Mastering Aerial Yoga Instruction: Comprehensive Guide Unveiled
Interested in a career as an aerial yoga instructor? The UK offers exciting opportunities for those looking to combine their passion for yoga with the thrill of aerial arts. Here's a breakdown of the key steps to embark on this rewarding journey.
Two Main Career Paths
The two primary career paths for an aerial yoga instructor are working as a freelance teacher or securing a stable contracted role in a dedicated aerial yoga studio. Freelance teachers, in high demand, can build a successful business, while studio roles offer a more stable work environment, albeit with a less saturated market.
Essential Qualifications
To become an aerial yoga instructor in the UK, you generally need to complete a specialist qualification in aerial yoga or a related aerial discipline such as aerial silks, aerial hammock, or trapeze. These certifications typically require practical training hours and may be Yoga Alliance accredited, with courses ranging from around 20 to 50 hours of training.
Aerial Yoga Teacher Training Course
Completing a dedicated aerial yoga teacher training, such as a Yoga Alliance accredited 20-hour course, is a common pathway. An example is the "ELEVATE" course in Warlingham, UK, which certifies you to teach aerial yoga.
Relevant Experience or Related Certification
Some employers or courses consider practical experience or qualifications in related aerial fitness disciplines like aerial silks, trapeze, or aerial pilates.
Previous Yoga Qualification
Because aerial yoga builds on foundational yoga knowledge, being a certified yoga teacher (e.g., having a traditional yoga teaching qualification) is typically preferred or sometimes required.
Minimum Teaching Experience
Jobs for aerial instructors often require at least one year of teaching experience and evidence of continuous education.
Training Course Content
Training usually covers aerial yoga postures, safety techniques, use of aerial hammocks, sequencing, anatomy, and how to adapt yoga for aerial practice.
Additional Considerations
Insurance
Public Liability insurance is a basic insurance policy for yoga instructors, while Personal Accident Insurance and Loss of Earnings Insurance are additional policies to consider. Equipment Insurance can protect aerial yoga instructors' equipment, and it may be a good idea to take out Equipment Insurance to protect your investment.
Specialization
Specializing in a particular yoga niche can open more doors and opportunities for aerial yoga instructors.
Building a Career
Freelance Teaching
To find jobs as a freelance aerial yoga teacher, one should look for vacancies specifically in this area. With the right qualifications and experience, freelance aerial yoga teachers can build a successful business.
Studio Work
Working in a dedicated aerial yoga studio offers a stable contracted role but there isn't a huge market for such studios. However, it can provide a steady income and a supportive work environment.
Yoga Retreats
The experience gained from working at yoga retreats can be a great USP for an aerial yoga instructor's clientele. Working at a yoga retreat that features aerial yoga is a more exciting route for aerial yoga instructors and allows them to teach yoga abroad.
Final Steps
For those starting, it is advisable to:
- Acquire a foundational yoga teaching qualification (e.g., 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training).
- Enroll in an accredited aerial yoga teacher training course.
- Gain practical teaching experience with ongoing education.
This combination best prepares you to teach aerial yoga professionally across yoga studios, fitness centers, or specialized aerial studios in the UK.
Remember, there is no single legal qualification mandated by the UK government for aerial yoga instruction, but completing a recognized certification ensures both safety and professional recognition.
For those considering opening their own studio that specializes in aerial yoga, it's important to note that it requires massive investment and preparation. It's rare to find accredited aerial yoga teacher training courses, but with the right qualifications and experience, it's an achievable goal.
With dedication, passion, and the right qualifications, a career as an aerial yoga instructor in the UK can be both rewarding and exciting. Happy flying!
- To succeed in a career as an aerial yoga instructor, consider enrolling in a Yoga Alliance accredited aerial yoga teacher training course, such as the "ELEVATE" course in Warlingham, UK, to gain a specialized qualification.
- Gaining practical teaching experience in aerial yoga and demonstrating continuous education is crucial in securing job opportunities, whether freelance teaching or working in a dedicated aerial yoga studio.
- To expand skills and increase chances for job opportunities, consider acquiring complementary certifications in related aerial fitness disciplines like aerial silks, trapeze, or aerial pilates.
