How to Become a Yoga Teacher: A Guide For Christian Practitioners

How do you become a well-rounded and qualified yoga teacher? In today’s modern world, standardized yoga teacher trainings are designed to provide a comprehensive education in anatomy, physiology, yoga philosophy, techniques, and practice.

Historically, however, yoga was a deeply spiritual practice passed directly from teacher to student. Training was not standardized; it evolved naturally as the student grew into the role of teacher. Each journey was unique, shaped by the worldview, lineage, and lived experience of the mentor guiding the process.

For Christian yoga practitioners, the path to becoming a teacher can feel both exciting and daunting. Many are drawn to the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of yoga, yet they often wonder how to pursue yoga teacher training in a way that remains grounded in their faith.

If you’ve ever wondered whether yoga teaching might be for you or you simply want to learn more about how “Christian” yoga teacher training is different, this blog will help you explore the landscape. From evaluating different training programs to discerning your personal sense of calling, here’s what you need to know as you consider becoming a Christ-centered yoga teacher.

Is Teaching Christ-Centered Yoga Right For You?

Have you felt God’s presence in your body through breath, movement, and stillness, and wanted to help others feel this tool? If so, you may want to consider becoming a Christ-centered yoga teacher.  

Becoming a yoga teacher might seem like an unusual calling for a follower of Christ. I felt the same way. In fact, I never set out to teach “Christian” yoga but felt a strong prompting to use Scripture and Bible teachings in my yoga classes. I started teaching Christ-centered yoga out of obedience to the nudge I felt. That was almost 15 years ago! 

If you long for a more embodied faith, enjoy encouraging others, and feel passionate about spiritual formation, teaching Christ-centered yoga may be the right path for you. 

Becoming a Christ-centered yoga teacher is both a spiritual calling, a professional journey, and an opportunity to share the transformative benefits of yoga. You will guide others toward deeper peace, presence, and spiritual growth in Christ.

How is Teaching Christ-Centered Yoga Different?

In many ways, teaching yoga as a Christian is no different from teaching yoga in general. This is an expression of God’s common grace. 

All humans, regardless of faith or worldview, were created by God and share the same bodily design, the same physiological breath, the same mental tendencies, and the same capacity to feel in our hearts.

Yoga teaches us to pay attention and to notice what might otherwise go undetected. A good yoga teacher helps their students to pay attention; to observe their bodies, minds, thoughts, and emotions. 

But teaching Christ-centered yoga adds a deeper dimension: it shapes how we understand and respond to what we notice.

Christ-centered yoga teachers help their students:

• Understand their bodies as God’s sacred architecture. 
• Notice their thoughts and hold each one captive to Christ
• Pay attention to their feelings and allow them to fuel their prayer life
• Awaken to the presence and nearness of God in every moment

How to Become Yoga Certified 

The first step to becoming a certified yoga teacher begins with finding a teacher, program, or style that resonates with you. Yoga is not just a physical practice but also a spiritual one. 

For Christians, it’s important to choose a training program that not only teaches a specific style of yoga but also reflects your values and aligns with your faith. Finding the right program can feel challenging, but it makes all the difference. 

A high-quality teacher or training program does more than teach technique. It can help you honor God in your practice, discern which teachings align with your faith, and guide you as you explore the philosophies, worldviews, and techniques of yoga. 

Along the way, it can also help clarify common misconceptions about yoga and provide a solid foundation for your journey as a Christ-centered yoga teacher.

Next, look for a program that offers a supportive community to walk with you through your training and beyond. Yoga teacher training is a transformative journey. You’re not only learning how to teach yoga but also how to embody the practice in your own life. 

This is especially important for Christians, since it can be challenging to find spaces where Christians can talk openly and intelligently about the practice of yoga. A safe and like-minded community will encourage you, keep you grounded, and help you grow into the teacher God is calling you to be. 

Finally, choose a program that fits your specific goals and needs. Think about what credentials you might need based on where you hope to teach. Some yoga studios require Yoga Alliance certification, while churches or faith-based organizations may value a Christ-centered approach more highly. 

Consider other aspects that are important to you: Do you want trauma-informed training? Are you looking to learn a contemplative approach to yoga? Once you’re clear on your goals, find a training program that works with your practical needs: your schedule, budget, learning style, and current season of life.

In-Person vs Online Yoga Teacher Training

When choosing a yoga teacher training, another important decision is whether to study in person or online. 

In-person programs provide hands-on guidance, immediate feedback, and close interaction with teachers and fellow students. The downside is that they are limited by location, which can restrict your access to certain programs and instructors.

Online programs offer greater flexibility and access to a wider range of teachers and training options. These programs vary: some are entirely self-paced with no live sessions, requiring independent learning and strong self-discipline. 

While self-paced programs can be more convenient or affordable, they typically lack mentors and structured opportunities to practice teaching, which can leave graduates feeling less confident in their skills.

Hybrid online Yoga Teacher Training programs, on the other hand, combine the best of both worlds. They provide opportunities for live interaction with instructors, immediate feedback, and a supportive community, all from the convenience of your own home. 

For Christian practitioners, a hybrid Yoga Teacher Training program is your best bet for finding training that not only fits your schedule and location but also nurtures both your teaching skills and your spiritual growth as a follower of Christ.

Get Certified to Teach Christ-Centered Yoga With Getting Still 

At Getting Still, our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings use a hybrid model that gives you the best of both worlds: the benefits of in-person guidance with the flexibility of online learning.

Our training is a well-rounded program, offering in-depth study of anatomy and physiology, teaching techniques, and yogic philosophy, all while being steeped in spiritual formation and grounded in the study of Scripture. 

Our team loves helping students deepen their own practice and equipping teachers to guide others in embodying their faith, using yoga as a pathway to deeper encounters with God. Our approach is trauma-informed and contemplative, and our training includes the signature embodied sequencing template, a unique method found only in The Yoga Abbey, our online yoga sanctuary.

If you feel called to integrate your faith with your yoga practice and share it with others, join us for our Christ-centered 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Spaces are limited, so begin your journey today.