If youโve ever felt the quiet pull to share yoga with othersโnot just practise it, but truly teach itโyou might be wondering: how to become a yoga instructor?
The good news is that teaching yoga is available to anyone who has dedication, self-awareness and a genuine desire to learn. And if youโre simply on a self-illumination path or want to teach full time, knowing what lies ahead can help you confidently pick the teaching training you want.
In this post, we will be taking you through 6 steps that are crucial in becoming a yoga teacher: from examining yourself to getting certified โ and explain why many future teachers start their journey by doing the very traditional yoga teacher training at a yoga school in Goa, India.
1. Reflect on your Why: Why Do You Want to Teach Yoga?
Before you dive into training, spend some time reflecting your why. Do you want to be a teacher in studios? Share yoga with your community? Deepen your personal growth?
Knowing your why will guide what kind of yoga teacher training is the right fit for you โ and that includes when it comes to choosing between styles, lineages and teaching philosophies.
2. Build a Consistent Personal Practice
To be a yoga teacher, you have to be practising yoga consistently to understand more about this practice. While you donโt need to learn or be able to perform every pose, learning about the basics โ breath awareness, alignment, and core sequences โ can help you feel more grounded and ready to explore in training.
Attending various class styles (Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, etc.) is also helpful for you to figure out what really resonates with your body and mind.
3. Choose a Yoga Teacher Training Programme (YTT)
The most popular route of becoming a yoga teacher is by taking a 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) that is certified with Yoga Alliance. This foundational course equips you with:
- Asana (posture) techniques and teaching skills
- Pranayama (breathing practices)
- Anatomy and physiology
- Yoga philosophy and ethics
- Sequencing and class design
- Practise teaching and feedback
A yoga teacher training in Goa offers the added benefit of learning at the sourceโin India, where yoga began. At our yoga school in Goa, we combine traditional teachings with modern application to create a balanced, transformative experience.
4. Choose a Yoga School That Aligns with Your Values
Not all YTTs are created equal. If you value depth, authenticity, and connection to lineage, look for a traditional yoga training school that:
- Has Indian roots or direct lineage to classical teachings
- Teaches beyond just asana (philosophy, history, lifestyle)
- Offers immersive, supportive environments
- Is led by experienced, Yoga Allianceโregistered teachers
At Himalaya Yoga Valley in Goa, our training is led by Yogacharya Lalit and a senior team with deep ties to classical Indian yoga. For over 15 years, we’ve trained thousands of teachers from around the world in our purpose-built retreat centre in Goa.
5. Complete Your Training and Embrace the Inner Work
During your YTT, youโll be challengedโnot just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Youโll practise daily, study anatomy, learn yogic philosophy, and begin the process of embodying yoga beyond the mat.
This inner transformation is one of the most powerful parts of becoming a yoga instructorโand itโs what sets truly impactful teachers apart.
6. Get Certified and Registered (Optional)
After completing your 200-hour YTT, youโll receive a certificate of completion. While registration with Yoga Alliance is optional, many teachers choose to register as an RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher) to enhance credibility, especially when applying to studios.
This also grants access to continuing education and global visibility in the yoga community.
Finally, How to become a Yoga Instructor? Start Teaching!
The final step is simple, but important: start teaching. Whether itโs a community class, a private session, or a few friends in your living roomโputting your training into practice is how you truly grow.
Many graduates from our yoga teacher training in Goa begin teaching right after graduation, feeling confident and inspired by their immersive experience. Others take time to integrate before sharing their knowledge. Thereโs no right pathโonly the one thatโs true to you.
Final Thoughts: Your Teaching Journey Starts Here
If youโve been wondering how to become a yoga instructor, the answer begins with intention, deep study, and the right training environment.
Choosing to learn at a yoga school in Goa offers more than just certificationโit offers an immersion in the spiritual, cultural, and philosophical heart of yoga. With ocean air, nourishing food, and a supportive community, our Goa centre provides the ideal setting to explore your potential.
Ready to begin your journey?
Explore our next 200-hour yoga teacher training in Goa and take your first step toward becoming a confident, authentic yoga teacher.
