A Yoga instructor (Yogi) is someone who specializes in helping others create a harmonious union between the body and mind through breathing exercises (pranayama) and postures (asanas). They help clients become more flexible while strengthening their bodies, and to develop a more balanced, peace-seeking mindset through visualization and meditation. While teaching classes (at a studio, health center, spa, in a natural setting, on a retreat, or in a private home), a good instructor will pay close attention to the needs of their clients and design a program that is tailored to them. A class for pregnant women, children, or senior citizens will require specialized stretches for example, just as special evaluation and customized programming will be necessary for individuals recovering from a surgery, injury, or other vulnerability. A yoga instructor must pay careful attention to each client to avoid injuries.

Yoga instructors also will put considerable time into the business end of their practice (accounting, time management, promotion, client outreach, etc.), choosing what specialties to teach (Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Iyengar, Kripalu, to name a few), creating playlists and routines the group will enjoy, building relationships with clients, evaluating progress to best decide when clients are ready to move onto more complex postures, and being available to answer questions and guide clients toward meditative solutions that may help them through personal struggles.

There are many schools and programs that teach the philosophies and history of yoga and certification in a variety of practices. After becoming certified, many will develop specialties (in specific styles of yoga, spiritual/meditative schools of thought, and working with clients such as pregnant women, seniors, and other vulnerable individuals who will have specific challenges to ensure yoga sessions are safe). These will all require further education, and for devout practitioners, continuing education remains a steady focus throughout their career.

Those wishing to take up this practice must be careful when seeking education as while there are many accredited and respected programs, there are many that are just there to make money off eager students.

A KNACK FOR LANGUAGES, A KNACK FOR MAKING MONEY, BASIC FIRST AID, CHARM, EMPATHY, ENHANCED HEARING, EXCEPTIONAL MEMORY, GAINING THE TRUST OF OTHERS, HIGH PAIN TOLERANCE, HOSPITALITY, MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH, PROMOTION, READING PEOPLE, REGENERATION, STRONG BREATH CONTROL, THROWING ONE'S VOICE