The fitness industry has grown rapidly over the past 20 or so years and major gyms or health clubs seem to be opening on a daily basis. We are now living in health-conscious world where many people place an emphasis on maintaining a healthy body and many others see the need for a healthy mind. Yoga is now a popular option for people who are looking to keep both their minds and bodies healthy. The increasing trend towards fitness has opened up a whole new job market, and while a career as a fitness guru or yoga teacher was once considered unsustainable, it is now a sought after position that actually pays fairly well.

A yoga instructor differs from most other fitness workers in that they focus on the mind as much as the body. In addition to teaching the movements and principles of yoga, a big part of their job is determining which movements and breathing exercises work best for individual clients. This is usually based on a client’s fitness level, level of motivation and mindset. Yoga instructors can work with clients on a private basis, in a gym environment or at a health club. They are often responsible for setting up the times and structure of their classes, which enables them to maintain a flexible schedule.

Even though the demand for yoga instructors has increased, anyone looking to get into the field should have a passion for yoga in general, rather than simply looking at it as a way to make money. More than any other area of fitness, yoga relies on the teacher having a sound grasp of the techniques and practices that are intrinsic to the practice of the craft. In order to become certified, a yoga instructor in training has to complete a 200 or 500 hour course under the instruction of a teacher who is a registered member of the Yoga Alliance. Completing the course will earn you the title Registered Yoga Trainer (RYT), which makes you eligible to work in any health facility or as an independent contractor.

The salary for a yoga instructor, much like any other job, varies depending on experience, location, employer and performance. Working at a gym or health studio will provide an average salary of anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000, but that can be increased if the facility has a revenue share program in place where an instructor earns bonuses based on the size and performance of their classes. A yoga instructor salary can rise to a range of $50,000 to $75,000 after a few years, especially if their classes are growing in popularity and have satisfied customers. It’s at that point that some yoga teachers may want to consider offering private, in-home classes to supplement their income. If they are successful, this could turn into a permanent self-employed position.

With so many new health clubs and fitness studios opening across the country, the outlook for yoga instructors is bright, and with an increasing number of job opportunities available, can represent a very wise career choice.