How to Become a Yoga Instructor in Canada

Yoga is not new, but its popularity among health-conscious Canadians has been reaching new heights in the past few decades. That’s because more Canadians recognize the mental and physical benefits the philosophy provides. It’s arguably an art and a science uniting the body, mind, and soul.

It’s estimated one in five (21%) Canadians practice yoga regularly. Furthermore, Leger 360 notes yoga is particularly popular with young Canadians, with 35% of people between 18 and 34 practicing it. Additionally, the University of British Columbia cites data suggesting the global pilates and yoga studios market will grow to be worth over US$145 billion by 2027. In other words, despite the competitive nature of the industry, there is plenty of opportunity for new yoga practitioners to enter the market.

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Let’s explore the requirements to become a certified yoga instructor in Canada and the steps you need to take to get there.

What Is a Yoga Instructor?

A yoga instructor or practitioner guides people through yoga practices, helping them develop physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. But yoga teachers do more than host and lead yoga sessions. Their responsibilities may include:

• Demonstrating poses or asanas and guiding their students through each sequence while teaching proper breathing techniques and alignment
• Creating lesson plans for classes that address the abilities of their students and help them achieve their goals
• Teaching meditation and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and promote mental clarity and overall wellness while prioritizing their students’ safety and well-being
• Continuously learning and updating their knowledge and skills to teach different yoga styles and techniques
• Handling administrative tasks and other business owner-related requirements as either an independent instructor or one who runs a studio

What Prerequisites Do You Need to Become a Yoga Instructor in Canada?

Your students rely on and trust you to teach them yoga and how it can help them achieve their health and wellness goals, whether in workshops, retreats, in-studio group classes, online or one-on-one private training sessions.

To become a successful yoga instructor with a thriving practice, you need to be passionate about the profession and be prepared to commit to practicing yoga regularly. 

That means being physically and mentally fit to practice and teach yoga, researching and choosing reputable yoga instructor training programs to grow your knowledge, and having empathy and effective communication and interpersonal skills. It also helps to have a general understanding of human physiology and anatomy. 

What Education, Training, and Certifications Do Yoga Instructors Need?

Although you’re not legally required to hold a professional certification, it is highly recommended, as is having a high school diploma. Being certified can build trust with prospective students and help grow your practice.

When seeking a yoga instructor training program, some schools may require you to carry a postsecondary degree from a recognized university or college before enrolling in their program. Furthermore, some programs may take a few weeks to complete; others can take several months. In general, a registered yoga school’s program will include courses on physiology, human anatomy, instruction techniques, and yoga philosophy.

In addition to completing training at a registered yoga school and achieving certification, it’s also advisable to be CPR and first aid certified.

How Much Money Does a Yoga Instructor Make?

According to Talent.com, Canada’s average yoga instructor salary is $58,124 annually or $29.81 per hour. While new yoga practitioners may start around $48,858 annually, an experienced yogi (male) or yogini (female) can make more than $70,000 a year.

What Insurance Does a Yoga Teacher in Canada Need?

A customized yoga insurance policy contains various coverages to protect your reputation and financial welfare. 

What your yoga instructor policy should include depends on a variety of factors unique to your practice and services. For example, if you teach outdoor yoga classes in public spaces, what your policy requires may differ from running your practice in a studio setting.

Fill out our online application for a free insurance quote. Our knowledgeable brokers can advise you on what your policy should include and the coverage limits, and they’ll shop our partner network of over 50 insurance providers to find the low-cost policy you need that adequately addresses your professional risks. Also, know that the cost of an annual yoga instructor insurance policy is tax deductible.

Then, you can take a deep breath and relax, knowing you’re protected if an accident or unexpected incident occurs.