What to Do After Completing Your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training: Your Next Steps to Start Teaching
Completing your 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) is an empowering milestone—it marks the beginning of your journey as a yoga teacher. But once the course is over and the certificate is in hand, many new graduates find themselves wondering: what’s next?
Here are some key steps to help you confidently transition from student to teacher.
1. Start Teaching Right Away—Even if It’s Small
Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity. Begin by offering free or donation-based yoga classes to friends, family, or your local community. This is one of the best ways to gain teaching experience, build confidence, and refine your teaching voice.
2. Create Your Yoga Teacher Resume & Portfolio
Even if you don’t have formal teaching experience yet, include your 200-hour YTT certification, yoga styles you’ve trained in, and any relevant workshops or continuing education. Consider adding testimonials from people who’ve attended your classes. A simple website or Instagram page can serve as your digital portfolio and help potential students or employers find you.
3. Register with Yoga Alliance (If Applicable)
If your training was with a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS), consider registering as an RYT 200. This credential can add credibility and may be required by some yoga studios or employers.
4. Apply to Studios or Offer Pop-Up Classes
Reach out to yoga studios, gyms, wellness centres, or community halls. Many studios offer community class slots or substitute opportunities for new teachers. Alternatively, start your own pop-up yoga classes in parks, beaches, or online via Zoom or social media.
5. Continue Learning and Practice Daily
Your training was just the beginning. Keep studying, take classes from experienced teachers, and maintain your personal yoga and meditation practice. At Lotus Yoga Academy, we offer online yoga classes and continuing education opportunities so you can keep deepening your understanding of asana, pranayama, and yoga philosophy—even from home.
👉 Explore our online offerings here
6. Get Insurance and Know Local Legal Requirements
Depending on where you live, you may need yoga teacher liability insurance and possibly register as a sole trader or business. If you plan to teach online or in-person, having proper coverage is a smart and responsible move.
7. Build a Community and Stay Connected
Join local or online yoga teacher groups, attend events or workshops, and connect with fellow graduates. Teaching yoga is not just about the poses—it’s about creating a space for connection and growth.
Starting your yoga teaching journey can feel overwhelming, but remember—every great teacher was once a beginner. With consistency, authenticity, and a love for the practice, your path as a yoga teacher will unfold beautifully
Completing your 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) is an empowering milestone—it marks the beginning of your journey as a yoga teacher. But once the course is over and the certificate is in hand, many new graduates find themselves wondering: what’s next?
Here are some key steps to help you confidently transition from student to teacher.
1. Start Teaching Right Away—Even if It’s Small
Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity. Begin by offering free or donation-based yoga classes to friends, family, or your local community. This is one of the best ways to gain teaching experience, build confidence, and refine your teaching voice.
2. Create Your Yoga Teacher Resume & Portfolio
Even if you don’t have formal teaching experience yet, include your 200-hour YTT certification, yoga styles you’ve trained in, and any relevant workshops or continuing education. Consider adding testimonials from people who’ve attended your classes. A simple website or Instagram page can serve as your digital portfolio and help potential students or employers find you.
3. Register with Yoga Alliance (If Applicable)
If your training was with a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS), consider registering as an RYT 200. This credential can add credibility and may be required by some yoga studios or employers.
4. Apply to Studios or Offer Pop-Up Classes
Reach out to yoga studios, gyms, wellness centres, or community halls. Many studios offer community class slots or substitute opportunities for new teachers. Alternatively, start your own pop-up yoga classes in parks, beaches, or online via Zoom or social media.
5. Continue Learning and Practice Daily
Your training was just the beginning. Keep studying, take classes from experienced teachers, and maintain your personal yoga and meditation practice. At Lotus Yoga Academy, we offer online yoga classes and continuing education opportunities so you can keep deepening your understanding of asana, pranayama, and yoga philosophy—even from home.
👉 Explore our online offerings here
6. Get Insurance and Know Local Legal Requirements
Depending on where you live, you may need yoga teacher liability insurance and possibly register as a sole trader or business. If you plan to teach online or in-person, having proper coverage is a smart and responsible move.
7. Build a Community and Stay Connected
Join local or online yoga teacher groups, attend events or workshops, and connect with fellow graduates. Teaching yoga is not just about the poses—it’s about creating a space for connection and growth.
Starting your yoga teaching journey can feel overwhelming, but remember—every great teacher was once a beginner. With consistency, authenticity, and a love for the practice, your path as a yoga teacher will unfold beautifully