Motivations of Yoga Teachers and the Impact of Training and Teaching

Objective: Most research on yoga focuses on efficacy with physical and mental health conditions. Little attention is given to yoga teachers. This project focused on motivations to engage in yoga teacher training and the personal impact of training and teaching. Methods: 10 yoga teachers practicing in a metro area were engaged in individual interviews. They were asked what led them to yoga teaching, plans regarding teaching, barriers faced to engaging in training, the challenges of training and teaching, and self-care. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported realizing significant benefits from yoga practice and desire to share the benefits of yoga with others. They discussed the complexity of teaching in terms of the needs of students and the vast amount to know about yoga. Participants noted financial barriers to training and difficulties making a living as a yoga teacher. Maintaining a personal practice was held to be essential in terms of grounding to the philosophy of yoga and incorporating yoga as a part of one’s life. Both practicing and teaching yoga led to personal growth and the sense of community and spiritual connection. Conclusion: Teaching yoga had a significant impact on the individual and was regarded as part of leading a spiritual life. Yoga teachers appeared to have unmet needs in terms of ongoing training and professional support. Significance: As health and wellness efforts continue to utilize yoga interventions, more will need to be known regarding how to best support yoga teachers