Turning 40 often comes with big changes in life, internal & external. The reflection and a deeper desire for purpose.
From just wanting a change in career to adding some side income sources or just doing something for inner peace, there are diverse reasons for having the urge to become a yoga teacher at this age.
If you are also struggling with such thoughts as “Can I become a yoga teacher at 40?” “Is it too late to become a yoga teacher?”
Then we have some good news for you: yes, you absolutely can, because when it comes to yoga, rather than being a limitation, age is often an asset.
With age comes wisdom, empathy, and a calm presence, qualities that are best to have in a yoga teacher. Whatever your purpose, starting your yoga teacher journey at 40 is one of the most powerful things you will do in life.
The average age of certified yoga teachers in the U.S. is 42
Not only that, people are often on the lookout for teachers of older ages. As it builds trust and calm in their mind while practicing the form. As per a survey by Yoga Alliance, 42 is the average age of certified yoga teachers in the US, which also reflects a lot of them starting their teacher training in their late 30s or 40s.
Globally, a lot of people are shifting from their corporate careers into the wellness industry as yoga teachers, often as a second career choice in their 40s and beyond. Seeing this growing trend, yoga schools have started offering courses and training programs that specifically welcome and support this age group. 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala is an ideal starting point for such individuals, providing a nurturing environment, expert guidance, and a peaceful setting to begin this transformative new chapter in life.
Advantages of becoming a yoga teacher in your 40s
1. emotional maturity, discipline, and deeper self-awareness
These are some of the qualities that elevate your teaching frequency. Students feel comfortable learning from someone who is more grounded and mature but also relatable.
2. Life experience is a blessing for teaching
Your life journey teaches you more on empathy & patience than just words. This brings authenticity to your teaching style, and you are better equipped to handle the responsibility of guiding others through their struggles and creating a safe space for anyone who comes through.
3. Rise in demand of mature teachers:
Due to the above-mentioned qualities, there is a rise in yoga studios hiring older instructors for their grounding energy and relatable teaching style.
Challenges of becoming a yoga teacher after 40 and how you should prepare for it.
While with age comes wisdom, it does bring a unique set of challenges in becoming a yoga teacher.
Physical Constraint:
With age it starts taking longer to build stamina & master yoga poses, which can invite self-doubts & giving up when compared to young peers. But consistency is the key. Take your time; don’t let other journeys impact your path.
Social Media Constraint:
In these social media-dominated times, while young teachers find it quick & easy to grow their yoga business, it can come as a challenge if you are not socially savvy. But there are alternative ways & job opportunities all across the world.
Financial Constraint:
At this age, with all the responsibilities, changing a career or taking some time out can seem a bit too expensive. So plan ahead. Save for the days you will be learning and your other responsibilities.
Step-by-step process of becoming a yoga teacher:
1. Enroll in a yoga course:
For getting your certification, Yoga Alliance requires 200 hours of training. The training can be completed one time, or you can take two 100 hour courses from a Yoga Alliance-certified school. Yoga Gayu in Kerala, India, is one such highly accredited school.
When you start your journey, remember this: you are not alone. So many people incorporated yoga in their later years in their lives and mastered it and made a career out of it, so take it one step at a time.
2. Start teaching beginner classes:
Once you complete 200 hours of training, you can go on and teach beginner classes. The 200 hour yoga course covers all the basics of philosophy and asanas and usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Oprah Winfrey embraced yoga in her 40s; Ina Garten started practicing in her 60s. Sting became a serious yogi in his 40s and has practiced for over two decades now.
3. Deepen skills with advanced training
To further deepen your skills of yoga, you have to take a 300 hour yoga teacher training course, or you can specialize in areas like prenatal yoga, therapy, or aerial yoga.
Later on, you can take workshops and participate in group sessions to deepen and strengthen your practice and also get referrals.
How to Complete Adaptable 100 Hour Courses to Obtain Your Yoga Alliance Certification
For getting your certification, Yoga Alliance requires 200 hours of training. The training can be completed one time, or you can take two 100 hour courses from a Yoga Alliance-certified school. Yoga Gau in Kerala, India, is one such highly accredited school.
When you start your journey, remember this: you are not alone. Many people have embraced yoga later in life, mastered the practice, and even built meaningful careers from it—proving that it’s never too late to begin. So take it one step at a time. 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala offers a supportive and immersive space for dedicated practitioners to deepen their knowledge, refine their teaching skills, and evolve both personally and professionally, regardless of age or background.
Late bloomers often make the most authentic and impactful teachers.
Becoming a yoga teacher in your 40s is not just doable but one of the best decisions you will ever make. For further guidance, feel free to connect at the Yoga Gau helpline. Our courses are designed for people from all age groups. If you are confused about this, you can start practicing yoga for 40 minutes, which can help you to understand your capability and whether you should become a teacher or not.
