How to Become a Bikram Yoga Instructor

Bikram is a popular form of yoga that is also referred to as hot yoga. The style features positions and breathing exercises used in conjunction with spiritual, mental and physical yoga methods. Becoming an instructor requires mastery of the methods as well as official training.

• Realize the necessary prerequisites to enter an instructional program. These include at least six continuous months of Bikram Yoga training, getting a letter of recommendation from a certified instructor and being at least 21 years of age.


• Research schools that offer specialized training in the 26 poses performed during the 90-minute sessions. Not only do the schools strengthen your ability to perform these postures, they help you to learn techniques necessary to train others. 


• Enroll in a program that fits your needs. There are programs in many parts of the country and world, but classes are not available in every region. Be prepared to travel to another area is your location does not offer this instruction.


• Pay for the training courses. It is essential to realize that higher learning institutions or the Department of Education do not accredit yoga instruction courses. This means that the credits earned in the program will qualify you to work in a yoga studio but will not transfer to other educational institutions.


• Attend the nine-week course that incorporates 500 hours of classroom study. Instructors learn to master the 26 poses, several breathing techniques, as well as anatomy and specialized training for specific types of clients such as Bikram for beginners.