does It Take To Become A Yoga Instructor

What Are The Differences Between Self-Funded And Government-Funded Yoga Courses?

It’s important to understand the difference between self-funded and government-funded yoga courses before enrolling on a specific qualification. 

Here are five key factors to consider:

#1 Government-Funded Yoga Courses Are More Expensive

Government-funded yoga teacher training courses often come with higher overall costs. Providers do this because they know that a student will get a higher grant from the government in order to cover the cost of the qualification. 

Compare this to OriGym, where we offer self-funded Level 3 Yoga Teacher Training courses from £935 – with no hidden fees or interest included! 

Both providers offer the same qualification following graduation, so why would any student want to pay more? 

#2 Self-Funded Yoga Courses Offer Flexible Repayments

How you pay for your yoga teaching courses will also greatly differ depending on whether you opt for a government or self-funded option. 

Training providers that offer government funded yoga teacher courses will typically require you to pay the entire sum of the course up front. 

Self-funded courses offer much more flexibility, for example providers such as OriGym will allow you to set up a payment plan. With this, you can spread the cost of your course and pay in instalments. 

On top of this, self-funded alternatives (OriGym included) won’t add any interest on what you owe, the price you see is the price you’ll pay. The same cannot be said for government loans, which can increase with added interest over the course of time. 

Another advantage of self-funded courses is that if you can pay up front, the provider will typically offer you some kind of discount. Whereas government funded yoga teacher training will simply take the entire lump sum of your qualification with no special deal or offer provided.

#3 Government-Funded Courses Include Interest Charges

There are government-funded loans, such as the Advanced Learner Loan, that tie their interest rates to inflation. This means you’ll pay interest on your loan beginning with your first repayment until the loan has been fully repaid or after 25 years when the loan is written off.

The interest rate for this type of loan is RPI + up to 3% and will be included in the repayments you make once you earn over £27,295.

This can lead to higher costs over time and should be something to consider before choosing to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. 

By contrast, self-funded course providers such as OriGym don’t charge interest rates on qualifications. This can make them a more cost-effective option if you’re looking to reduce the cost of your yoga course over time.

#4 Self-Funded Courses Let You Choose Your Study Method

If you opt for a government funded yoga teacher training course, you may notice that you’re limited to a very specific study option. Most providers that offer this payment option typically require students to study in person. 

This is due to the fact that in order to receive government funding you will need to adhere to strict rules and regulations. For example:

• Your attendance will be recorded
• Your progress will be monitored
• You will need to meet a certain number of teaching hours per week
• You will need to provide evidence to the government that you’re looking for work

Self-funded courses, by contrast, offer greater flexibility, allowing you to choose a study method that suits your preferred learning style and schedule. 

Some learning options on offer to you will include: 

• Online
• Part-time
• Full-time

These choices allow you to learn and qualify in a manner that suits you best. This will make for an enjoyable experience that benefits you in the long run.

#5 Government-Funded Courses Have Strict Eligibility Requirements

If you want to receive government-funding you need to make sure you meet very specific criteria. This will typically be outlined during your application process, for example the Advanced Learner Loan will take into account your:

• Age 
• Chosen course 
• College or training provider  
• Nationality or residency status

However, self-funded qualifications will typically have fewer entry requirements in place, making them more accessible to students from different backgrounds. 

For example, OriGym’s Level 3 Yoga Teacher Training is an entry level qualification suitable for students of all abilities and experience levels. The only requirement is that you must be aged 16+ prior to your enrolment.  

Does Every Course Provider Offer Government-Funded Yoga Courses?

There are only a small number of training providers who offer government funding for yoga courses. If you want to enrol on a government-funded course, you’ll likely have to accept the limitations to your course, such as:

• Study Method – Government-funded courses are usually online, limiting your ability to receive face-to-face tuition
• Student Support – They may also offer limited support, reducing access to tutoring or mentorship.
• Teaching Resources – Government-funded courses may lack advanced materials and access to workshops
• Post-Course Support –may be limited to government-funded courses

This is different from self-funded yoga courses, which will provide you with a broader range of providers to choose from. This allows you to make a more informed decision and select a course that better suits your learning goals.

Before You Go!

Becoming a yoga instructor can be the start of a rewarding journey that can begin with choosing the right training provider. It can equip you with the skills and set the foundations for a successful career in yoga. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a self-funded yoga course, you could start your journey today with OriGym’s Level 3 Diploma in Yoga. 

Download our prospectus and turn your passion into a career that inspires others!

There are many reasons why you might be looking for the best yoga business podcasts to listen to in 2023.

Perhaps you’re a newly qualified yoga instructor looking for some career guidance and inspiration, or you’re a complete newbie to yoga. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you can be sure to find it here!

We’ve collated 14 of the best free yoga podcasts that are aimed at a wide range of yogis, from beginners to experts.

Want to kick-start your yoga career? If so, go check out our Level 3 yoga diploma or download our latest course prospectus before we jump right in!

#1 – The Yoga Life

This yoga podcast is hosted by Kevin Boyle, a certified yoga teacher with over 500 hours of professional development under Yoga Alliance. He has been teaching yoga for the last ten years, and this has provided him with more than enough experience to run his own podcast!

One thing that makes The Yoga Life incredibly relatable and accessible to beginners is the fact that Boyle was once the least athletic person amongst his peers, and was more interested in partying when it came to choosing between that and exercise.

His love of yoga developed after one of his friends persuaded him to take part in a triathlon. His passion for health and fitness spiralled from there, and he ended up enjoying yoga so much so that he trained to become a teacher himself.

The Yoga Life has 100+ episodes available for listening, and it can be found on most major podcast streaming services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

The subject matter is pretty holistic and covers a wide range of areas, but thanks to Boyle’s experience the topic of teaching yoga crops up a lot. If you’re thinking of becoming a yoga instructor or you’ve recently qualified, you should definitely add this yoga podcast to your list!

Episode Pick: #103: Taylor Hunt, Growth Through Discomfort

#2 – Yoga Girl Daily: Conversations From The Heart

We could hardly put together a list of the best yoga podcasts without mentioning Yoga Girl Daily. It’s certainly one of the most popular podcasts on yoga out there, and for good reason; it is hosted by Rachel Brathen.

If you’re someone who likes to keep up to date with the yoga community, you’ll know that Brathen is the most Internet-famous yoga teacher in existence. She is also the bestselling author of ‘Yoga Girl’, a book covering the adventure that yoga has taken her on so far, and founder of the online brand and community of the same name.

Brathen has also accumulated 2.1m Instagram followers on the platform as of January 2023, and her account is arguably the most influential within the yoga niche.

After all, she did make it onto the Forbes ‘Top Influencers of 2017’ list within the fitness category, which is impressive to say the least!

The Yoga Girl Daily podcast covers everything from mindfulness, astrology, and current world issues, all the way to the physical practice of yoga.

This is likely due to the fact that the podcasts are released on a daily basis, which is also great to know if you want something relevant and fresh to tune into during your morning yoga routine!

It’s easy to find something that you’re personally passionate about within the Yoga Girl Daily archives, especially since the podcast has been running since August 2019. If you follow other popular yogis online, you’ll also be glad to know that many of them are featured on the podcasts, including Jessamyn Stanley on the episode Radical Honesty with Jessamyn Stanely (July 3rd, 2020).

Episode Pick: (June 12th, 2020) – How to Fuel Your Fire

#3 – Jivamukti Yoga with Jessica Stickler

Jessica Stickler has been teaching Jivamukti Yoga for over ten years, after qualifying in 2008 under Sharon Gannon and David Life (the co-founders of Jivamukti Yoga). She has taught this method internationally in locations such as Trinidad, Australia, and the Czech Republic.

This method of yoga focuses heavily on spirituality alongside the physical practice of the exercise, and is described as ‘a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings’ on the official Jivamukti Yoga website.

The Jivamukti Yoga podcast hosted by Stickler is largely made up of live classes that are streamed from the head office in Union Square, New York. The classes themselves include music, meditation, and spiritual scripture alongside the physical practice of this yoga method.

If you’re looking for a podcast that leans towards the spiritual side of yoga whilst remaining uplifting and inspiring, this is certainly one that you should try out for yourself. Plus, if you’re interested in learning more about the Jivamukti Yoga technique, then there’s truly no better way of introducing yourself to it.

With Stickler being an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher and the fact that she still works as a mentor in the apprentice teaching program, you can trust that her podcast content is wholly reliable and as inspiring as it could be!

Episode Pick: #117 – The Flow of Time

#4 – Triyoga Talks

The host of Triyoga’s podcast is their very own Yoga Director, Genny Wilkinson-Priest. She began practicing Ashtanga Yoga herself back in 2000 whilst working as a journalist in New York City, and eventually began teaching this style after relocating to the UK.

She is currently studying towards a Master’s degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, so it’s safe to say that she’s an expert in yoga philosophy!

The podcast itself is bi-weekly, and is made up of interviews with some of the most experienced yoga teachers in the world. This naturally means that the topics covered are pretty holistic, but it’s certainly one of the best yoga podcasts for teachers, especially if they’re looking for guidance and inspiration.

Recent interviewees include: Dianne Bondy, Faith Hunter, Gahl Sasson, Mia Togo, and Paul Grilley. If you’re already familiar with some of the big names in the yoga industry, you’ll know that this is a pretty well-rounded list of guests.

Episode Pick: #30 – Mia Togo on doing the inner work

#5 – Yoga is Dead

If the name of this podcast isn’t enough to hook your attention, we’re not sure what will!

This is one of the most popular yoga podcasts out there, and for all of the right reasons. If you’re looking for an eye-opening insight into the overlooked issues that exist within the yoga community today, and for something that will contribute to your own personal growth, then Yoga is Dead is certainly for you.

Not only will you be able to educate yourself on issues such as the cultural appropriation and racism that surrounds the practice of yoga in countries outside of India (if you weren’t already aware of this), but you will also be able to learn more about how to actively change the way that you and others around you view the practice of yoga.

It is 2023 after all, and a yoga podcast such as this making it into the more mainstream yoga media is well overdue! The hosts of Yoga is Dead are Tejal Patel and Jesal Parikh, and you can read more about their yoga journey here.

Tejal is trained in many different yoga practises, and runs tejalyoga.com where she shares her yoga journey as well as her passion for social justice. In 2019, she was also featured in the Yogawalla list of ‘19 Women of Colour to Watch in the Yoga World’, which is impressive to say the least!

Jesal has extensive experience teaching yoga in NYC, and is Co-Director of Yoga Teachers of Colour, a movement that actively promotes diversity in the world of yoga. You can check out their Instagram here to learn more about what they’re about, and we’re certain that you’ll love the Yoga is Dead podcast if you enjoy their content.

Episode Pick: #3 – Gurus Killed Yoga

#6 – The Lucas Rockwood Show

Lucas Rockwood is the CEO and founder of YOGABODY, an international yoga company that includes studios, props, and products as part of its business.

He has been practising yoga since 2002 (YOGABODY was founded in 2007), and has studied under some of the biggest names within the yoga industry including Sri K. Pattabhi, Alex Medin, and S.N. Goenka.

On the podcast, Rockwood focuses on all things health and wellness, meaning that it’s a great one to add to the mix if you have others that are completely yoga-oriented. It certainly appeals to the masses, and who knows; it could act as your gateway into yoga if you haven’t already tried it yet!

There are over 400 episodes, so you needn’t worry about running out of content. If you’re a serial listener and you’re looking for a yoga podcast to binge on, The Lucas Rockwood Show should definitely be one of your first choices.

The show regularly features best-selling authors of relevant books, as well as experts in topics like nutrition, personal growth, mental health, and more. There is also a section of user-generated content in each episode through the form of a listener Q&A, so if you’re a fan of audience interaction then you’ll be glad to know that you can easily get involved!

Episode Pick: #415 – Detox Your Thoughts

#7 – Yoga by Nature Podcast

Looking for a yoga class podcast to follow during your daily sessions? We don’t blame you, especially if you’re a newbie to the world of yoga. The truth is, you would struggle to find a podcast that is as successful as this one in bringing guided sessions to all audiences.

Morven Hamilton is certainly one of the most qualified hosts to guide listeners through their yoga sessions, with 15000+ hours of worldwide teaching under her belt. She began practising it herself in 1995, and qualified as a YAP accredited yoga instructor by 2008, eventually becoming a Senior Yoga Teacher.

She specializes in multiple yoga forms, including:

• Yoga mindfulness
• Restorative and therapeutic yoga
• Ayurvedic yoga
• Philosophy

The fact that she has a strong background in holistic Hatha yoga alongside her many specialisms means that her classes appeal to everyone.

You can choose to follow either a seated meditation, a guided relaxation, or a Hatha yoga class, and they also come in varied lengths to suit any schedule. Haven’t always got time for a full 90-minute session? If so, you can easily try a 10-minute episode instead.

While we would recommend the Yoga By Nature podcast to anyone who wanted to jump into a guided yoga session, we would definitely recommend it to those that want something to listen to during their daily commute to and from work. The Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) episodes are incredibly relaxing, and perfect for giving your mind a rest from the stresses of everyday life!

Episode Pick: #84 – Five Pranas (Vayus) Meditation

#8 – Yoga, Meditation & Relaxation

The Yoga, Meditation & Relaxation podcast comes from a @lotusfloweryoga, a.k.a Katya Greer, who is a yoga teacher with over 10 years of experience. Not only does she teach classes in-person in her local area, but she has also gained significant experience by running online classes through Lotus Flower Yoga, her online platform.

The podcast sprung from this platform, and developed into one of the most-listened to yoga podcasts in the UK. There are 100+ episodes and each one is unique enough to keep you listening; topics range from restorative yoga to meditation and guided relaxation, meaning that they’re holistic enough to appeal to almost any yoga beginner.

Yoga nidra (yogic sleep) is one of the areas that Katya focuses on regularly, however, and it has many benefits.

Not only can it be as healing and relaxing as sleep despite the fact that you’re still in a state of full consciousness, but it can also help to improve your overall mental health as you learn to connect with your mind on a deeper level. We’ve tried it ourselves, and feel that it’s beneficial for anyone to try, especially if sleep is something that you struggle with!

Episode Pick: (June 14th, 2020) – Breath, Meditation and Yoga Nidra

#9 – Yogaland Podcast

One of the most exciting and inspiring yoga podcasts out there is Yogaland by Jason Crandell.

To give you some background information, Crandell has over 20 years of experience with yoga, so it’s safe to say that he has an undying passion for this form of exercise. He was initially trained by Rodney Yee, a world renowned yoga teacher, who has since said that ‘Jason is taking the art of teaching yoga to its next level’.

He travels the world teaching yoga and is a sought after guest at many high-profile yoga conferences across the globe. You can check out his schedule here in case you want to attend one of these events, or you can also check out the online sessions and courses that Jason and his wife and business partner Andrea run through their website.

Getting back to the podcast, there are over 200 episodes, and many of them are aimed at helping those who wish to teach online yoga themselves. It truly is one of the best yoga business podcasts for teachers out there, with episodes titled ‘getting paid for teaching yoga online’ and ‘how to be an exceptional online yoga teacher’, but that’s not to say that the rest of the available content isn’t suitable for those who simply want to find out more about yoga.

One thing that stands out about Yogaland episodes is that each one comes with a detailed description of what it contains. We find this incredibly helpful, as it means that we can give it a quick skim-read to determine whether that particular episode is something that we want to listen to (more often that not, it certainly is).

You’d be surprised at the lack of information that most podcast episodes give to their prospective listeners. If you’re going to commit up to an hour of your time listening to a podcast in 2020, you’re going to want to know exactly what that episode contains, so this really is an added bonus in terms of user experience!

Episode Pick: #185 – How to Sequence Online Yoga Classes

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#10 – Redefining Yoga

This podcast is hosted by Lara Heimann, the creator of the LYT Method. She has over 25 years of experience within the yoga industry, and is one of the most influential yoga leaders of our time.

The LYT (Lara’s Yoga Teaching) method is a yoga style that is centred around the ‘modern teachings of physical therapy and neurodevelopmental treatment’ (as described on her website), and was designed to help a modern-day generation of yoga practitioners to avoid the repercussions of leading a sedentary lifestyle.

The podcast itself is incredibly well-rounded, and is conveniently split into different categories so that you’ll never struggle to find exactly what you’re in the mood to listen to. These include: ‘Motivation’, ‘Interviews’, and ‘Ask Lara’, and they’re evidently separated due to being structured as different types of content.

This is great for the end user, as there’s nothing worse than being faced with a never-ending list of podcast episodes and having to play roulette when selecting one. With these categories and a handy and concise description of each episode put into place, you can make an informed choice when deciding which episode to give your time to.

We love that Lara lists the questions that she will be answering for every ‘Ask Lara’ episode, so that you’re not being faced with clickbait and you know exactly what kind of content to expect!

Episode Pick: #259 – Finding the Out Breath (Motivation)

#11 – Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast

Are you an aspiring yoga teacher, or someone who is looking for fresh ideas to boost their yoga business?

If so, it’s a good thing that you stumbled upon our list as this is one of the best free yoga podcasts for teachers available online. The clue is in the name, and you’ll be glad to know that it does exactly what it says on the tin; it’s a fantastic source of inspiration.

If you haven’t already heard of it, The Yoga Teacher Resource is a website created by Mado Hesselink, a yoga teacher with a mission of helping other teachers become the best version of themselves.

At the time when The Yoga Teacher Resource was created, there wasn’t much information available online for yoga teachers when it came to things like structuring and marketing classes.

Hesselink decided to collate information from books, classes that she attended, and her own experiences, and publish this online so that others could benefit from it. It now exists as an extremely helpful and accessible resource for teachers, and the podcast acts as a great extension.

Episodes are published on a weekly basis (each Thursday to be exact), and are hosted by Mado Hesselink herself. They often feature guests with extensive experience, as well as coaching calls with Hesselink’s clients, so you’re essentially getting a free glimpse into her services and how she runs her business!

Episode Pick: (Jan 16th, 2020) – How Miranda Tripled her Yoga Business in One Year

#12 – Quietmind Yoga with Jeremy Devens

Jeremy Devens turned to yoga after years of feeling as though he was walking around without truly expressing who he really was, as well as what he had to contribute to the world. The 9 to 5 life of working didn’t appeal to him, and neither did the nightlife surrounding the bands that he was a part of.

After giving yoga a try, he saw that this was something that he had a passion for; it made him feel alive, and brought out his creative side. He decided that he wanted to share what yoga had to offer with others, especially since it played a huge role in turning his own life around.

He founded Quietmind Yoga as a way to help others to learn how to find and express themselves, and in his own words; ‘I created the podcast that I wish existed’.

There are over 100 episodes in the Quietmind Yoga podcast playlist, and it pulls in 100,000+ listeners. This is well-deserved, as it provides a unique insight into the things that regular yoga classes struggle to touch upon.

It’ll leave you with the knowledge that there is much more to yoga than meets the eye, and the desire to unveil exactly what these things are. Luckily, there are countless episodes within this podcast series that do exactly that!

It delves into interesting topics that other yoga podcasts overlook, such as Vedic astrology, and also provides listeners with actionable advice on health, career, finances, and more.

If you’re looking for some serious inspiration when it comes to utilizing yoga as a tool for change in your life you really, really don’t want to miss this one. As we mentioned earlier, Devens himself allowed yoga to define the purpose of his life, so he’s definitely the perfect mentor for people who feels as though yoga could be the next big avenue for them.

Episode Pick: #125 – Yoga When You’re Feeling Low Energy

#13 – J. Brown Yoga Talks

The yoga industry is saturated with those claiming to be able to teach you how to practice yoga in the deepest and most fulfilling way possible. However, we can certainly say that J. Brown stands apart from the crowd when it comes to his techniques, especially since he has over 15 years of experience under his belt.

Looking for yoga podcasts that focus on self-practise, yet provide an inspiring and refreshing space that keeps you connected to the world of yoga?

If so, you’ll be over the moon to find out that J. Brown Talks is described as a ‘quiet yoga revolution’, and focuses on healing and yoga philosophy as well as the business side of things, in case this is something that you wanted to learn more about.

In recent weeks, the podcast has provided some excellent conversations surrounding how yoga can aid peace and self-care in trying times.

Guests have delved into topics such as COVID-19 and the BLM movement, so there’s no shying away from current affairs here. It’s great to see a yoga podcast remaining so open about important issues, and providing listeners with the relevant tools to tackle their anxiety through their yoga practice.

Listening to J. Brown Talks gives you a real sense of community, and we’d definitely recommend it to those who practise alone!

Episode Pick: (March 30th, 2020) – Rob Walker, “The New Yoga”

#14 – Yoga Inspiration with Kino MacGregor

Kino MacGregor has gained international fame within the yoga world in recent years, and her 1.1 million followers on Instagram certainly speak volumes when it comes to how well-known and effective her teaching techniques are.

She has practised Ashtanga yoga for 6 days per week over the past 20 years, and is the co-founder of the Miami Life Center in South Beach, Miami.

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga selected her as one of a miniscule number of teachers to receive Certification to officially teach his method, which is impressive to say the least!

The Yoga Inspiration podcast itself is one of the most established and recognised Ashtanga Yoga podcasts available online, especially since MacGregor is so closely associated with the founder of the method. That being said, it covers a range of topics and is probably one of the most well-rounded podcasts on our list, and you’re bound to find a plethora of episodes that speak to you and your personal yoga journey.

Ever struggled to understand some of the more complicated aspects that make up the ‘wisdom’ of yoga? MacGregor presents them in a way that is accessible to everyone, and makes the learning process both entertaining and easy on the mind.

She regularly features conversations with some of her own students, making the podcast an open and authentic environment for her listeners. It truly disperses the intimidating side of yoga, and leaves you feeling as though you can achieve anything that you put your mind to when it comes to your own practice.

Episode Pick: Success, Failure, and Why None of it Matters in Yoga

Before you go!

After reading our ultimate list of the best yoga podcasts, you should have no trouble finding a good mix of episodes to add to your playlist, especially since all of the podcasts that we have listed are consistent with uploading new content.

Interested in pursuing a yoga career? OriGym’s Level 3 Yoga Diploma can help kickstart your career. Be sure to download our prospectus to learn more!

Ever thought about combining your passion for yoga with travelling the world? If so, then becoming a travelling yoga teacher could be for you!

Whether you’re yet to qualify or are already a yoga teacher, our step-by-step guide covers exactly how to start this exciting career path, covering:

• Step 1- Get Qualified To Become A Travelling Yoga Teacher
• Step 2- Gain Teaching Experience At Home Before Becoming A Travelling Yoga Teacher
• Step 3- Find A Travelling Yoga Teaching Job
• Step 4- Build Up An Online Presence Before Becoming A Yoga Teacher Abroad
• Step 5- Get Insured To Work As A Travelling Yoga Teacher
• Step 6- Prepare Your Documents For Becoming A Travelling Yoga Teacher
• Step 7- Take Additional Courses To Become A Specialist Travelling Yoga Teacher

If the thought of working on the go excites you, then be sure to check out our internationally recognised Level 3 Yoga Instructing course. Through the completion of this qualification, you will be able to work anywhere in the world.

Download OriGym’s FREE course prospectus to learn more about this course, and our advanced Level 4 training!

Step 1- Get Qualified To Become A Travelling Yoga Teacher

If you’re not already, the first step in becoming a travelling yoga instructor is to get qualified.

You will need to take a Level 3 yoga teacher training course. This is the minimum requirement to become a yoga instructor both in the UK and to travel abroad.

Here at OriGym, our Level 3 yoga teacher qualification is an entry-level course that gives you a strong foundation of skills, knowledge and experience to become a yoga travelling yoga teacher.

If you want to travel as a yoga teacher, you will need to make sure that your qualification is internationally recognised.

With this in mind, OriGym’s yoga teacher training course is regulated by Ofqual. This not only means that the course meets the highest standards of training in the industry, but Ofqual is also internationally recognised.

This means that when you come to work as a yoga teacher in another country, your qualification will be recognised by employers all over the world.

Without this, you may have to take another training course in whichever country you are in, which of course requires lots of time, money and effort!

Step 2- Gain Teaching Experience At Home Before Becoming A Travelling Yoga Teacher

Once you are qualified, the next step in becoming a travelling yoga instructor is to start to gain some teaching experience.

You may be keen to start travelling and teaching yoga straight away.

But taking the time to get some teaching experience before you leave will make it a lot easier to find yoga travels jobs when you are out there.

Whilst you will be able to find entry-level jobs, many jobs will ask for some years of experience. This is particularly the case for jobs in places such as yoga retreats or high-end retreats.

Plus, getting experience before you leave will help you gain confidence and find your yoga teaching style, making the process of becoming a travelling yoga instructor a lot less daunting.

Step 3- Find A Travelling Yoga Teaching Job

Once you are qualified and have started gaining some experience, you can now start looking for yoga travel jobs!

However, it can be hard to know where to start. So, here are some things to consider to help you land your dream job as a travelling yoga teacher:

Most yoga teaching roles around the world will require you to submit a CV and/or cover letter as part of the application.

They are a great opportunity to sell yourself as a yoga teacher and can help you stand out amongst other applicants.

However, there are some extra things you may want to include that are relevant for yoga travel jobs, such as:

• Language skills- particularly if you are applying for a job in a specific country
• Visa and work eligibility details
• Any other abroad work experience you may have e.g. in summer camps, cruise ships etc.

Once you have your CV prepared, you are all set to start looking for jobs!

Unlike working as a yoga teacher in just one destination, if you are wanting to become a travelling yoga teacher, it is likely that you will have several different jobs as you move between different locations.

With this in mind, there are two main options when it comes to finding a job as a travelling yoga instructor:

Find A Yoga Teaching Job Before You Go Travelling

If you want to ensure that you have a job when you get to your first destination for financial security, it is a good idea to start looking for jobs online before you go.

Some useful websites for finding yoga travel jobs are Yoga Travel Jobs and Yoga Trade.

Find A Yoga Teaching Job When You Get There/ As You Are Travelling

If you are wanting to become a travelling yoga teacher, you can also find your jobs as and when you are travelling.

This is a good option if you have no set destinations or timeframe in mind (i.e. you don’t know how long you will spend in each place, or where your next destination will be).

Some ways to find travel yoga jobs when you get there are:

• Networking with other yoga teachers when you get there (by going to yoga classes, finding groups online etc)
• Using social media, e.g. posting to tell your followers that you are in travelling and looking for a job
• Putting physical job advert posters/ flyers in the area you are staying
• Word-of-mouth as you meet people travelling

This can therefore open you up to more opportunities that you may not have found online before you go.

Depending on the country, you may find that many jobs are not actually advertised online.

Whichever way you choose to find a job, here are some of the ways that you can work as a travelling yoga teacher:

#1- Work As A Travelling Yoga Instructor Teaching Online Classes

One of the best yoga travel jobs is to teach online yoga classes.

This means that you can teach yoga from wherever you are in the world. All you need is yourself, a mat and your laptop!

Working as an online yoga teacher gives you ultimate flexibility, as you are not tied down to a specific location. This is therefore a great option if you don’t have a specific itinerary of destinations in mind before you start travelling.

Not being tied to a location also means that you open yourself up to more students, as you can teach people from all over the world and are not limited by class size. This therefore gives you a potentially uncapped earning potential!

We have a whole guide on how to become an online yoga teacher here for tips on how to get started.

#2- Work As A Travelling Yoga Teacher At Yoga Retreats

Another great way to work as a travelling yoga teacher is to teach work on a yoga retreat.

You can find a job teaching yoga at a retreat on the same yoga travel jobs websites we mentioned above, or on websites such as Retreat Hub that list exclusively yoga retreat jobs.

This is a great option if you are a more experienced yoga teacher, as most yoga retreat roles will ask for yoga teachers with a few years of teaching experience.

For example, the job advert for a yoga retreat role states that 2 year’s experience is required:

Plus, yoga retreats are often run in luxury and scenic locations around the world, so it is a great way to work as a yoga teacher and see the world at the same time!

Since yoga retreats run over fixed dates for a certain amount of time (from a few days to months), you would therefore have to be sure that you could commit to being in one place for that amount of time.

#3- Work As A Travelling Yoga Teacher On A Cruise Ship

Another great way to travel the world whilst teaching yoga is to work on a cruise ship.

One of the main things to note about this kind of work is the hours you would be expected to work.

In general, you would be teaching classes every day. However, this is balanced out by long periods of time off where you are free to explore wherever the cruise ship is travelling to!

As a yoga teacher on a cruise ship, you will often have to do other tasks such as maintaining and cleaning the gym, or even teaching other fitness classes.

We have a whole step-by-step guide here to how to become a yoga teacher on a cruise ship for more information about this role!

– – – –

Enjoying this article so far? Here’s 3 more that we think you’ll love:

• How To Become A Yoga Teacher Abroad
• How To Become A Yoga Teacher In India
• How To Become A Yoga Teacher In Australia

#4- Work As A Travelling Yoga Instructor In Hostels

One of the most popular ways to work as a travelling yoga instructor is to work in hostels.

Most hostels around the world will offer yoga classes to their guests, particularly in popular tourist destinations in Asia and Australia.

You can find yoga teaching jobs in hostels either on a freelance or contracted basis. You could find this before you go online, or when you get there through networking and word-of-mouth.

Since yoga classes in hostels are often run for free or on a donation basis, you may find that you are teaching for free at first or for a small fee.

However, it can be a great way to gain experience as a travelling yoga instructor, particularly at the start of your travels.

Many hostels also hire yoga teachers on a work exchange basis. This is when you will teach yoga in exchange for accommodation at the hostel.

So whilst you wouldn’t receive a salary, this could be balanced out by free accommodation and often other free perks such as free meals!

Plus, hostels are usually very sociable places, so it can be a great way to meet new people if you are travelling alone.

The best place to look for yoga travel jobs in hostels is WorkAway. This is an online platform where hostels will advertise for staff in exchange for accommodation.

#5- Work As A Travelling Yoga Instructor In A Hotel Or Resort

Finally, another of the most popular yoga travel jobs is working in hotels or resorts.

Similar to hostels, most hotels and resorts will offer yoga classes to their guests, often as part of their gym or fitness centre.

You will most likely be hired on a freelance or contracted basis.

You may also receive perks such as free accommodation and meals, but this is often in addition to a salary, rather than as a work exchange.

This is usually because compared to hostels, hotels and resorts will have a higher budget to spend on their employees- particularly if you work for a hotel chain.

It is also worth noting that many hotels and resorts will only hire staff seasonally, on a fixed-term contract basis, to account for the popular tourist times of that destination.

If you want to teach yoga in a hotel or resort in a particular location, you will therefore need to consider the seasonal times of that place, as this could affect the amount of jobs available there.

Yoga travel jobs at hotels and resorts are also advertised online on websites such as Yoga Travel Jobs, but there are also more specific websites such as Resort Work that advertise exclusively jobs in resorts around the world.

Step 4- Build Up An Online Presence Before Becoming A Yoga Teacher Abroad

Once you have considered how you will find work as a travelling yoga instructor and considered the type of role you want, it is a good idea to build up an online presence as a yoga teacher before you leave.

The best way to do this is to build up a following on social media, especially on Instagram and Facebook.

As well as finding jobs online or through networking in person, social media is also a great tool for finding teaching opportunities, as you can post about your travels and find local yoga studios by networking.

The more followers you have, the more potential connections you have that could lead to you finding a job as a travelling yoga teacher!

Plus, you could highlight your social media to employers as a way to show your personality as well as just your qualifications. It also demonstrates your marketing skills, which is often a requirement of yoga teacher jobs.

If you have an itinerary planned for your travels, you should use social media to establish connections ahead of arriving in your various destinations, which could ultimately lead to a job opportunity.

It is also beneficial on a personal level, as it could help you meet other like-minded travelling yoga teachers, particularly if you are travelling alone!

Step 5- Get Insured To Work As A Travelling Yoga Teacher

The next important step of becoming a travelling yoga instructor is to get insured.

There are 2 main types of insurance you will need to teach yoga whilst travelling: travel insurance for working abroad, and specific yoga teacher insurance.

Get Travel Insurance For Working As A Travelling Yoga Instructor

This is simply insurance that covers you for any kind of work abroad.

This is different to standard travel insurance, as it covers you for working, rather than just leisure.

A work abroad insurance policy will typically cover things such as:

• Medical care if you have an accident whilst teaching yoga abroad
• Travel costs if you have to return home after being injured
• Loss or damage to your property whilst travelling such as yoga equipment

Without this insurance, you would be required to pay the cost of these things yourself, which could be hundreds and thousands of pounds!

Top Dog Insurance and Navigator Insurance both have good working abroad travel insurance policies.

One thing to bear in mind when choosing a working abroad travel insurance policy is that it covers all the continents you are planning on travelling to! If you are not sure yet, then it is worth getting a worldwide policy.

Get Yoga Teacher Insurance To Work As A Travelling Yoga Teacher

As well as travel insurance, you will also need standard yoga teacher insurance, just as you would for working as a yoga teacher in the UK.

We have a whole article here on yoga teacher insurance.

But in summary, the main types of insurance you will need as a travelling yoga instructor are:

• Public liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance
• Equipment insurance

Check out Insure 4 Sport and BeYogi for good yoga teacher insurance policies.

Step 6- Prepare Your Documents For Becoming A Travelling Yoga Teacher

Before you leave you will need to ensure that you have all the necessary documents required to become a travelling yoga instructor.

The 2 key documents you need to remember are:

• An up-to-date passport. Many countries will require you to have at least 6 months validity on your passport before your arrival date in that country. However, you should check with the passport requirements for each country you are visiting, as this may vary.
• The appropriate visa. Most countries will require you to have a working visa to work as a yoga teacher there. Again, the types and lengths of visas will vary for each country. Check out the UK government’s travel advice for information specific to each country.

Remember that the process of applying for passports and visas can take several weeks or even months, so ensure that you allow plenty of time for this before you start travelling.

As well as being a legal requirement, when looking for yoga travel jobs, many employers will ask for evidence of a valid passport and visa before they employ foreign workers.

Some other documents that may be useful to have with you- whether in their original form or as copies, are:

• Birth certificate
• Passport photos
• Your yoga training certificate
• Driving licence
• Insurance policy

You should also ensure that you have the required vaccinations for the country or countries you are travelling to.

Another thing to prepare before you go is your finances!

Although you will be ultimately earning money as a travelling yoga teacher, it can sometimes take time to establish a regular salary. You should therefore ensure that you have enough money before you go to cover the costs of things such as:

• Accommodation
• Flights
• Visa
• Food
• Vaccinations
• Insurance

Remember that the more prepared you are before you leave, the less you have to think about when you are travelling, so the more time and effort you can put into being a good yoga teacher.

Step 7- Take Additional Courses To Become A Specialist Travelling Yoga Teacher

The final step is to take additional courses to increase your chances of finding yoga travel jobs.

This is optional, but we highly recommend it if you want to stand out in an already competitive market of travelling yoga instructors.

Take A Level 4 Yoga Teacher Training Course To Become A Travelling Yoga Teacher

Once you’re a Level 3 qualified yoga teacher, you can then take a Level 4 yoga teacher training course.

Here at OriGym, our Ofqual-regulated Level 4 yoga teacher training course builds on the knowledge and skills you learn at Level 3, covering content such as:

• Teaching Yoga as a Profession
• Understanding and Applying the Philosophy and Spiritual Principles of Yoga
• Yogic Breathing Styles
• Teaching Asana to Meet the Needs of Mixed Ability Students
• Planning & Delivering Yoga Sessions

You can also choose to specialise in a specialist style of yoga, such as Hatha or Ashtanga.

If you are planning to work as a freelance or self-employed travelling yoga teacher, this means that you can advertise yourself as a specialist yoga teacher.

You can therefore charge more for your classes, since you are offering a higher standard of teaching to your students.

A Level 4 qualification will also make you qualified for a wider range of yoga travel jobs, as many jobs will be looking for a specific type of yoga teacher (e.g. a Yin yoga teacher).

This is particularly important if you want to work in places like yoga retreats, which will often require a higher level of qualification and experience.

Take A Level 2 Fitness Instructor Course To Increase Your Chances Of Becoming A Travelling Yoga Teacher

If you want to become a travelling yoga instructor, you may be wondering why you should take a fitness instructing course!

But in fact, a Level 2 fitness/gym instructing qualification is a highly valuable addition to your CV when applying to yoga travel jobs.

This is because many roles will require you to also teach other fitness classes, not just yoga.

This is particularly the case for jobs in hotels, resorts or on cruise ships, where you would be teaching yoga as part of a gym or fitness centre.

Having a Level 2 gym instructor qualification would therefore open you up to these jobs!

Before You Go!

Now that you know how to become a travelling yoga teacher, you can put this advice into action and take your practice anywhere in the world!

Remember, completing a Level 3 Yoga Teaching Diploma can help with this process, as this course is fully internationally recognised!

To discover more about how this course can benefit you, be sure to download our FREE course prospectus.

Yoga is a great form of exercise: not only does it help stretch and lengthen your muscles, it also helps you to relax and de-stress, finding your inner calm.

A solo yoga session is perfect for that traditional yoga feel, but if you feel like adding some variety into your yoga practice, or if you simply want to try something new, why not grab a friend and try these 17 best yoga poses for two people? Couples yoga is a great way to boost communication, build trust and have fun!

In this article, we will cover yoga poses for two people from beginner level through to advanced, so whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you’re just starting out, there’s bound to be something for you.

Considering making a career out of your love for yoga? Learn more about our Level 3 Yoga Teacher Training course here or check out our guide to becoming a qualified yoga teacher.

Yoga Poses for Two People: Warm Up

As with any form of exercise, before you attempt the couples yoga poses in this article, you need to warm up your muscles. You should never stretch cold muscles as this could lead to injury. Plus, warm muscles are able to stretch a little further! You don’t need to do anything intense or anything fancy, simply do 5 to 10 minutes of exercises such as jogging, star jumps, heel kicks or skipping to get the blood pumping around your body.

Easy Yoga Poses for Two People

In this section we’ll cover some basic yoga poses that are suitable as either yoga poses for beginners, or, for more advanced yogis, as some warm up poses before moving onto the more difficult poses.

Yoga Poses for Beginners

1. Partner forward fold

Benefits: This easy yoga pose for two stretches the hamstrings

What it looks like:

credit: Shape

How to do it: Sit opposite your partner with both of your legs wide apart and straightened out in front of you. Place the soles of your feet against your partners and take hold of each other’s forearms. One of you then slowly hinges forward from the hips while the other pulls you gently towards them. Keep going until you feel a deep stretch in your hamstrings, and then hold the pose here for a few breaths. Then slowly come back up and swap over, with the 2nd person this time bending forwards and the first person pulling them gently towards you. Again hold this position for a few breaths when they feel a stretch in their hamstrings.

2. Seated cat cow

Benefits: This couples yoga pose is a great stretch for the hips, core and back, and it also helps open up the chest

What it looks like:

credit: Wellgood

How to do it: This is a variation of the classic cat cow move. Sit cross legged opposite your partner and hold securely onto one another’s forearms. Next, find equal resistance between you and your partner and both draw your shoulders back and down. Inhale and slowly lift both your heads pushing out your chests simultaneously. Essentially this is the cow pose but in seated form. Hold this position for a moment, and then both exhale. As you breathe out, you both tuck in your chin to your chest and round out your upper back. Look towards your belly button to keep your back rounded and ensure you feel a stretch in your shoulder blades too. This is the cat pose in a seated position. Hold this pose for a few seconds, and then slowly alternate between the cat and cow positions a few times. This pose will require communication to ensure you are in sync.

3. Twin trees

Benefits: This balance pose improves balance and posture and opens up the hips

What it looks like:

credit: Yogapedia

How to do it: Stand next to each other shoulder to shoulder with your feet around hip width apart. Both plant your inside leg into the floor, spreading your toes and holding your weight through the whole of your foot. Next, slowly lift your other leg, bend at the knee and place the sole of your foot against either the side of your lower leg, or if you are comfortable with the balance, against the inside of your thigh. Avoid placing your foot against your knee as this will put unnecessary pressure on the joint. With your arms, you can either hold each others together out in front of you which is a little easier, or if you prefer you can raise your arms above your head for more of a challenge.

Doing this pose with a partner can help you practice your balance as you can both steady each other.

4. Chair pose

Benefits: This partner pose strengthens the quads and improves posture

What it looks like:

credit: Pinterest

How to do it: Stand back to back with your partner with your feet hip width apart and then slowly walk out your feet a little and lean into your partners back for support. You can interlace your arms with each other for stability if you feel comfortable to do so. The next part will require communication to ensure you are in time with each other. Slowly, squat down into a chair pose. You may need to adjust your feet further out so you can achieve the chair pose. Keep pushing against each other’s backs for stability. Hold this pose for a few breaths, and then slowly come back up and walk your feet in.

You can repeat this a few times, or alternatively for a fun little challenge why not see how long you can hold the pose for? Similar to the wall sit challenge. Warning, your thighs will burn!

5. Temple

Benefits: A great partner pose to open up the shoulders and chest

What it looks like:

credit: Pinterest

How to do it: Start off by facing each other in a standing position with your feet hip width apart. Inhale and extend your arms overhead, and then gently hinge forward at the hips until you meet hands with your partner. Once in this position, slowly begin to fold forward, bringing both of your elbows, forearms and hands so they rest against your partners. You need to rest equal weight against each other, pushing into the arms and hands so that your chest releases towards the ground. Hold for a few breaths, then slowly walk towards each other, bringing your torso upright and releasing your arms down.

6. Double Downward Dog

Benefits: A restorative pose which lengthens the spine and allows you to gain focus

What it looks like:

Modified Version – What it looks like:

credit: awildarivera

Credit modified: astrostyle

How to do it: Partner 1 begins in the downward dog pose. Partner 2 then faces the same direction, places their hands in front of Partner 1’s, and slowly lifts up their legs and places their feet against the lower back of Partner 1. You can enter this pose by stepping your feet onto your partners back from the side, or by starting a short distance in front of your partner in down dog, stepping your feet onto the lower back of your partner and then walking your hands in while straightening your legs to create the down dog shape.

To do the modified version of this pose, Partner 1 starts in child’s pose, and Partner 2 stands at an arms length distance away. Partner 1 then stretches their arms out and takes firm hold of Partner 2’s ankles. Partner 2 bends at the hips and places their hands against the back of Partner 1. Partner 2 should try to keep their legs as straight as possible to replicate the downward dog position.

Yoga Poses for 2: Intermediate

The yoga poses for two people in this section are for intermediate level yogis. If you have had a go at the easy beginner yoga poses for two people in the previous section and you feel like more of a challenge, give these ones a go! These poses require a bit more flexibility and strength than the beginner poses. Let’s get into it!

…And if you find the following poses too easy, keep on reading and give the advanced yoga poses for 2 a go!

7. Buddy boat

Benefits: This yoga pose for 2 people stretches the hamstrings and lower back, while also working the core muscles

What it looks like:

credit: corepoweryoga

How to do it: Sit opposite your partner, with about a half legs distance between both of you. Reach on the outside of your legs and grab hold of your partner’s hands. Bend your knees and start to place the soles of your feet together. Work to find balance with your partner on both of your sit bones, as oppose to sitting on your pelvis. You can ensure you are on your sit bones by tilting your pelvis into a neutral position and sitting up straight. Both partners then slowly straighten their legs to form the boat pose. Look upwards, draw your lower backs in and engage your core for the correct posture.

8. Double Plank

Benefits: A pose that looks easier than it is! This one improves overall strength with a focus on the core

What it looks like:

credit: jusbyjulie

How to do it: One person starts in a regular plank, then the second person places their hands on the ankles of their partner and steps up and places the tops of their feet onto their partners shoulders. This pose looks easier than it is! If you’re struggling you can modify this pose by doing the following. The base partner lies flat on their back while their partner places their hands flat on the floor on either side of the base partners ankles. The base partner then takes hold of their partners ankles and straightens their arms so that the top partner is in a plank position. Remember to squeeze your abs tight!

9. Square pose

Benefits: An interesting pose that stretches the hamstrings and lower back and opens up the shoulders

What it looks like:

credit: The Telegraph

How to do it: Start in the modified double plank position as described above. The base partner then sits up while raising their arms above their head, meanwhile the top partner simultaneously bends at the hips so that you create the square position.

For a challenge, why not see how many sit ups you can perform with this move? This is a great way to build your core strength.

10. Extended forward leg pose

Benefits: This move improves balance and posture, and helps to develop trust between you and your partner!

What it looks like:

credit: Fullotusyoga

How to do it: Stand facing each other, one leg’s length away. Raise your right leg to your partners left hip, while your partner raises their right leg to your left hip, both keeping your knee straight and your foot flexed. Take hold of your partners ankle to keep the leg in place. For a more challenging balance, you should place your leg on your partners shoulder, holding onto each others forearms for balance.

11. Warrior 3

Benefits: A variation of the well known Warrior 3 pose, this improves balance and opens up the chest

What it looks like:

credit: Corepoweryoga

How to do it: Start by standing facing one another with your feet parallel. Spread your toes and plant your feet, distributing your weight evenly. One partner then starts to move their torso forward into Warrior 3. Once they are stable, the second partner then also moves into Warrior 3. Both partners should then wrap their arm towards the inner thigh of their partner then hold onto their partner’s calf. To maintain balance, press your hips in to one another and ensure there is a slight bend in both of your knees. To release, slowly lower your legs down and move into a forward fold before standing back upright.

12. Chair & Shoulderstand

Benefits: This yoga pose for 2 improves balance, stretches the shoulders and opens the hips

What it looks like:

credit: Fullotusyoga

How to do it: Partner 1 starts in the chair pose (they may need to rest their back against a wall to keep balance to begin with). Partner 2 then pushes into a shoulder stand, placing their feet on Partner 1’s thighs. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then release.

Hard Yoga Poses for Two People: Advanced

The following yoga poses for two people are advanced level. Some of the poses in this section are a form of yoga called Acro Yoga. Acro Yoga is a practice that combines yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage. As you can imagine, these poses require a high level of strength, flexibility and balance.

If you are at beginner level, we wouldn’t recommend trying these poses without guidance from a trained professional who can help position and spot you to ensure that you do not injure yourself. Acro Yoga is gaining popularity and there are a growing number of classes all over the country, so have a look for a class near you!

13. Wheel

Benefits: This pose provides a deep back bend, and assists with flexibility in the hips and shoulders

What it looks like:

credit: Pinterest

How to do it: This one requires a little gymnastics! One person begins by laying on their stomach in the cobra position. The second partner has 2 options to enter the pose. They can either lay on their back, and the base partner reaches up one at a time and takes hold of their ankles. The top partner then bends their arms behind them, taking hold of their partners ankles, and pushes up through their arms (similar to pushing up into a single person wheel pose). For a more challenging entry, the base again begins in the cobra position, then reaches on hand up ready to catch the ankle of partner 2. This time partner 2 places their hands by the base partner’s ankles and pushes into a controlled handstand, lowering their legs down to meet the hands of the base partner.

14. Flying Bow

Benefits: This advanced pose improves lower body strength for the base person, while opening up the chest, lengthening the spine and releasing tension for the top person

Make this pose easier by doing half bow (keeping hold of each others hands for more stability)

What it looks like:

credit: Pinterest

How to do it: This pose can be achieved from the flying superman position. Once in the flying superman pose (see no. 16 below), the base takes firm hold of the top person’s shoulders to provide support while the top person bends one leg and reaches for their ankle, and then does the same on the other side whilst bending deeply into the back, to form the bow pose. If the top person remains stable and the base’s feet are positioned correctly, the base can then let go of the top person’s shoulders to create the flying bow look. Alternatively, you can modify the pose by keeping hold of each others hands for extra balance.

15. Flying Paschi

Benefits: This pose for 2 improves lower body and core strength for the base person, and stretches through the lower back and hamstrings for the top person

What it looks like:

How to do it: There is a great tutorial video by Acro Yoga with Super Dave that shows step by step how to achieve this pose.

16. Flying Superman

Benefits: This yoga pose stretches and strengthens the muscles of the chest, shoulders and arms, legs, abs and lower back. An all rounder!

What it looks like:

credit: Happening

How to do it: The base person begins by lying flat on their back and placing the soles of their feet against the abdomen of their partner. You can hold hands while pushing up into the position to help with balance. The base pushes through their legs to straighten them, lifting up their partner who lays flat on their stomach. You can then let go of each other’s hands, the base placing them back by their side and the “superman” partner extending them out in front of them to help with balance and resemble the classic “superman” pose.

17. Flying Handstand Scorpion

Benefits: This yoga pose for 2 builds strength in your arms and core while opening your chest

What it looks like:

credit: Dashama

How to do it: The base person lies flat on their back and places the soles of their feet on the lower back/glute area of the top person. The top person then raises their arms above their head and slowly begins to arch their back, aiming to place their hands on the abdomen of the base person. As they are arching backwards, the base simultaneously lifts and straightens their legs to bring the top person into the ‘flying’ position. The top person then bends into the scorpion pose, hooking their feet behind the legs of the base to keep the legs in position.

This pose requires a lot of balance and strength and should not be rushed. It may be easier for the top person to first get into flying camel pose, and then transition into the handstand scorpion.

So, there we have it!

So there you have it: 17 Best Yoga Poses for Two People.

From basic yoga poses to hard yoga poses for two people, we hope you were able to gain something from this article!

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Yoga Instructor, check out our range of accredited Yoga Teacher Training courses or read our guide on becoming a Yoga Teacher for more information.

As the birthplace of yoga thousands of years ago, it’s no wonder that so many people want to become a yoga teacher in India.

Whether you’re yet to qualify or are already a yoga teacher and want to make the move, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate step-by-step guide to how to become a yoga teacher in India, covering:

• Step 1- Plan And Research How And Why You Want To Become A Yoga Teacher In India
• Step 2- Gain The Required Qualifications To Become A Yoga Teacher In India
• Step 3- Gain Teaching Experience At Home Before You Become A Yoga Teacher In India
• Step 4- Get The Required Travel Documents To Become A Yoga Teacher In India
• Step 5- Get Insured To Become A Yoga Instructor In India
• Step 6- Prepare Your CV And Cover Letter To Become A Yoga Instructor In India
• Step 7- Find A Job As A Yoga Teacher In India

If you’d like to get qualified in the UK before taking your career abroad, OriGym’s Level 3 Diploma in Yoga Teaching is a great place to start. That’s because our qualification is internationally recognised, meaning you can take your work on the go!

To learn more about how this qualification can benefit your future, be sure to download our FREE course prospectus here.

Step 1- Plan And Research How And Why You Want To Become A Yoga Teacher In India

If you’ve decided that you want to become a yoga instructor in India, you may be tempted to jump straight on a plane!

But in fact, the more preparation you can do beforehand at home, the easier and quicker it will be to start working once you get to India.

The first step in how to become a yoga teacher in India is to think about your goals and aims for this career path.

Thinking about these things early-on will then make the rest of the process a lot easier, as you will be able to refer back to your goals to ensure that you are on-track.

Some things to consider are:

#1- Decide Where You Want To Become A Yoga Teacher In India

In the UK, yoga can sometimes be viewed as just another fitness class.

However, as the spiritual home of yoga, in India, yoga is an inherent part of everyday life! You will find yoga in every corner of the country and is practised by people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Due to its widespread nature, you should try to narrow down where exactly you want to teach yoga.

Here is a quick guide to India’s main locations for teaching yoga:

• Rishikesh. This is known as the ‘yoga capital of the world’ and is the spiritual hub of India. There are hundreds of yoga schools, studios and centres here, so you will be spoilt for choice! You will find all styles of yoga here, but particularly traditional Hatha and more spiritual practices such as Kundalini and meditation.
• Goa and Kerala. These Southern Indian states are also popular places for yoga, particularly if you want to teach on the beach! Here you will find a range of styles such as vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga and Yin.
• Mysore. This is the place to go if you want to become an Ashtanga yoga teacher in India, as it is where this practice originated from.

#2- Decide How You Want To Work As A Yoga Teacher In India

As well as the location, you should think about how you want to be employed as a yoga teacher in India.

We have a whole guide covering the different places you can teach yoga here, most of which apply to finding a yoga job in India.

In summary, your main options for where to teach yoga in India are:

• Working full-time for one employer
• Working as a part-time yoga teacher, and part-time in another job (for example, you could teach yoga part-time and work part-time in a hostel or cafe!)
• Working as a freelance yoga teacher for different employers
• Running your own yoga business or studio

But having an idea of the kind of employment you are looking for before you go will not only make the process of finding a job easier, but it will also help you plan your finances.

#3- Consider Your Financial Situation Before You Become A Yoga Teacher In India

If you’re wondering how to become a yoga teacher in India, you should ensure that you have the financial means to do so!

Some costs you should make sure you have accounted for before you go are:

• Accommodation
• Flights
• Visas
• Vaccinations
• Reserve funds for when you arrive – you may not start working straight away
• Travel insurance

Again, organising these financial details before you go means that you will be more prepared when you get there, avoids any nasty surprises and allows you to focus more on your yoga teaching!

Step 2- Gain The Required Qualifications To Become A Yoga Teacher In India

If you want to become a yoga instructor in India, the next and most important step is to get qualified!

Whilst you can of course take a yoga teacher training course in India, we recommend getting qualified here in the UK before you go- you’ll feel more prepared, confident and equipped to put all of your efforts into finding a job as a yoga teacher in India.

We have a whole article here detailing how to become a yoga instructor. But in summary, here are the two key qualifications you will need to become a yoga teacher in India:

Take A Level 3 Yoga Teacher Training Course To Become A Yoga Teacher In India

If you’re not already qualified, you will need to take a Level 3 yoga teacher training course.

This is the minimum requirement to work as a yoga teacher both in the UK and is the first step towards teaching yoga in India.

This is an entry-level course that will give you a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to start teaching yoga, covering:

• Anatomy and physiology for yoga
• Health and safety during yoga
• Planning a yoga session
• Teaching skills

This content is taught over 317 hours of learning, including 50 hours of practical teaching experience through in-person workshops- most yoga jobs in India will require you to have at least 200 hours of training.

To ensure that the course covers all the necessary content to become a yoga teacher, you should ensure that it is Ofqual-regulated, just like our yoga courses are.

Ofqual is the government body responsible for setting the frameworks for vocational course levels and for ensuring that all awarding bodies adhere to those frameworks.

In other words, Ofqual regulation acts as a ‘stamp of approval’ that a course meets the highest industry standards of teaching and education.

Take A Level 4 Yoga Teacher Training Course To Increase Your Chances Of Becoming A Yoga Teacher In India

Once you are a Level 3 yoga teacher, you can then enrol on a Level 4 yoga teacher training course. 

Here at OriGym, our Ofqual-regulated Level 4 course builds on what you learnt in your Level 3 course, covering topics such as:

• Teaching Yoga as a Profession
• Understanding and Applying the Philosophy and Spiritual Principles of Yoga
• Yogic Breathing Styles
• Teaching Asana to Meet the Needs of Mixed Ability Students
• Planning & Delivering Yoga Sessions

Our course also allows you to then specialise in one of four types of yoga:

• Ashtanga
• Hatha
• Hot
• Iyengar

Specialising in a particular type of yoga is a great way to enhance your employability both in the UK and India, as it opens you up to a wider range of roles.

Plus, in India especially, you are more likely to find roles for a specific type of yoga teacher. Whereas in the UK, gyms and studios typically hire a general yoga teacher.

For example, this advert below is for a specific Hatha yoga teacher in India:

If you become a freelance yoga teacher in India, you can also charge more for your specialty services!

Do I Need A Specific Indian Qualification To Become A Yoga Teacher In India?

If you have been researching how to become a yoga teacher in India, you may be wondering whether you need a specific Indian qualification to teach yoga there.

You may have come across the terms ‘YCB’ and ‘AYUSH’ in terms of yoga certification and accreditation in India.

AYUSH stands for The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.

It was set up by the Indian government in 2015 and is responsible for developing research and education in India’s ‘alternative medicine’ systems.

YCB stands for the Yoga Certification Board, and is part of The Ministry of AYUSH.

The YCB provides regulation and certification specifically for yoga professionals in India, helping maintain high standards of education and training across yoga teachers and schools in India.

In most cases, getting your Level 3 and Level 4 yoga qualifications with OriGym in the UK is enough to allow you to become a yoga instructor in India.

However, you may find that some yoga jobs in India will ask for a YCB certified yoga teacher.

But don’t worry! Once you are a qualified Level 3 or 4 yoga teacher, it is easy to get this YCB certification.

The YCB has five main levels of yoga teacher training, which it lists on its website here.

But in summary, the level you will need to look at is called ‘Yoga Protocol Instructor’, which qualifies you to teach in most capacities in India.

The YCB Yoga Protocol Instructor exam usually consists of an hour written multiple choice examination, and an hour practical examination where you will demonstrate your yoga skills in front of an examiner.

If you have taken your Level 3 and 4 yoga qualifications with OriGym, you will therefore be more than equipped to take the YCB exam and you should find it easy!

Since it is an Indian institution, you can only take the YCB Yoga Protocol Instructor in India itself.

The YCB has a handy guide to how to apply for this exam here.

For a foreign yoga professional to take this YCB exam, the fee is usually around £142.

With this in mind, we recommend seeing whether you can find a job as a yoga teacher first.

If you are finding that employers are asking for a YCB certificate, then you could look into taking the YCB exam.

So, whilst you can easily find a job as a yoga teacher in India with OriGym’s yoga teacher training qualification, you may find that taking the YCB exam when you get there simply opens you up to some more jobs.

– – – –

Enjoying this article so far? Here’s 3 more that we think you’ll love:

• How To Become A Yoga Teacher In Australia
• How To Get Started Teaching Yoga Abroad
• How To Become A Yoga Teacher On A Cruise Ship

Step 3- Gain Teaching Experience At Home Before You Become A Yoga Teacher In India

Once you are qualified, the next step in how to become a yoga teacher in India is to get some teaching experience at home before you go.

Spending the time to do this before you go to India will make it easier for you to find a job when you get there.

This is because as a highly competitive market, most yoga teacher jobs in India will require applicants to have some prior teaching experience.

Remember that yoga is a way of life in India and people start practising it from childhood. This means that there are a lot more people wanting to become yoga teachers there than in the UK!

As well as helping you find a job teaching yoga in India, getting experience at home before you go will also give you more confidence and help you find your own unique teaching style.

This will then make the whole process of becoming a yoga teacher in India a lot less daunting!

Step 4- Get The Required Travel Documents To Become A Yoga Teacher In India

Before we can go any further with how to become a yoga teacher, you should ensure that you have the required documents to live and work in India.

Without these, you definitely won’t be able to become a yoga teacher in India!

The main documents you will need to prepare before you go are:

• Passport. According to the British Government’s travel advice for India, you should ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in India.
• Visa. To live and work in India, you will need to apply for an employment visa from the High Commission Of India here

It’s important to bear in mind that the process of applying for and receiving your visa can take weeks or even months! So ensure that you apply in plenty of time before you are planning to leave for India to avoid complications.

You should also make physical copies of all of your documents, as you never know when you will need them!

Depending on where you go in India, many organisations will still require hard copies of documents rather than electronic versions.

Some documents that are useful to have copies of are:

• Copies of your passport and visa
• Birth certificate
• Several passport photos
• Your yoga course certificate
• Your visa
• Driving licence
• Insurance policy- which we will cover next!

One final thing to bear in mind is that there are restrictions on taking Indian currency (Rupees) into India- you cannot bring any amount of Rupees into the country.

You will therefore need to bring a bank card with you that you can use to withdraw cash when you get to India, so ensure that your bank card has enough money on it and you are aware of any cash withdrawal limits.

Step 5 – Get Insured To Become A Yoga Instructor In India

There are 2 types of insurance you will need: general travel insurance for working in India, and yoga teacher insurance.

Travel Insurance To Work Abroad

This is essentially insurance that covers you for any type of work in India and is different from general travel insurance you might get for holidays and leisure.

With a working abroad travel insurance policy, you should be covered for things such as:

• Accidents and injuries whilst working
• Travel costs if you have to return home because of an injury at work
• Loss of damage of your luggage and belongings

Without the right insurance, you would have to cover the cost of these things yourself.

India does not have public healthcare like we do in the UK, so medical care can be very expensive if you are not insured.

Top Dog Insurance and Navigator Insurance both have good working abroad

Yoga Teacher Insurance

Just like any yoga teacher job in the UK, you will need yoga teacher insurance to become a yoga teacher in India.

If you have been teaching yoga in the UK, this is something that you should already have. But if you’ve just recently qualified, this is something you should invest in before moving to India.

We have a whole guide to yoga teacher insurance here.

In summary, the main types of insurance you will need are:

• Public liability insurance. This covers you in cases such as a student getting injured during one of your classes, or if you damage equipment provided to you by a studio you are working in, for example.
• Professional liability insurance. This is particularly important if you are wanting to become a yoga instructor in India on a self-employed/ freelance basis. This covers claims of professional mistakes or professional negligence.

For example, if a student claims that they have received incorrect advice from you, this covers you for the costs of defending yourself in court.

• Equipment insurance. Whilst not essential, getting equipment insurance is a good idea if you are using your own yoga equipment. This covers you in the case of your equipment being lost, damaged or stolen.

Insure 4 Sport and BeYogi both have good insurance policies to look into.

Step 6- Prepare Your CV And Cover Letter To Become A Yoga Instructor In India

The next step in preparing to become a yoga teacher in India is to write your CV and cover letter.

Preparing these things now will mean that you have them ready for when it comes to applying for a yoga teaching job in India, as you will nearly always have to include them as part of an application.

If you are planning on finding a job when you get there (as we will discuss next), it is a good idea to print some copies of your CV to take with you.

Depending on the type of job you are applying for, you may also need a cover letter.

Where a CV is a more general overview of yourself, a cover letter should be tailored to each specific job you are applying for.

It is a good idea to prepare a draft cover letter that you can then adapt to different employers.

Step 7- Find A Job As A Yoga Teacher In India

Now that you have prepared everything, the final step is to actually find a yoga teaching job in India!

There are two main options for how to do this:

Option #1- Find A Yoga Teaching Job In India Before You Go To India

If you want to ensure that you have a job as soon as you arrive in India, it is a good idea to look for positions online before you go.

Some useful websites that list yoga jobs in India are:

• Indeed India
• Yoga Travel Jobs
• Naukri 
• Placement India

On all of these websites, you can refine your search according to criteria such as:

• Specific location/region in India
• Type of employment, i.e. part-time, full-time, freelance
• Type of yoga
• Experience level
• Salary

Knowing you have a job secured before you go means that you can plan your finances for things such as paying your accommodation and other costs of living.

However, finding your job before you go means that you may have much less options- this is because in general, in India, many yoga teaching jobs are not advertised online.

Instead, you may be more likely to find a job when you are there through word-of-mouth or by seeing a physical job advert on a shop window!

Option #2- Find A Yoga Teaching Job When You Get To India

If you are wanting to become a yoga instructor in India, you can also find a job when you’re out there!

Some ways to do this are:

• Networking with other yoga teachers
• Using social media, e.g. posting to tell your followers that you are in India looking for a teaching job
• Physical job advert posters/ flyers
• Word-of-mouth

This opens you up to a lot more opportunities since not all yoga teacher jobs in India will be advertised online.

However, you should make sure that you are able to financially sustain yourself for at least a few weeks when you arrive.

This ensures that you can cover your costs of living before you receive your first salary, or if it takes you longer than you anticipate to find a job.

Before You Go!

Now that you know how to become a yoga instructor in India you can put our advice into practice.

The first step in pursuing this exciting career venture is to earn a Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga! Through completing this qualification, you will be officially recognised as a certified instructor and can take your practice on the go!

Remember, you can download our free course prospectus to learn more about this qualification!

Below are the 19 best DVDs for yoga lovers, covering yoga for kids and workouts for weight loss, to the best yoga routines to practice during pregnancy and everything in between.

Before we get started, have you ever thought about making a career out of your love for yoga? Enquire about our Level 3 Yoga Teaching course or check out our full guide to becoming a Yoga Instructor.

19 Best Yoga DVDs (UK)

#1 Yoga Stretch for Beginners and Beyond with Jessica Smith

Price: £14.00

First on our list is Amazon’s Choice for the best yoga DVD for beginners to buy in the UK.

This is a brilliant yoga fitness DVD, hosted by Jessica Smith, a certified yoga instructor and wellness coach with 20 years experience in the industry and host of the half-million subscriber YouTube fitness channel, JESSICASMITHTV.

This 1-Hour yoga workout DVD is split into two gentle routines, making it the perfect option for beginners looking for somewhere to start.

Developed for those of us who are short on time and hard on ourselves in the early stages of beginning a new fitness journey, this yoga for beginners DVD requires no previous experience and uses no complex yoga terminology so you’ll never be lost mid-practice or made to feel inexperienced.

Shot by a Miami poolside, the DVD is split into an AM ‘Energising Flow’ and PM ‘Relaxing Flow’, both of which are 30-minutes in length and come complete with instructions backed by either classical musical or string guitar.

The AM Energizing Flow includes yoga-inspired stretch routines and familiar yoga poses such as warrior, downward-facing dog, and cat-cow to get muscle groups working and build stamina.

The PM Relaxing Flow is gentler, designed to help you destress with deeper stretches to improve overall range of motion. Both sequences finish with a short meditation.

Yoga Stretch for Beginners and Beyond has been developed to build the foundations of total body strength, stamina, flexibility, and most importantly the self-confidence necessary to make the first step physically and mentally towards more advanced practices at a pace that suits your body and lifestyle.

#2 Yoga Made Simple: For a fitter healthier you: 4 workouts for Beginners & Improvers

Price: £10.00

Hosted by TV Sports Presenter and founder of the thriving yoga company Alexandra Legouix, Yoga Made Simple is a 1 hour and 25 minute long yoga fitness DVD divided into four core workouts that you can do at any time, anywhere.

A complete introduction to the foundations of yoga for beginners, Yoga Made Simple doubles as a great Yin yoga DVD with traditional Yin exercises for building self-control.

The DVD includes a ‘Mindful Meditation’ section to help calm the mind, stretching exercises to encourage better body form, a more challenging ‘Yoga Tone’ section for building up muscle definition, and an ‘Energising Flow’ segment filled with classic yoga poses and postures to invigorate, energise, and strengthen the body.

Alexandra gives simple and clear instructions, making this DVD one of the easiest to follow, with simple poses and effective routines it’s an especially great choice for beginner yogis.

Looking for new poses to try with your yoga partner? Check out these brilliant yoga poses for two.

#3 Yoga For Weight Loss [3 DVD Set]

Price: £15.08

This yoga DVD for weight loss by BodyWisdom comes in a set of 3 discs, each of which is a top-seller in its own right.

Together the compilation has over 35 routines to target problem areas, tone the body, and promote weight loss.

Whether you’re looking for the best yoga DVDs for beginners or more experienced practitioners, this option is a great bet as the program is split into two levels.

With stunning, escapist filming locations including a glacier natural park and Half-Moon Bay, Antigua, each DVD delivers total-body programs to tone, destress, maximise flexibility, and boost your overall energy levels.

Disc 1 includes 8 targeted flow yoga routines to challenge core strength, legs, arms, hips, and the back.

Disc 2 is packed with customised practices delivered by veteran instructor Maggie Rhoades, each routine ranging from 15 to 60 minutes in length.

Finally,  Disc 3, ‘Power Yoga For Everybody’, includes Slow Flow vinyasa sequences by instructor Barbara Benagh, as well as AM and PM practices ranging from 20 to 120 minutes in length.

Overall, the Yoga for Weight Loss DVD is a replete series of workouts that can progress with you as you advance throughout your health and fitness journey.

#4 Jillian Michael: Yoga Meltdown

Price: £5.79

Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels from NBC’s The Biggest Loser hosts Yoga Meltdown, a compilation of stretches and cardio to push your body, work up a sweat, build muscle and burn calories.

This is one of the best yoga DVDs for home practice, complete with two 30-minute workouts, both including a full warm-up and cool-down, too.

The first session focuses on a fast-paced, dynamic, and cardio fueled yoga flow and hard-core yoga power poses, incorporating a lot of upward/downward dogs, warrior postures, and exercises working hamstrings and glutes.

The second 30-minute session includes twists, balance postures, and more advanced yoga moves targeting flexibility and muscle definition.

As you would expect it’s a high-impact workout, so for beginners, it might be a struggle to complete the full session on your first try, but if you stick with it you will definitely get there and see some impressive results for fat loss and building muscle.

#5 Yoga Boost: Beginner’s Yoga System For Men and Women Who Don’t Normally Do Yoga

Price: £33.95

Want to know ‘what are the best yoga dvds for beginners?’, well we’re here to tell you that Yoga Boost is definitely up there.

From Dean Pohlman, author of bestseller Yoga Fitness for Men: Build Strength, Improve Performance, and Increase Flexibility comes Yoga Boost, is an especially brilliant mens yoga DVD that cuts out gimmicks completely and focuses on building muscle.

Not only that, we also rate this as one of the best yoga DVDs for flexibility if that is something that you want to improve.

A four-part series, ‘Yoga Sharpen’, ‘Yoga Strength’, ‘Yoga Sweat’, and ‘Yoga Stretch and Destress’, each session is around 20 to 30-minutes in length and includes low to high impact workouts for beginners up to experienced yogis.

With only a mat and block, your host Dean will lead you through vinyasa flows, balancing poses, beginners power yoga, and muscle recovery stretches amongst many more.

Stripped back to no scenery or music, just Dean, a block, and a mat, this is one for those who prefer a gym to a mountain top retreat.

Each of the poses are clearly explained, allowing you to focus on your body and posture without the need to glance at the screen, with Dean providing straight-talking encouragement for you to really push yourself further.

With some of the best yoga DVD reviews on Amazon, Yoga Boost is a must-try for those who want a gym-style workout with all the benefits of yoga.

But don’t just take our word for it. If you’re still not convinced that this is a good yoga dvd to buy, check out some of their 4.5 star reviews from almost five hundred customers over on Amazon.

#6 Total Yoga Collection – 4 Disc Box Set [DVD]

Price: £16.98

This Four-part yoga DVD set is led by husband and wife team Ganga White and Tracey Rich,  directors of the Santa Barbra yoga retreat center the White Lotus Foundation, and described as the “architects of American yoga” by the Yoga Journal.

Together, they are internationally renowned, having proved themselves as fun, easy to follow instructors, over their years in the industry.

In their four-part Total Collection of Yoga DVDs, they promote a three-sixty approach to good physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Disc 1, ‘Total Yoga The Original’, introduces the benefits of yoga with classic, easy-to-follow postures.

Disc 2, ‘Earth’, includes their Level 1 Flow series with an emphasis on conscious breathing and deep relaxation.

Disc 3, ‘Water’, is their Level 2 Flow series where poses such as warrior, boat pose, and sun salutations are introduced.

Disc 4, ‘Fire’, completes the compilation with their most advanced sessions combining classic postures with aerobic exercises, both of which make this particular disc one of the best yoga DVDs for toning.

The four discs together make for a complete program to take you from beginner to advanced yoga at your own pace, allowing you to recap foundation poses and breathing, full classes on demand, in the privacy of your own home.

#7 Cosmic Kids Yoga

Price: £12.00

Wondering ‘what is the best yoga DVD for kids?’ Cosmic Kids is a great choice!

Split into three sessions of 15-minutes classes for ages three and up, Cosmic Kids Yoga began in 2012 as a YouTube channel, and now it has almost a million subscribers.

The Cosmic Kids children’s yoga DVD set has proven to be such a popular choice that it has now run to its third series, plus its Amazon’s Choice for a yoga DVD for children.

Cosmic Kids Yoga is a great way to capture your kid’s attention, get them active, and start them off on the road to a healthy lifestyle encouraging mindfulness, balance, and confidence.

Jaime, the DVD’s host, guides the children through a kinesthetic story adventure as they copy her poses.

Series 1 includes three stories: ‘Squish the Fish’, ‘Parsnip the Cat’, and ‘Kickapoo the Kangaroo’.

Series 2, Bedtime Yoga: ‘Twilight the Unicorn of Dreams’, ‘Tommy the Bedtime Turtle’, and ‘Fernando the Silver Fox of the Night’.

Series 3, I Love Being Me: ‘Stella the Stick Insect’, ‘Norris the Baby Seahorse’, ‘Dodgson the Dodo’ and ‘The Bye Bye Boat’.

Each DVD runs to just under 1-hour if all stories are played together, and the DVD works just as well with groups of kids as it does children practicing alone.

Cosmic Kids Yoga is great because it combines TV watching with the natural restlessness of toddlers and preschool-age kids to help them burn off energy in a fun, engaging, and health-packed storytime.

#8 Gaiam Athletic Yoga: Yoga for Runners

Price: £12.53

A 1-hour feature with runner and yoga instructor Matt Giordano, Gaiam Athletic Yoga: Yoga for Runners explores bio-mechanics, and mind and body techniques in three 20-minute practices developed for runners to enhance performance, stretch and strengthen muscles, limit the chance of injury, and aid joint recovery.

Sessions include the ‘Pre-Run Practice’ to help prepare joints and muscles, ‘Yoga for Conditioning’ for non-training days with poses focusing on bone realignment and muscle tension and aches, and the ‘Post-Run Practice’ for muscle tension and recovery.

The DVD also includes four bonus 1-2 minute videos with further details to help you go deeper into your stretches, with poses such as ‘Lizard Pose’ for the groin and the thighs and ‘Soleful Stretch’ for the soles of the feet.

With no yoga terminology and shorter sessions to fit around your running schedule, this yoga DVD for runners is a great addition to your training schedule to aid calves, hamstrings, glutes,  and quads.

#9 Yoga Edge DVD

Price: £31.00

Another one from Dean Pohlman, Yoga Edge is a great yoga for runners DVD with a targeted program for competitors of all types who regularly put a lot of stress onto their body with daily training.

Yoga Edge is tailored to be used on days off with the overall aim of improving performance and recovery.

The DVD is built up of 25-minute exercises for rest days and post workouts, led by Dean and focusing on core strength and stretching to increase agility soothing sore muscles, protecting joints, and maximising full-body health.

Don’t believe that this yoga DVD is a must have? Find out all about the importance of rest days here.

Yoga Edge’s stand out feature is a unique matrix allowing you to select your yoga workout according to the sport you play.

Promising to be the missing puzzle piece to your training regime, Dean has designed anatomy-based flow series aimed at strengthening knees and ankles, glutes, improving hip flexibility, easing lower back problems, booster range of motion, and better your balance.

Yoga Edge is a great choice for athletes and competitors looking to lower their chances of injury and maximise their performance with the natural benefits of yoga.

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#10 Shiva Rea Daily Energy Vinyasa Flow Yoga DVD

Price: £16.05

One of the best vinyasa DVDs available for purchase on Amazon with four stars out of 377 ratings, Shiva Rea Daily Energy Vinyasa Flow Yoga, hosted by yoga teacher Shiva Rea, is a compilation of smooth, classic yoga postures and poses which are easy to follow and clearly instructed.

The DVD includes seven 20 minute videos, solar practices for morning and day, and lunar practices for evening stretching and flexibility training.

Poses are suitable for beginner and advanced practitioners and the DVD comes with a 6-minute video to test starting ability and track your progress.

Routines are customisable according to your preferences, meaning you can make your own programs choosing introduction, meditation, main exercise, and cool down.

The length of videos also means routines can be easily slotted into a busy working schedule allowing your practice to adapt to your lifestyle.

#11 The Barkan Method: Hot Yoga DVD

Price: £19.22

If you’re interested in trying the Californian craze of the 90s, Bikram yoga, in the comfort of your own home The Barkan Method: Hot Yoga is a recorded, one on one live hot yoga class with all of Bikram’s original poses.

The DVD runs for a 1-Hour session with James Barkan hosting and includes all of the 21 poses and flows of classic Bikram-style hot yoga, a tough practice targeting stretching and balance.

James moves through flows and poses at a gentle pace and gives clear verbal instruction allowing you to focus on your poses, and in time with practice, allowing you to repeat your class at home flowing smoothly through postures without glancing at the DVD or a mirror.

James gives two options of beginner and advanced poses so the DVD can be used by beginners interested in trying hot yoga and seasoned practitioners.

Another great yoga practice for athletes and competitors, many of these stretching poses are taken from sports and work wonderfully for joints, increasing flexibility, and lowering recovery time.

Ever considered making a career out our your love for yoga? OriGym explain everything you need to know about free yoga teacher training here!

#12 Element: Hatha & Flow Yoga for Beginners DVD

Price: £5.99

Filmed by the Pacific Ocean beaches, Element: Hatha & Flow Yoga for Beginners is one of the best Hatha flow yoga DVDs out there.

The 30-minute Hatha yoga session promotes relaxation and stress reduction and the 30-minute flow sequence builds up muscle strength, supports body toning, and increases flexibility.

Hatha yoga is a practice best for recharging and circulation and Tamal Dodge, the DVDs instructor is encouraging, motivating and gives excellent guidance on creating awareness by encouraging your focus to fall to and remain on your breathing.

Dodge’s instruction is a well-paced, step-by-step guide through poses, many of which will require the use of a strap, belt, or towel to aid in stretching.

Element: Hatha & Flow Yoga for Beginners is a challenging workout, if you decide this is the DVD for you go easy on yourself with rest breaks listening to your body as you go.

This combination practice DVD is a wonderful way to release stress, improve mental health with meditation and mindfulness training, and improve your concentration all whilst supporting your body and health journey.

#13 Kundalini Yoga for Circulation and Detoxification DVD

Price: £31.10

Renowned Kundalini yoga teacher Gurmukh, co-founder, and director of the Golden Bridge Yoga Center in Los Angeles, and Snatam Kaur, American singer and world peace activist, teach this Kundalini Yoga and meditation class backed by Snatam Kaur’s new-age Indian devotional music.

Recorded live at Spirit Voyage’s second Sat Nam Fest in September 2011, this yoga DVD is a live concert replete with the energy of hundreds of live practising yogis.

This is one of the best Kundalini yoga DVDs, so you can expect to reap all of the rewards of Kundalini yoga, such as a focus on lymphatic health, detoxification of the body, improved circulation, and heightened immunity.

The workout itself is pretty tough, with postures like sun salutations paired with dance cardio to really work your muscles, and improve your upper body and core strength.

Kundalini Yoga for Circulation and Detoxification DVD is a perfect choice for experienced practitioners looking for a DVD with a difference.

#14 Yoga for Seniors with Jane Adams (2nd edition)

Price: £37.95

One of the best yoga DVDs for beginners over 70, with 4.5 stars of almost a thousand ratings on Amazon UK, is this yoga DVD for seniors taught by yoga veteran instructor, Jane Adams.

Jane has over 20 years of experience and holds a certificate in RYT 500 yoga teacher training in Yoga for Seniors and Therapeutic Yoga.

With a run time of over 2-hours and set in a sunny garden in Kalispell, Montana, the program includes 3 practices (levels 1 -3), so it accommodates seniors wanting to progress at their own pace, and it’s also a great option for middle-aged practitioners.

Jane’s voice-over is clear, mirroring her poses, so it’s super easy to follow her instructions, if she wants you to lift your left leg, she will tell you and lift her leg on screen too, meaning you can see exactly what to do and how to do it.

As an idea of what you can expect from this pregnancy yoga DVD, the poses and flows focus on good posture, deep breathing, relaxation, meditation, and mental alertness.

Level 1 is 26 minutes long and focuses on improving range-of-motion and joint health with gentle twists and stretches, leg and arm lifts, wrist and ankle rotations, all performed whilst seated.

Level 2 is a little longer (40 minutes) and involves alternate sitting and standing movements.

When practicing balancing poses Jane recommends using the chair to steady yourself. The practice targets strength, flexibility, and balance.

Finally, Level 3, which lasts 55 minutes, is a tougher practice. Broken into 6 small flows, this level alternates between sitting and standing, with more time spent on your feet than in Level 2.

Yoga for Seniors with Jane Adams is a great option for seniors with stiff joints, or older people who struggle to find options for exercise classes, and can help build the physical stamina to support them living more independently.

#15 Jane Fonda: AM/PM Yoga For Beginners

Price: £27.64

Jane Fonda’s AM/PM program is a great yoga DVD for beginners over 50 and has three morning programs: ‘Abs & Back’, ‘Energy’, and ‘Strength’ to rejuvenate and energise and two night sequences ‘Mobility’ and ‘Relaxation’ to relieve a day’s worth of tension and stress.

With a run time of 50 minutes, the focus is on strengthening core muscles for lower back support, light stretches, basic yoga poses, weight training routines, and removing tension from the hips, back, and legs.

Many exercises incorporate a chair and the DVD includes a bonus 5-Minute stability and posture session to improve your balance.

Exercises overall are gentle, simple, and ideal for seniors to build strength and stability and Jane is sincere, easy-to-understand, and an encouraging familiar face.

#16 Gentle Yoga for Balance, Flexibility and Mobility, Relaxation, Stretching for All Levels

Price: £28.00

Another one from trainer and YouTube influencer Jessica Smith, this is arguably the best pregnancy yoga DVD out there.

Gentle but effective, this DVD includes four 20-minute flows, each focusing on flexibility and stretches.

It includes chair modifications to make the moves easier, and the DVD menu allows you the option to customise the routine so that you can choose a class tailored to your body and exercise needs.

Thanks to the use of a chair and gentler flows, this yoga for pregnancy DVD also doubles up as a great yoga DVD for seniors.

To take part all you will need is a mat or a towel, chair, and a pillow to make certain poses gentler on the knees.

Flow 1 is designed to release tension in the shoulders and neck, Flow 2 to ease back pain and improve posture, Flow 3 focuses on hips and joints, and Flow 4 full-body stretching.

With Jessica’s emphasis on stretching and easing aches and discomfort, Gentle Yoga for Balance is also a great option for those who suffer chronic back or joint pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

#17 Yoga Pregnancy: Pre and Post Natal Workouts

Price: £5.36

With two 30-minutes pre and postnatal workouts, Yoga Pregnancy is targeted to help moms-to-be to help control weight gain, build strength, improve mental focus, and maximise flexibility.

This antenatal yoga DVD is designed to help with back and ankle pain, relieve stress and tension, regain your pre-pregnancy shape at a health fueled rate and potentially ease the delivery process by building up appropriate muscles.

The workouts open with floor movements, progressing into standing postures, and then close with stretching and relaxation.

The DVD shows three female instructors each performing beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercise options so that you can mirror whichever difficulty suits your fitness level best.

The program’s host Heather Seiniger is a mum herself and is encouraging, supportive, and clear in her voice-over creating a tension relieving atmosphere.

The sequences are best for the second trimester of pregnancy onwards as they are slow-paced focusing on relaxation. Yoga Pregnancy has all the sequences necessary for a gentle exercise routine during pregnancy.

Thinking about a career as a yoga teacher? Our recent blog post explains exactly what makes a great yoga instructor.

#18 Yoga For Stress Relief

Price: £19.98

Instructor Barbara Benagh, with over 35 years of experience and described as: “One of the most intelligent and insightful teachers around” by the Yoga Journal, hosts Yoga For Stress Relief.

This really is one of the best yoga dvds for stress relief, with Barbara Benaghand and her co-host Dalai Lama guiding you through a 30-minute meditation.

The pair have put together a great yoga for anxiety DVD, complete with over 20 routines for mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Breathing techniques and postures are taken from Hatha yoga, moved through at a gentle pace, and are equally as effective for beginners as they are advanced practitioners.

With a total run time of 6 hours, routines range from 15 to 60 minutes in length targeting insomnia, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain targeting the neck, shoulders, and joints.

Step-by-steps are easy to follow focusing on mindfulness, reducing negative thoughts, subsequent negative emotions, and promoting positive thinking. The DVD has an interactive system allowing you to customise your routines to fit your needs and tailor your practice.

This is a great yoga class to practice daily to relieve symptoms of chronic conditions, keep mental health at a max, and reduce stress and anxiety.

#19 Yoga Strong: Power Yoga For Weight

Price: £30.95

Yoga Strong: Power Yoga For Weight is a complete power yoga conditioning program created for all fitness levels beginner through to advanced and has separate sections for the upper body, lower body, and total body.

A more aggressive routine than traditional yoga, Yoga Strong uses a form of slow-burn power yoga promising “total body transformation” working muscle groups conventional exercises can neglect.

The program promises to help you build lean muscle in your chest, upper back, shoulders, glutes, core, and thighs.

The DVD includes three workouts, each running 20-40 minutes in length.

Each and every exercise within this yoga DVD aims to promote weight loss, improve performance, improve balance, build lean muscle, and renew physical vitality by improving joints and relieving chronic pain.

Yoga Strong can be used as a stand-alone fitness program or as a supplement to training. It is a power yoga DVD great for athletes, those who already have a good level of fitness, intermediate or advanced yogis, and beginners who are ready to feel the burn, serious about getting into shape.

Before You Go!

Whatever you are looking for from a yoga DVD, we hope that the list above has helped you to decide on the best option for you!

If you enjoyed our rundown of the best yoga DVDs of 2023, you’ll love our recent blog post ranking the 18 best YouTube Yoga Channels.

But before you go, why not enquire about our Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga and kick-start an exciting new career! Or, check out our course prospectus for everything that you need to know about the range of courses that you can study with OriGym.

Whether you’re already a yoga teacher or are wanting to get into the industry, being a trauma informed yoga teacher is a highly rewarding and lucrative career.

That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate step-by-step guide to how to become a trauma informed yoga instructor, covering:

• Step 1 – Securing the Right Trauma Informed Yoga Training
• Step 2 – Get the Right Insurance for a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher
• Step 3 – Finding Your Role as a Trauma Informed Teacher
• Step 4 – Career Progression Options for a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher

Before you even think of pursuing this role, you will first need to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Yoga Teaching. With this qualification, you will be able to plan and lead a variety of different yoga classes with confidence.

To learn more about this specific qualification be sure to download our FREE course prospectus!

Step 1 – Securing the Right Trauma Informed Yoga Training

If you want to become a qualified trauma informed yoga teacher, you may start by looking for a course that offers trauma informed yoga training in the UK.

But in fact, the first step to become a yoga instructor is to take an accredited qualification, such as OriGym’s Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga.

A Level 3 qualification is the bare minimum required to operate as any kind of yoga teacher in the UK in any capacity.

Taking approximately 10 weeks to complete, the course combines online lectures, videos, and eBooks with practical workshops.

This provides you with both the theoretical and practical knowledge that you need to plan and deliver an effective yoga class.

Once completed, you’ll know how to teach sessions which take special populations into consideration.

This includes children, those with disabilities and the elderly- all of whom are vulnerable groups who may have been affected by trauma.

When applying for a role as a yoga instructor, most employers require applicants to have completed a 200-hour yoga application, as shown in the Virgin Active job advert below:

If you take your Level 3 course with OriGym, you will be more than eligible for this role. This is because our course includes 400 hours of learning, which is double the usual expected standard of 200 hours that most training courses offer.

Do You Need a Specific Trauma-Informed Yoga Certification?

If you’re wondering how to become a trauma informed yoga instructor, you may be wondering whether you need a specific trauma informed qualification.

The short answer is, yes you do!

Once you’ve completed your Level 3 qualification, you must then complete a specific trauma-informed yoga teacher training course.

This isn’t often the case with yoga, but when working with those with trauma it’s highly recommended that you do complete a specifically-tailored qualification.

Although trauma-informed yoga incorporates many aspects of styles of yoga such as Hatha yoga, it is specifically focused on using the practice as a way to help trauma sufferers. If you want to find out how you can become a hatha yoga teacher, check out our article!

There are also many differences between regular yoga and trauma informed yoga.

For example, unlike many regular yoga classes, trauma informed yoga does not use physical hands-on adjustments to influence a participant’s physical form.

Instead, in trauma-informed yoga, students are encouraged to make changes to their positions themselves, in order to reflect a wider message of having control and a positive relationship with their own bodies.

Taking a specific trauma-informed yoga teacher training will therefore make sure that you are aware of these kinds of differences and train you appropriately.

You should also complete a separate trauma-informed yoga certification, because trauma informed yoga jobs are often based in charities or healthcare, where you’ll be dealing with vulnerable people.

Your clients are likely to have trauma-related mental health issues, such as PTSD or depression, which require specialist medical treatment and monitoring.

You’ll therefore need specific knowledge and skills to help them in a way that is relevant to their treatment, as well as with compassion and empathy.

For example, as a trauma-informed yoga instructor, you will be expected to be:

• Able to understand language which may be triggering for those suffering with trauma
• Informed about flashbacks, triggers, and dissociative states
• Able to create a safe space for students to step out of any practice if they feel triggered or overwhelmed

This is why many trauma informed yoga teacher jobs ask applicants to have a trauma-informed qualification alongside a teacher training certificate.

For example, the job advert below for a yoga instructor working with refugee young women with significant trauma states that applications must have at least a 200 hour standard yoga teacher qualification, plus a specific trauma-focused qualification.

To enrol on a trauma-informed yoga teacher training course, you must already have a Level 3 yoga certification.

For example, this is the case for this trauma-informed yoga certification from TCTSY:

Trauma-informed yoga courses such as this one will give you a thorough understanding of complex and developmental trauma, as well as PTSD throughout the life cycle.

You’ll also gain the skills necessary to facilitate trauma-informed yoga sessions with individuals and small groups, as a treatment for trauma in your community of choice.

Step 2 – Getting the Right Insurance for a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher

When developing your career, you may choose to:

• Become An Iyengar Yoga Teacher
• Become an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher
• Become A Bikram Yoga Instructor

However, whatever teacher you become, it’s crucial you have the right yoga teacher insurance.

This will cover you financially in the case of things such as illness, injury and equipment damage.

However, this is especially important when learning how to become a trauma informed yoga instructor.

This is because you’ll be working with those who are vulnerable, so there may be additional things that you will need to be covered for.

For instance, those with PTSD may suffer with symptoms such as flashbacks, chronic pain, and even autoimmune diseases. These things can then put them at a higher risk of illness or injury during a yoga class.

If you are wondering how to become a trauma informed yoga instructor, there are four types of insurance that you need:

• Public Liability Insurance – This covers you against any injury that your students may sustain during a session, as well as any third-party damage caused to a client’s property.
• Personal Accident Insurance – If you’re accidentally injured during a session, this covers you if you’re unable to teach for a period of time.
• Loss of Earnings Insurance– Loss of Earnings, or Income Protection Insurance, provides cover if illness is preventing you from earning a regular income.
• Equipment Insurance– If any of the equipment that you use during your trauma informed yoga sessions is damaged, lost, or stolen, equipment insurance will cover you for this.

As you’re likely to be working with the young and vulnerable, some policies also recommend that you should get a DBS background check, such as this policy from Yoga Alliance Professionals:

This is where the Disclosure and Barring Service runs a check on your criminal records, to decide whether it is suitable for you to work with children or vulnerable adults.

If the check is successful, you’ll then obtain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate, which approves you for working with vulnerable people suffering with the effects of trauma.

To apply for a DBS check, you’re required to go through an institution or umbrella agency such as DBS Services.

An example of an insurance policy that covers a wide range of niche yoga styles is this one from Holistic Insurance Services.

Their UK practitioner policy covers all of the insurance policies that are essential for a trauma informed yoga instructor, at no additional cost!

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Enjoying this article so far? Here’s 3 more that we think you’ll love:

• How To Become A Yoga Instructor: The Definitive Guide
• Yoga Instructor Salary Explained
• How To Become A Kids Yoga Teacher

Step 3 – Finding Your Role as a Trauma Informed Teacher

Now that you are qualified and are insured, you are now in a position to start looking for your first role as a trauma informed yoga teacher.

One of the best ways of finding any yoga teaching job is online.

However, since trauma-informed yoga is a very niche type of yoga, you may not find them easily.

You may be able to find job adverts online specifically for a trauma informed yoga instructor, such as this one from non-profit organisation RefuSHE:

However, this is a rare opportunity, and it’s unlikely that employers will be looking for a specific instructor to run trauma informed classes.

This is because trauma-informed yoga is usually offered as a form of alternative therapy or rehabilitation for those who’ve been through traumatic events, rather than a recreational class at a gym or studio.

Instead, most commercial gyms or health clubs will be looking for more holistic yoga teachers who are able to teach a range of yoga styles, such as in this job role below:

In a role such as this, once you’ve taught a few general classes and established your reputation as a great instructor, your employer is then likely to allow you to run a class on trauma yoga.

Although you may want to go straight into being a trauma informed yoga teacher, there are actually benefits to working in a more holistic role after you qualify, such as:

• You will gain experience that will help you become a better yoga teacher in general
• It gives you a steady initial income while you work on becoming a trauma informed yoga teacher
• You can network and make connections in the industry

As well as gyms and yoga studios, another option for finding employment as a trauma yoga teacher is with charities or non-profit organisations.

Your duties in this role could include:

• Working one-to-one with those suffering from trauma, designing and delivering interventions that are tailored to the bespoke needs of each client
• Forming relationships, gaining the trust, and helping to restore the confidence of those with trauma-related illnesses and conditions
• Working with people in different mental and physical health and wellbeing services to facilitate client care, including therapists, health workers, and education professionals
• Observing behavioural and emotional responses of clients to yoga sessions and making referrals to other medical and mental health professionals if required
• Attending meetings with other professionals to help assess patient progress

A great example of the type of role you’d find as a trauma informed yoga instructor working in a non-profit organisation is the one pictured below:

As you can see, this role is much more diverse than simply instructing yoga classes. It takes a more holistic approach to supporting the health and wellbeing of clients, and yoga is a part of this.

For example, below is an example of someone who has this kind of role:

As you can see, although her primary role is as a psychotherapist in an NHS specialist trauma centre, she also runs trauma informed yoga classes as a method of treatment and rehabilitation for clients that attend.

Another great example is the classes offered by TCTSY, which is a programme created by the Centre for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute (JRI).

So, if you were to find a role in an organisation similar to JRI, you’re likely to be involved in running classes, demonstrations and workshops as part of their programme.

Step 4 – Career Progression Options for a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher

Once you’ve completed your trauma informed yoga training and have found a role as an instructor, you may be wondering how you can progress in your career.

In this section, we’ll explore some different career progressions that you may want to consider to develop your experience and increase your earning potential.

#1 – Diversify Your Trauma Informed Yoga Training Knowledge with a Level 4 Yoga Diploma

After learning how to become a trauma informed yoga instructor, a great way to progress your career is to expand your knowledge, skills and experience.

The best way to do this is by taking a Level 4 yoga teacher training course such as OriGym’s.

This builds on what you learnt in your Level 3 qualification, as well as allowing you to specialise in an

This can open up a huge number of opportunities, such as being considered for more yoga job roles.

Allowing you to become an elite specialist yoga practitioner, OriGym’s Level 4 Yoga Diploma allows you to specialise in one of four different types of yoga:

• Hatha
• Hot
• Iyengar
• Ashtanga

As we mentioned earlier, trauma informed yoga involves many of the same aspects of Hatha yoga. So if you choose to specialise in Hatha with your Level 4 qualification, this will help with your trauma informed yoga teaching!

A Level 4 yoga teacher training course will also teach you how to adapt a class to be inclusive of a mixed ability of students.

You’ll also learn how yoga can be harnessed for physical rehabilitation, as well as the legalities of teaching yoga as a profession.

These skills can therefore then be applied to trauma informed yoga, helping you be a better teacher.

This means that you’ll have more to offer your clients, and will be a much more well-rounded, knowledgeable yoga instructor.

As a result, you’ll gain an even better reputation as a trauma informed yoga instructor, which looks great on your yoga teacher CV and increases your employability prospects to help you become a successful. This also means that you’re likely to gain even more clients from recommendations, and will therefore be able to enhance your earning potential!

Find out more about becoming an effective yoga teacher by checking out our article: What Makes A Good Yoga Teacher?

#2 – Open Your Own Specialised Practice as a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher

If you’re looking to make a rewarding career progression after gaining your trauma-informed yoga certification, why not open up your own studio or practice?

There are several benefits to running your own business as a yoga teacher, including:

• Being able to work the hours that suit your schedule as your own boss
• Having creative freedom when it comes to branding and marketing
• Having unlimited earning potential
• Being able to control the amount of involvement you have in the business. For instance, you could hire a manager and concentrate on leading classes, or hire highly qualified instructors and spend more time on the running of the business.

We have a whole guide here to starting your own yoga studio, most of which applies to opening your own trauma informed yoga practice.

But here are some things you should consider when opening up your own practice:

Find a Space to Hold Your Trauma Informed Yoga Training Classes In

The first thing that you’ll need to do is find an appropriate space to purchase or rent, to use as the base for your trauma informed yoga classes.

We’d recommend using websites such as UK Therapy Rooms, where you can find the best yoga studios to rent within your local area, as well as advice on what to look for.

Here’s an example of one of the spaces that you’re likely to find on this website:

It is also important to consider the roles and responsibilities that you’ll have to take on as a yoga studio manager.

This is because you’ll have many more roles than simply leading classes, including providing effective management and leadership for your employees.

They’ll look to you to deal with complaints, operational issues, and for delegation. It is therefore important that you are a strong leader who is able to make difficult decisions quickly and effectively.

For example, you’ll be required to manage the studio’s finances, including:

• Managing employee payroll
• Managing budgets for marketing and equipment
• Tracking client payments
• Keeping financial records

You’ll also be expected to complete other administrative duties, such as:

• Business reports
• Managing operational issues
• Overseeing class timetables or studio schedules

Another crucial responsibility for a yoga studio manager is to ensure that you, your employees, and the studio are all complying with health and safety regulations.

This is especially important as a trauma informed yoga instructor, as you’ll be working with vulnerable clients.

For instance, you need to ensure that you or at least one employee on-site is first aid trained, and you should also be aware of fire safety regulations.

Remember That You’ll be Responsible for Marketing Your Trauma Informed Yoga Training Studio

As a studio owner, you will also be fully responsible for branding and marketing your studio.

We have a whole article here on marketing a yoga business. But in general, some things you should consider are:

• Choose a business name and logo. This is important, as it is often the first impression that people will have of your business.

An example of an appropriately-named trauma informed yoga business is Thrive with Embodied Wisdom.

This is because the word ‘thrive’ suggests that clients aren’t defined by their trauma, and that they can learn to lead a fulfilling life beyond simply just surviving.

• Choose a suitable colour scheme. For a trauma informed yoga business, you should consider calming colours such as blues and greens that are associated with peace and good health.
• Use social media. This is one of the best ways to increase your brand awareness and to get potential clients to engage with your business. To get you started, we have a whole article here on how to use Instagram yoga marketing (Link when live)
• Create a website. This will give your target audience somewhere to find out about your business and enquire about your services. It can also be used as a booking platform for clients to directly pay for and book on to your classes.
• Use email marketing. Through your website and social media, you direct people to subscribe to your mailing list. This is a great way to keep them updated on the latest news, events, and class timetables.

This will ensure that clients are consistently reminded of your services, and is a great way of building up customer loyalty to your brand.

• Network in the yoga industry. This is an important way to help get your name and business known. You could do this through professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, by attending yoga events in the local community, or even consider running a networking event yourself.
• Printed marketing materials. For example, you could create posters and yoga business cards. You can place these in spaces where your target audience is likely to see them, such as in medical centres, hospitals, and local community centres.

#3- Become a Yoga Therapist to Progress Your Career as a Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher

A great career progression option after being a trauma informed yoga teacher is to become a yoga therapist.

This allows you to combine the mindfulness skills that you already have from your trauma-informed yoga teacher training, with clinical skills and a deep knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience.

This will allow you to not only lead trauma-informed yoga classes, but also to help treat long-term mental and physical health conditions in medical and healthcare settings.

Alongside PTSD and complex trauma, you’ll also be qualified to treat a range of other lifestyle and stress-related conditions or diseases through yoga, including:

• Chronic pain
• Eating disorders
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Anxiety and depression

To enrol on a yoga therapy course, you’ll need to have completed at least a 200-hour accredited yoga teaching course, such as our Level 3 Diploma.

You’re also required to have at least 2 years’ experience of teaching yoga.

You’ll then need to take a yoga therapy course that has been approved by the British Council for Yoga Therapy (BCYT), to ensure that it upholds industry standards.

An example of such a course is The Minded Institute’s 580-Hour Professional Diploma, which is the only training organisation in the world to be accredited by both the BCYT and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).

This course gives students a deep understanding of the brain and the major physiological systems of the body.

It examines the evidence linking the brain, behaviour, physiology, and pathology, all within the context of the Kosha model.

In each module, you’ll study one specific mental health and one physical health condition, as well as the relevant therapeutic yogic and mindfulness techniques used to treat them.

You’ll also be taught clinical skills relevant to health professionals, along with examining breathing practices and their energetic, physiological, and psychological effects.

You will then be qualified to work in a wide variety of settings, from social enterprises and schools, to NHS clinics and even prisons.

Before You Go!

Now that you know exactly how to become a trauma informed yoga instructor, you can begin taking the necessary steps to pursue this career.

First and foremost, you need to take time to get qualified through the completion of a Level 3 Diploma in Yoga Teaching. Our entry-level course will ensure you’re equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge required to find success in the industry.

To learn more about the various yoga qualifications OriGym has to offer, be sure to download our FREE course prospectus here.

If you’ve been wondering ‘why should I become a yoga teacher?’, then this is the article for you. To give you a well-rounded view, this article will be divided into two parts:

• 7 Key Benefits Of Being A Yoga Teacher
• Myths About Becoming A Yoga Teacher

To experience these benefits, you will first need to get qualified by completing a Level 3 Yoga Teaching Diploma. Once you’ve completed this course, you will be officially recognised as a certified instructor.

Furthermore, you can download OriGym’s course prospectus for FREE in order to learn more about this course.

Is Being A Yoga Teacher A Good Career Choice?

If you’re already passionate about the practice of yoga, leaving your current role and jumping into yoga teaching is certainly an attractive prospect.

However, changing careers is a big decision! Considering both the financial and social impact of pursuing this career is necessary to determine whether being a yoga instructor is the right move for you.

According to Indeed, the average yoga teacher’s hourly wage is £25.47/hour, and Glassdoor states the annual salary often starts at around £16,000 for freshly graduated teachers with an average of £38,363:

As you’ve probably already considered, there are also tons of social benefits of pursuing a career related to your hobby. For example, you’ll spend every day doing something you love and working alongside like-minded people with similar interests.

One thing you may not have considered is how versatile the role can be. Once qualified, be prepared to spend a good portion of your time:

• Networking
• Visiting studios
• Sending emails
• Attending workshops
• Building an online following or marketing a yoga business

Your social media presence is crucial for you to reap the benefits of being a yoga instructor, as is developing a holistic knowledge of marketing to promote your practice and keep your clients flooding in.

An obvious benefit of being a yoga teacher is incredible job satisfaction. While it can be difficult to maintain this in a regular working environment, yoga is built-in with stress reduction as well as job flexibility – all contributing factors for job satisfaction.

Although it might seem like a fairy tale, you’ll never know how good the job can be unless you try it! If you have a true passion and interest, the question of ‘why become a yoga teacher?’ should be easy to answer.

7 Key Benefits Of Being A Yoga Teacher

For those still wondering why they should become a yoga teacher, there are plenty of benefits we’ll explore to help you decide why this is the ideal career for you!

#1 – Why Become A Yoga Teacher? It Deepens Your Practice

If you’ve been practising for a long time, it’s likely you’ll experience a period of time where your yoga practice feels stagnant. You’re bound to hit a plateau at some point and this is natural!

Deepening and expanding your practice is a great reason why you should become a yoga teacher. Benita Mayo is a yoga instructor who didn’t go into yoga teacher training with the intention to teach.

In an interview with the University of Virginia, she explains she did it to deepen her own practice. After completing her yoga teaching course, she said she felt the obligation and desire to let people know that yoga is for everybody.

She now teaches Yin Yoga and gentle Hatha Yoga classes, which are more sustainable practices.

Going back to basics is one of the best ways to deepen your practice. Consider taking a beginner class to focus on adjusting your alignment or even go on a yoga retreat to immerse yourself in the basics again.

One of the benefits of being with a yoga instructor during a retreat is learning new and creative ways to do things. Consider a yoga mantra: mantra is a sacred sound, word, syllable, or group of words in Sanskrit, believed to influence the mind and spirit.

The most popular mantra is ‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ in Sanskrit. These three letters correspond to the states of being. The A is the waking state, the U is the dream state, and the M is the state of deep sleep.

You may have never considered using mantras during classes before. Or you might decide mantra isn’t for you at all! Take influence from other yoga teachers and employ alternative techniques like reading a book quote, singing, or storytelling.

#2 – The Benefits Of Being A Yoga Teacher Include Ultimate Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of being a yoga teacher, and one of the biggest draws of the role in general, is that it doesn’t have to be a 9-to-5 career. You get to choose how classes work alongside your private life and create a schedule that works for you.

If you love to travel, you can set up blocks of time away from the studio for a holiday, or even expand your horizons by becoming an overseas yogi, working in yoga centres around the world.

The ability to make your own hours is an invaluable advantage for yoga instructors. If you’re an early bird, you can teach morning classes at a corporate fitness centre or health club. If you’re a night owl, run private yoga sessions, or lead an evening class at the senior centre.

A recent article from Insight discussed how flexible hours are the main reason self-employed people are happier than traditional workers. Self-employed people also generate on average £5,000 more than the average UK salary while working ten hours less per week.

66% of these people say they’re better off financially, while 65% claim they also feel better in terms of life satisfaction. This means you can reduce the likelihood of stress and yoga burnout.

The flexibility benefit of being a yoga teacher isn’t useful just for personal freedom – it gives you a safety net when you need it. In this article, Michelle Berlin shares how she became a yoga teacher back in 2007 after a car accident left her with multiple spinal injuries.

Michelle worked on her own healing through yoga and, thanks to the flexibility of the job, she was able to take time off when she needed a rest and recuperation day and schedule classes when she was up to the challenge.

#3 – Why Be a Yoga Teacher? To Be A More Creative Yogi

Another of our benefits of being a yoga instructor is that the profession will provide a boost to your creative juices!

Anne Cushman, pioneer in mindfulness and creative expression, explains how the practice of yoga can help to overcome creative blockages in our mind and body and significantly enhance energy and originality.

She believes that, when you take new and expansive shapes with your body, you’re also influenced to take new and expansive forms with the mind.

Growing your creativity is a great reason why you should be a yoga teacher as it requires you to stretch beyond what you know and understand. Each student brings unique abilities and limitations that you can learn from.

As you learn to develop your own unique yoga teaching style, you’ll be more comfortable custom-tailoring your classes to the type of students you have.

You’ll also learn to explore various teaching methods and practices that evolve you as a yoga instructor while expanding your own understanding and knowledge of yoga.

No matter the reason why you become a yoga teacher, there is always something new and different to learn. The more profound practices of yoga, especially Dharana and Dhyana are particularly powerful for training you to access and remain within a focused flow of creativity.

While artistic expression can be deeply fulfilling, accessing creativity is not always straightforward. Creativity arises naturally when we are in states of presence and stillness.

This is why creativity is one of the benefits of being a yoga teacher. When you practise asana, pranayama, and meditation, you access a distraction-free place where your inspiration flourishes.

#4 – Travelling The World Is Among The Benefits Of Being A Yoga Instructor

Another benefit of being a yoga instructor is the freedom to travel the world as a yogi. Teaching yoga worldwide allows you to meet and share your experience and knowledge with people you would never encounter teaching at a studio in your home country.

Gemma Clarke, a travelling yogi based in Phuket, Thailand, talks about becoming a digital nomad and travelling yoga teacher on her blog. After she completed her intensive yoga teacher training on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand, she immediately began teaching at the school.

Soon after, she secured a one-month placement teaching at a yoga retreat in Cambodia. A few months later, she returned to the UK and taught yoga in gyms and studios. While she states this was a great way to build up her experience, it cemented the idea this was not the lifestyle she wanted to be living.

After years of travelling, teaching, and living overseas, she wanted to create a lifestyle where she could be free to live wherever she wanted while working remotely.

It might seem like an impossible feat but there are plenty of ways to find work while travelling. Here’s just a few suggestions on how you can make the most of being a yoga teacher abroad:

• Networking: Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get you new opportunities so network with studio owners and yoga teachers you meet on your journey.
• Use The Right Resources: Tools such as Yoga Trade or Yoga Travel Jobs can help you find teaching opportunities.
• Find a local yoga studio: Become friends with the staff and teachers, and offer to substitute classes if they ever need someone to fill in.
• Define your brand: As the market for yoga teachers is more saturated every day, try to define what you stand for, and what makes your offering unique to set yourself apart from the crowd.

Travelling is a big reason why people become yoga teachers. See new places, try new foods, and learn and grow from other cultures. Plus, the cost of living in countries in South East Asia is much cheaper.

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Aside from answering ‘Why become a yoga teacher?’, check out these articles to see how you can be successful in this industry:

• How To Start An Online Yoga Business
• How To Turn Yoga Into A Career
• What Makes a Good Yoga Teacher?

#5 – Why Become A Yoga Teacher? It’s Immensely Rewarding

Every time you teach a class, you’re helping people. You’re helping them get closer to their goals, even if you only see a student once or a few times.

The gratification of helping others on a daily basis is one of the biggest benefits of being a yoga teacher. You get to cultivate positive energy from within yourself. You give the gift of yoga, share your positive energy, and usually walk away with more fuel than you had before you taught a class.

When you see others starting their journey to spiritual and physical healing, there’s hardly a better feeling in the world. Whether you realise it or not, you have a story to tell – a story that will spur your students on to take their own path.

Teaching yoga provides students with the tools they need to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Seeing them flourish from your guidance is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a yoga teacher.

#6 – Why Be A Yoga Teacher? To Specialise In Your Favourite Style

Why become a yoga teacher if you can’t focus on your favourite styles? On one end of the spectrum, you have more restorative yoga practices. These classes typically involve four or five postures, staying in each of them for prolonged periods.

At the other end of the spectrum are faster, more movement-based practices. This could be teaching Vinyasa Yoga classes, or instructing hot yoga in a 35°C studio.

As a yoga instructor, you have control over the type of training you provide. Keep this in mind when you’re looking for yoga studios to teach in. If they don’t offer your preferred style, promote yourself as an instructor who can help them grow their business.

As a teacher, it can be handy to refine your offerings by specialising in a particular form. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still teach Yin alongside your Power classes, but you could invest in a high-quality yoga book to expand your knowledge, while attending workshops for Power yoga.

Don’t feel pressured to choose your niche as soon as you graduate from a teacher training course. Some people will know exactly where their heart lies, or will have a background in a field like psychotherapy or osteopathy and want to enhance their existing offers by completing the training.

But for most people, a specific interest won’t materialise until more experience has been gained. It’s completely normal to evolve in your yoga practice and branch out into many different directions over time.

Don’t feel pressured to re-invent the yoga wheel or create a class that’s entirely new. This is another benefit of being a yoga instructor. Your strength as a teacher lies in teaching authentically and with a positive attitude.

#7 – Keeping Your Work-Life Balance Is A Benefit Of Being A Yoga Teacher

For those in high-powered jobs that take up a lot of personal time, keeping the line between personal and professional can be hard. However, you don’t need to worry about this with yoga because it’s already built into the work!

Maintaining your work-life balance is another benefit of being a yoga teacher. As a tool of self-study, it helps us understand our patterns, strengths, and weaknesses, all of which are important when establishing healthy boundaries with work.

Some teachers end up teaching too many yoga classes at the start of their careers because they are concerned about maintaining a certain income. However, they soon realise this isn’t sustainable and is taking away from the very thing that made them a fantastic yoga teacher.

David Irvine is a world-renowned speaker and author who maintains an active lifestyle with yoga. In this blog post, he talks about the key principles to keep in mind as a yoga teacher trying to maintain life balance and combat burnout.

Yoga is all about presence and placing yourself at the centre of a moment. But it doesn’t have to stop as soon as you leave the studio. Practice being present in your daily life to understand your mind and body.

Another benefit of being a yoga teacher is having a routine and yoga exists on the foundation of a firm routine.

Research has proven routine plays a huge role in happiness and healthy lifestyles, so it’s not surprising people who incorporate yogic routines end up eating, sleeping, and exercising more consistently.

Myths About Becoming A Yoga Teacher

While there are many benefits of being a yoga teacher, it’s likely you’ve also heard plenty of myths! In this section, we’ll clear up some of these myths to help you make the right decision about becoming a yoga teacher.

#1 – You Must Be Flexible To Be A Yoga Teacher

If you’ve been feeling down and asking yourself ‘why become a yoga teacher if I’m not bendy?’, we’ll start by saying it’s unrealistic and unnecessary thinking you’ll be able to perform every single asana to pro levels.

Every single body is different, with built-in limitations of flexibility and strength. This means you shouldn’t expect any teacher, yourself included, to know the hundreds of poses and modifications.

You should know, before you become a yoga instructor, that flexibility isn’t a prerequisite and consistent practice will actually improve your flexibility over time, as well as aid:

• Balance
• Posture
• Strength

Yoga isn’t just physical – it’s about placing your attention on the breathing underneath various postures. It’s about maintaining an attitude of presence and self-acceptance, focusing more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.

Yoga stems from a history that’s over 2,000 years old and the physical poses are only a tiny part of a larger practice that includes breathwork and meditation.

So, if you’re wondering why you should become a yoga teacher if you don’t have all the asanas nailed, think about all the other ways you can be an effective teacher of mindfulness, being present, and remaining appreciative and open.

#2 – Yoga Teachers Understand The Body As Well As A Doctor

One of the benefits of being a yoga teacher is the trust and positive bond you’ll build with each of your students. This means your students will be comfortable opening up to you and asking all sorts of questions.

However, you should keep in mind your own experience is not the same as speaking to a medical professional.

Students may tell you about various mental and physical health problems. Unless you have a previous certification in medicine, the best answer you can give to these students is to speak to their doctor, or refer them to another professional.

Work with your students within their limitations, listen to their feedback, and teach them only what you know.

The same goes for nutrition and dieting advice. There is nothing in the traditional yogic texts that tells you what to eat or how to eat. While you can encourage healthy eating habits from what is common scientific knowledge, don’t give advice on things you don’t fully understand.

All of this is not to say yoga teachers can’t have valuable insights into the state of someone’s health and wellness. Just keep in mind your own knowledge and remind students they’re talking to a yoga teacher rather than a medical professional.

#3 – All Yoga Teachers Are Relaxed And Positive, Never Succumbing To Stress

You might be wondering why you would be a yoga teacher if you can’t keep calm and collected all the time. However, it’s important to note many yoga instructors start their journey as a remedy for their suffering, pain, and anxiety.

After many years of dedicated and thorough practice, one of the benefits of being a yoga instructor is you will have accrued experiential wisdom about what consistent yoga practice can offer to those in need.

If you’ve been thinking ‘why be a yoga teacher if I’m always stressed?’, don’t worry! Not only will consistent practice reduce those stressful emotions but being open with your clients about the fact you’re struggling will allow them to bond with you.

A lot of people don’t consider instructing yoga classes as ‘work’ in the same sense as having a regular 9-to-5. However, if you’ve been struggling with burnout, one of the benefits of being a yoga teacher is flexibility for taking time off. Everyone needs and deserves the ability to switch off and do some self-care.

#4 – Doing More Advanced Poses Means You’re A Better Yoga Instructor

As a yoga novice, you probably fell into the trap of believing your ability to go deeper in backbends, further forwards in forward bends, or balance longer in handstands were all indicators of your yoga spirituality.

This isn’t to say that asanas (postures) aren’t an integral part of the yoga experience. However, what yoga is really about is what the postures teach: patience, self-awareness, and compassion.

Through the asanas, you practise being present and conscious of your actions instead of mindlessly moving through the world. Using asana as a tool to connect with yourself and explore your emotions is one of the best ways to use postures.

Being unable to do certain poses doesn’t mean you aren’t good at yoga or aren’t as good as someone who can do that pose. Being a successful yoga teacher isn’t measured by the number of advanced postures you can do.

Try a gentler, softer approach to your practice and teaching. You’ll soon discover the positive impact it can have. You’ll be able to improve your well-being this way more profoundly than with any fancy arm balance you’ve ever performed.

Before You Go!

Aside from the great benefits of being a yoga teacher as listed above, always keep in mind there are pros and cons to every career. However, in this role, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

To experience these benefits for yourself, be sure to complete our Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga! During your study, you will learn how to develop skills and knowledge that will set you up for future scuess.

Find out more about this qualification by downloading our course prospectus – It’s FREE!

Are you after the best yoga straps in the UK? You’re in the right place. Here at OriGym, we have performed extensive research so you don’t have to spend hours trawling through the internet in search of the best products.

If you haven’t tried yoga with straps before, you should know that they are yoga props to help beginners (and even yoga experts) through those hard-to-reach poses. The straps will help to provide support and form alignment, improve posture, and help you to get the best stretch possible.

Before we jump straight in, have you ever thought about becoming a yoga teacher? Enquire about our Level 3 Yoga Instructor course to find out how you can turn your passion into a rewarding career.

1.H&S Yoga Stretch Straps

Price: £4.99

If you’re on a budget and on the lookout for cheap yoga straps that are made out of sturdy cotton material, then this would be for you. The badge is made out of faux leather so not only does it look luxurious, it feels luxurious.

The D ring buckles will allow you to easily switch between yoga positions. It will help you to stretch into those hard-to-reach poses, and to improve your flexibility and stability in each position.

With this bundle, you’ll receive two yoga belts at two different lengths, 1.85 and 2.45 metres, so no matter which type of yoga you’re practising you will have a strap to guide you.

2.Vandeep D Ring Yoga Strap

Price:£10.99

This yoga strap can help to assist you with different yoga exercises to help enhance the flexibility of your body. It’s meant for improving your posture and strengthening other parts of your body.

Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, this high-quality strap is strong and does not break down over time.

It is friendly to skin, comfortable to hold, and is non-slip. After using these straps for a few weeks you’ll be able to get to those hard-to-reach places and gain the confidence to practice without the strap once you are used to the position.

The buckle has a sturdy feel, it has an adjustable metal D ring which is a great help if you’re into yin-yoga which requires you to maintain positions for a period of time. The Vandeep shoulder straps can also help to reduce the risk of muscle strain and other injuries whilst improving flexibility.

3.Pete’s Choice Yoga Straps With Loops

Price:£8.87

If you are looking for safe yet highly effective ways to enhance your flexibility and align your spine, then this product from Pete’s Choice is for you.

No matter the pose, using yoga straps will help you through any yoga flow you wish to try. You don’t even have to use this strap just for yoga, as you can also use it for pilates, gym classes, physiotherapy, and even outdoor use.

The straps are made out of high quality thick and reinforced cotton which has an adjustable D-ring. This will help with a non-slip grip without tiring your hands. Each strap is 8ft long and can be taken anywhere with you.

This product is suitable for men, women, and children. The straps are more than enough to withstand the most strenuous of yoga poses.

4.Yamkas Yoga Stretching Straps

Price: £9.99

This product from Yamkas is made out of thick durable cotton that won’t slip, so you can try new yoga poses with confidence. The yoga strap with loops is perfect for beginners for basic, intermediate, and advanced positions for long holds.

The metal D-ring buckles can be adjusted and secured for various poses and alignment. All you need to is fold the loose strap and then adjust it to your desired size. The D Ring is made out of thick metal which will not bend or break.

The Yamkas Strap uses premium-quality environmentally friendly products that are safe for your body. The belt can be put in the washing machine for easy cleaning even after the sweatiest sessions like hot yoga.

The 6ft strap is the perfect length for basic poses, the 10ft strap is ideal for the taller yoga user or people who are less flexible. You are also able to choose up to 13 different colours, so you will definitely be able to stand out in your yoga class.

5.Tumaz Yoga Hanging Straps

Price: £6.95

The Tumaz strap is a simple, non-elastic band that provides extra stability to general stretching exercises, yoga, and more.

The D ring yoga strap buckles are 4mm wide in diameter and 2.5mm thick, and this strap is much thicker than other straps online. It assures the durability and comfort of this product for years to come.

It’s one of the best tools for stretching or hanging, and as you may know, stretching can effectively help you relax your stiff and tight muscles. Tumaz even recommends using this product to do stretching every day.

Unlike other straps online, the Tumaz strap has a special webbing technique to make the product stand out.

6.VoidBiov Yoga Stretch Straps

Price:£4.99

VoidBiov is useful for yogis of all levels, but they are best for beginners who feel frustrated at their lack of flexibility and are looking for cheap yoga straps if they’re on a budget.

Beginners and others who need help with flexibility often use straps as an extension of the arm to help with twisting and stretching poses. The belt can exercise different parts of your body like your waist, legs, and back.

This product is durable, lightweight, and in fact, one of the cheapest on our list. The strap has a high tensile-strength weave meaning it will not slip and will keep its shape even after heavy use.

The 5mm bold metal D-Ring fastener is durable, adjustable and uncomplicated. The buckle won’t be bent or broken.

You will be able to purchase the yoga belt in different colours and lengths to suit all types of people. Whether it would be for men, women or children, you can choose your favourite colours without any issues.

7.Reehut Ring

Price:£4.99-£9.99

If you’re after an affordable yoga strap then this product will be for you. It is made out of a soft and sturdy polyester cotton material which will protect your hands from injury and will not break or lose its shape after prolonged use.

Using a yoga strap will provide safe and effective stretches that will improve your flexibility, extend your range of motion, and most importantly, improve muscle recovery. If you want to improve muscle recovery even further, find out more with our step-by-step guide to myofascial relief!

This strap is ideal for a range of sports like yoga, pilates, or even physiotherapy. The product will help deepen stretches, assist with hard to reach poses, help with warm-ups, improve flexibility, strengthen and tone muscles.

The metal D-ring buckles can also be adjusted for a more snug fit for various poses and alignments. All you would need to do is to fold the loose end back on itself and tighten it to your desired loop size.

8.Yoga-Mad Yoga Strap With Buckle Closure

Price: £4.99- £12.66

This product from Yoga-Mad has 3 different colours; purple, green, and blue. These bright straps will enable you to stand out in your yoga local studio with no problem!

Using yoga straps will help lengthen your arms and help with hard-to-reach positions, especially if you’re new to yoga.

Unlike other yoga straps, instead of the normal D-Ring to tighten the strap, it has a clinch buckle instead. This will ensure your practice will not be held up for constantly trying to adjust the strap.

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If you’re enjoying this article, give these ones a read too!

• Do You Need A License To Teach Yoga
• Why You Should Do Yoga Teacher Training
• What Makes A Good Yoga Teacher?

9.Jim’s Store Yoga Blocks and Strap Set

Price: £12.69

If you’re a complete beginner and after some equipment to start you off then these yoga blocks and straps from Jim’s Store will be the perfect bundle for you.

The yoga bricks are made out of high-density EVA foam with a non-slip surface and bevelled edges for easy gripping. The eco-friendly EVA foam is closed-cell so won’t absorb sweat and stays bacteria free so it can be used for a long time. If you are just looking for blocks specifically, why not take a look at our ultimate list of yoga blocks for more information.

Turning our focus to the yoga strap, you will only get one however, you only need to use one to help lengthen your arms and improve your yoga practice.

The strap also comes with a D ring which can be adjusted according to your preference. You will be able to adjust it so you can perform various stretches or yoga moves if you’re a beginner or an expert!

10.YDL Yoga Straps With Loops

Price: £15.00

You may have heard of Yoga Design Labs as a provider of high-quality yoga mats, and these straps are unique; not only in colour but also in length. The length of the strap is one of the longest online at 240cm, so it is suitable for anyone.

The strap itself is light yet thick enough to handle rigorous practice and exercises! It’s eco-friendly and has a number of non-fade colours.

This strap is suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced yogis, and it’s incredibly easy to take with you anywhere whether you’re practising outside, at home, or at your local yoga studio.

11.Riarbronee Cotton Yoga Straps

Price:£4.99

These yoga hanging straps from Riarbronee can help you to expand your range of movement, extend the time of posture retention, and help regulate your posture. This product can be suitable for not only yoga but for pilates, general stretching and physiotherapy.

The soft and sturdy durable cotton material will not lose its shape or break, and it will not dig into your hands or feet when you use this piece of equipment.

The strap is environmentally friendly, breathable, sweat-absorbent, and has anti-slip properties. The buckles are also rugged and resistant to deformation.

For the price of £4.99, it’s suitable for different heights and various yoga styles. It’s also lightweight and comes with a portable yoga strap so you’ll be able to take it anywhere with you.

12.Omnihabits Yoga Stretching Strap

Price:£8.90

This strap can be used to help extend the arms and legs, and it ensures different positions can be achieved with less strain on the user.

What’s different about this product compared to others on the list is the strap can be recycled once it’s worn out after years of use.

Using a yoga strap can improve flexibility and positions are made to be easier and kept longer so when you are more confident in those difficult poses, you’ll be able to do it without the use of the strap.

The strap also comes with two sturdy D-rings which are made out of durable iron so you can adjust the product with ease for practice.

13.Yogamatters Yoga Stretching Straps

Price:£6.00

This yoga strap from Yogamatters is used in most styles of yoga classes so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most common yoga props. If you are a complete newbie to yoga why not take a look at our article on yoga equipment for beginners to help you out.

The easy-to-use metal buckle will allow adjusting the length of the belt safely and securely. This yoga stretching strap is different from others due to it’s wider strap but this ensures the product will help you with even the most difficult poses.

This product is made out of 100% of natural cotton and is made in a factory in India. Yogamatters has visited and worked closely with the factory to ensure good working conditions for all staff.

14.Houstour Yoga Blocks And Straps

Price: £13.99

This combo set from Houstour makes it the ideal bundle for beginners as it provides support to ensure optimal grip and comfort during practice.

The yoga bricks are made out of high-density EVA foam for better balance, proper alignment and deeper poses. This would be suitable for everyone, whether it’s for beginners or experts, it is always handy to have yoga bricks for your practice.

The Yoga strap enables you to ease into more difficult postures as you gradually open your body up to help with further depth, endurance and mobility.

The yoga blocks and strap set is great for a range of sports like yoga, pilates, gymnastics, dance, and more! Everything included is very easy to carry so you’ll be able to take it outside, use at home or even at your local studio.

15.Yogibato D Ring Yoga Strap

Price: £10.90

Yogibato is a well-known yoga brand and this strap can help you increase flexibility when learning new asanas. These belt straps facilitate your yoga sessions and can also be used for pilates or other stretch exercises. The strap has a metal fastener so you can securely adjust the strap to the required length.

This product is made out of 100% soft cotton and is skin-friendly. Due to the rounded D-ring and non-slip material, it’s ideal for hot yoga as well. The strap is easy to clean and machine washable of up to 40 degrees.

Yogibato compared to other major yoga brands is quite a young yoga brand but stands out for affordability and high-quality products. Compared to other budget straps, they often have plastic buckles and the metal D-ring strap ensures it stays safely in position for those who use the straps for long periods.

16. Scotamalone Yoga Strap With Loops

Price: £7.55

This product is made of durable cotton material. The strap provides high comfort for the hands, feet, and skin compared to other stretch straps. It’s great for a sturdy grip to assist yourself in stretching or any extension exercises.

Included in this strap set are 12 individual loops, so unlike the normal metal D-Ring, this strap is designed to be durable and long-lasting.

This strap is ideal for a number of exercises like pilates, yoga, or even pre or post-workout stretching.

This product will allow you to perform assisted stretches with greater control. Performing yoga with a strap will also help with greater flexibility, improved range of motion, enhanced muscle recovery and reduced risk of injury.

17. Organic Cotton Yoga Strap

Price: £4.99

These straps from Decathlon are one of the cheapest on this list at only £4.99, and you have up to 5 colour choices.

The length of the strap is 2.5 metres, ideal for most yoga movements and the raw strap is made from 100% organic cotton, a raw and undyed material.

use this product for a range of different sports from yoga, pilates, or even just stretching out before or after workouts. Gradually and gently move into difficult poses and gain flexibility.

18. RDX D1 Non-Slip Cotton Yoga Strap With Rust Proof Steel D-Ring Buckle

Price: £5.99

This yoga strap uses thick, flexible, and tensile cotton material so this strap will last for years. It’s non-slip and durable, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly.

The strap is small in size, lightweight, and can be easily folded. You’ll be able to take it anywhere with you and it can be used at any time. The sewing of the strap is neatly and finely stitched, and is double reinforced to ensure that it is resistant from tears.

This product can effectively stretch the body and is ideal for activities such as yoga, pilates, and stretching pre or post-workout.

19.AQF Yoga Stretching Strap

Price: £6.99

Our final yoga strap on this list is designed to provide better support and help you achieve better stretching long term. This product would be ideal for gym classes, yoga, and pilates. This strap is suitable for both beginners and yoga professionals.

The product is made out of premium quality cotton material with high-quality Iron D-Buckle rings which makes the strap durable and long-lasting.

The strap is available in 3 sizes, 6ft, 8ft and 10ft long so it can be suitable for all types of people. The 4cm wide sustainable cotton webbing with two non-slip metal D-rings will help you to adjust the strap and switch between different yoga postures. Yoga straps help you to get all benefits from specific yoga positions whilst maintaining comfort at all times.

The AQF Sports brand believes in using high-quality raw materials for customer satisfaction. For the price of £6.99, you really can’t go wrong with this strap. Use this strap during your practice and improve your yoga practice each day you use it.

Before you go!

We hope you found our yoga strap article useful and insightful. As mentioned before, no matter your level of experience in yoga, the strap can aid you in reaching difficult poses, and over time it can help to increase your flexibility and alignment.

The fact that there are 19 yoga straps on this list means that you have a wide range to choose from. You should make sure that you choose a strap that will be long enough and suitable for your height.

Kickstart your dream career today by enquiring about our online yoga teacher training course. Want to know more? Download our FREE prospectus for information on all of yoga qualifications.

So, you want to know how to become a yoga instructor online? We have you covered, answering any questions that you may have regarding the prospect of a career in yoga teaching, including:

• Can I Become a Yoga Instructor Online?
• What You’ll Need Before You Become A Yoga Teacher Online
• 6 Key Factors To Consider When Becoming A Yoga Teacher Online

Before you even think about teaching classes, you need to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Yoga Teacher Training, to become a certified instructor!

To learn more about the importance of this qualification and how it can benefit your future career goals, be sure to download our FREE course prospectus.

Can I Become A Yoga Instructor Online?

So before we get into the mechanics of how to become a certified yoga instructor to teach classes online, you may be wondering if it is even possible in the first place.

The answer is yes, you can absolutely get qualified as a yoga instructor online. With the technology that is readily available now, you’re able to take advantage of in depth courses online, but there are some things to consider.

First, not every course is detailed enough to be taught online, so don’t jump at the first one that you find. We will take you through factors to consider and what to look for in a provider later; but for now, you just need to be aware of the fact that accredited course providers will be able to still offer a course online without compromising on quality.

With all of that in mind, allow us to explain what you need to do before you go ahead and book your course to become a yoga instructor online.

What You’ll Need Before You Become A Yoga Teacher Online

Before you take a yoga teaching course, it would be helpful for your own benefit to have some level of experience behind you.

No matter the type of yoga style-for example, attending Kundalini classes, if you want to become a Kundalini yoga teacher-you should try to attend some varied classes to get to grips with not only the practical aspects, but how classes are delivered by the instructors.

Chances are, if you’re looking for ways how to become a certified yoga instructor online, you already have some level of experience and this has led you to pursue a career in the industry. However, if you’re only accustomed to one style, it would be a good idea to try out new classes.

This not only expands your practical experience in general, but you get to find out which kind of discipline you gel with the most. This will help you to, in the future, potentially choose a discipline to teach when you go on to do advancement courses like a level 4 in yoga teaching.

Nonetheless, though this level or at least some level of experience behind you is desirable, it isn’t obligatory. You actually don’t need any experience to enrol onto an online yoga teaching course (this may vary between providers, but our online yoga course here at OriGym has no prerequisites).

This is because during the course, you will gain all the experience that you need. You will learn how to actually deliver a class effectively, while also gaining knowledge about the mechanics of the body in relation to yoga movement.

This means that you will gain experience in planning the sessions and thus, getting to grips with the many asanas (yoga poses) that are included in the session plan. The difference between having some experience behind you and having none is how quickly you will pick up the asanas and gain confidence in not just the execution, but explaining and instructing them effectively.

So, now that you know what to do before you become a yoga instructor online, let’s talk about the important factors to consider for your yoga teacher training.

6 Key Factors To Consider When Becoming A Yoga Teacher Online

#1 Number Of Hours Of Learning

One of the first things you need to think about when you’re looking for ways how to become a yoga teacher online is how many hours you will learn for. You might already be aware of this, but the amount of hours that you spend learning on the yoga course is what employers will be interested in.

Often there is a minimum requirement of 200 hrs for yoga instructor jobs, thus, the more hours you have behind you the better as more prestigious employers may ask for up to or surpassing 400 hours.

The good news is that you can still achieve this with an online course, for example, you can see below in our online yoga course description how many hours you can expect of study:

As you can see, you will learn over 400 hours of content. This aligns well with what is expected of you within the industry, we did some digging and found some relevant job openings for yoga instructors within various yoga studios and the amount of hours required are just about always included in the job description.

As you can see, this is an advert for Virgin Active gyms, one of the more high end commercial gyms in the UK and internationally. This requires a minimum of an accredited qualification with 200 hours, so anything more than this would be highly beneficial, improving your overall chances of getting hired.

So, when looking for a course provider, ensure that they mention the amount of hours of training that is included in the course, since it is highly likely that you will need to prove this should you apply for a job role.

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For some more helpful resources on becoming a certified yoga instructor, head over to these articles below:

• Everything You Need To Know About Continuing Education For Yoga Teachers 
• How To Teach A Yoga Workshop: Step-By-Step Guide
• Finding a Yoga Teaching Job | The Ultimate Guide

#2 Ensure that you Find a Trusted Course Provider

Leading on from what we just mentioned about the amount of hours in your course, this is a good way to find a trusted provider.

You simply won’t get the quality, quantity or accreditation from a free yoga course, so you can begin by taking those providers out of the equation. A good first step is to look for courses that mentions not only the amount of study hours like in the aforementioned example, but also factors such as:

• Accreditation
• Awarding body
• Module breakdown
• Progression routes
• Professional connections

The list can go on, but as a minimum, ensure that you’re looking out for these things when choosing a provider. The most prominent way of deciphering a trusted provider from one that isn’t is accreditation and awarding bodies.

Look out for things like “accredited by CIMSPA”. This means that the course information has met the standards set by them as a regulatory body in the professional fitness industry. Aside from CIMSPA endorsement, you should also become familiar with the best awarding bodies, like Focus Awards.

If you check the awarding body, you can verify if it is regulated by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). Ofqual is the sister of what you may know as Ofsted, and they regulate and ensure the efficacy of particular health and fitness courses.

Aside from the professional names, you should always look for trustworthy reviews to find out if you’re choosing a well received course provider. Sites like TrustPilot are a great start to find out what people have to say about not just the provider, but the course content itself.

For example, using OriGym’s TrustPilot as an example, you can see below the volume of people who have reviewed, and the average star review:

This is a great way for those who need transparency to trust a provider, so always ensure you’re checking peoples reviews to ensure you’re getting what you need from your online yoga course.

Looking out for these kinds of things will allow you to rest assured that you have chosen the right provider.

#3 Course Resources

The actual content of the course is what makes it worthy of recognition and regulation. There should be modules that guide you through every step, from learning the poses yourself, to trying to deliver them effectively.

So, you should always research what the content of the course actually covers. You can find the course contents on the website of your provider, like this:

This is a small section taken from our course description. This goes on to include all of the course contents, all the way up to Unit 8. As well as that you’re able to see the aim of each module and why it relates to yoga practice.

As you can see from just two units, there is a huge amount of learning material. This is particularly important since you’ll be learning online, thus, there is no compromise on quantity or quality.

This is why we are able to stress that while it is desirable for your own benefit to have some experience, it isn’t a necessity due to the volume of material that should be included within the course.

#4 Available Support & Contact Time

Something that may often go overlooked when looking for ways how to become a yoga instructor online is the support you have along the way and after you have completed the course.

Getting thrown into the deep end into an industry that you are new to can be incredibly intimidating. That’s why you should always find out if the online course of your choice offers support during and post course completion.

Support from real human beings is important, especially when the course is online. In a classroom setting, you can simply raise your hand to ask a question so you should find an online yoga course that replicates this contactability so you’re not waiting for emails weeks later.

So what kind of things should you be looking for?

First is of course a contact number, a reliable phone line with opening hours so you know when you will get an answer. However an even better way to get an answer to any questions you might have is to look for a live chat.

A live chat is going to be the best way to know if your course provider is readily contactable. You should be able to find out this information on the course page, like this:

It is important to look out for these features within online courses, the last thing you want or need is to be left in the dark if you need support with anything.

#5 Staff Knowledge

One other factor to look out for is the knowledge behind those who are teaching you.

Even if the course content is regulated and endorsed by relevant bodies, the delivery of the content is just as important. However, since you’re looking for how to become a yoga instructor online, you should consider the staff knowledge when it comes to practical knowledge.

You won’t be able to deliver a session confidently without some level of practical knowledge behind you, so while you can learn all you need to know theoretically online, there are some things that require hands-on experience taught from an experienced member of staff.

This can vary from provider to provider, but at OriGym you will take part in a number of workshops that will help you to implement the essentials as a yoga teacher. Take a look at how you learn on the online yoga teaching course with OriGym for example:

You can enquire about who is teaching you for any course, you are paying for quality after all and should care about the tutors who are going to help you to successfully complete your course.

Ensure that you’re taking care of your future and choosing the right online course based on the quality of the content and the deliverability.

#6 Payment Plans & Financing

Finally, think about how you’re going to pay for your course. Are you going to pay for it all upfront? Finance it? Or look for a free course?

Let’s break these options down first so that you know what is available to you.

First, paying upfront is a good option for those who have the financial means but this isn’t always the case for everybody. That being said, a good course provider would allow you to spread the cost so that you’re not waiting for the right time and can start learning right away.

However, there are some things that you need to be looking out for if you’re considering financing options, the main thing is that it states “0% financing”. This means that you won’t be charged extra interest should you want to spread the cost of the course over 12 months for instance.

When it comes to the likes of free courses, this is typically a no-go, they are more often than not un-accredited and pretty useless. Instead, invest your time into a course that will help you to pursue a career in yoga instruction.

Above all, paying outright is always a popular option, since the course is online you would get access to it right away.

The bottom line is that you should have options, this is a feature that only the more reliable course providers offer, it allows you to pursue your career while taking into consideration varied financial positions.

Before You Go…

Now that you know how to become a yoga instructor online, there is no time to waste.

Kickstart an exciting new career by completing an entry-level Diploma in Yoga Teacher Training. After qualifying, OriGym will even be on hand to help you find employment, with a guaranteed interview with one of our corporate partners.

Further information about this course can be found within our FREE downloadable course prospectus here.