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The Professional Yoga Teacher’s Handbook: The Ultimate Guide for Current and Aspiring Instructors―Set Your Intention, Develop Your Voice, and Build Your Career
The ultimate guide to the yoga profession—at every stage of your teaching career
Yoga has helped you, and now you want to share what you’ve learned. Maybe you’ve just graduated from yoga teacher training, and you’re wondering how to take your next steps. Or perhaps you’ve been teaching for a while, but you feel unsure about how to get a studio job, develop a workshop, establish clear boundaries with your students, or level up in your career.
Wherever you are, The Professional Yoga Teacher’s Handbook will help you choose a wise path toward where you want to be. Sage Rountree mines her decades of experience as a yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and studio owner to offer guidance at every Throughout, thoughtful prompts encourage you to articulate your principles, vision, and plans. Instead of telling you what to teach, this book will guide you to your own answers—first and foremost, by How can my teaching be of greatest service to my students?
Yoga has helped you, and now you want to share what you’ve learned. Maybe you’ve just graduated from yoga teacher training, and you’re wondering how to take your next steps. Or perhaps you’ve been teaching for a while, but you feel unsure about how to get a studio job, develop a workshop, establish clear boundaries with your students, or level up in your career.
Wherever you are, The Professional Yoga Teacher’s Handbook will help you choose a wise path toward where you want to be. Sage Rountree mines her decades of experience as a yoga teacher, teacher trainer, and studio owner to offer guidance at every Throughout, thoughtful prompts encourage you to articulate your principles, vision, and plans. Instead of telling you what to teach, this book will guide you to your own answers—first and foremost, by How can my teaching be of greatest service to my students?
- GenresNonfictionBusiness
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2020
33 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Sage Rountree
38 books39 followersSage Rountree is an internationally recognized authority in yoga for athletes, an endurance sports coach specializing in athletic recovery, and the co-owner of several wellness businesses. Sage is the author of thirteen books, including The Athlete's Guide to Yoga, Racing Wisely, Everyday Yoga, and, Lifelong Yoga and Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, cowritten with Alexandra DeSiato. Her latest are The Professional Yoga Teacher's Handbook and The Art of Yoga Sequencing.
Sage moved from a career track in academia to one teaching yoga and training others to do the same, and to do it with clear standards and boundaries to the benefit of their students. She directs the Carrboro Yoga Company's advanced studies teacher trainings, which draw students from around the world. She also co-owns Hillsborough Spa and Day Retreat. Sage served as a faculty member at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for over a decade, and she has offered workshops and taught at festivals both internationally and around the United States.
Sage’s in-person trainings and online courses include lessons in sequencing yoga classes, developing workshops, managing the yoga classroom, and being a professional movement teacher—the subject of her most recent book. A pioneer in yoga for athletes, she has worked with athletes at every level, from youth and amateur athletes to NBA and NFL teams, players, and coaches. In addition to writing and cowriting ten books, her work has appeared in several publications, and she has been a regular contributor to Yoga Journal and Runner’s World.
Sage moved from a career track in academia to one teaching yoga and training others to do the same, and to do it with clear standards and boundaries to the benefit of their students. She directs the Carrboro Yoga Company's advanced studies teacher trainings, which draw students from around the world. She also co-owns Hillsborough Spa and Day Retreat. Sage served as a faculty member at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for over a decade, and she has offered workshops and taught at festivals both internationally and around the United States.
Sage’s in-person trainings and online courses include lessons in sequencing yoga classes, developing workshops, managing the yoga classroom, and being a professional movement teacher—the subject of her most recent book. A pioneer in yoga for athletes, she has worked with athletes at every level, from youth and amateur athletes to NBA and NFL teams, players, and coaches. In addition to writing and cowriting ten books, her work has appeared in several publications, and she has been a regular contributor to Yoga Journal and Runner’s World.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 22, 2020
As someone who is on the fence about whether to pursue a yoga teaching career, this book was so helpful in laying out all of the factors to consider as well as giving people a sense of what it's like to be a yoga teacher. Starting with the most fundamental question of "why do you want to be a yoga teacher" all the way to the nitty gritty of talking about business cards, class pricing, and planning/sequencing, and all the steps in between. I know that I'll be re-reading this book and working with the workbook as well. Truly a must have for all prospective yoga teachers, or even current yoga teachers who may feel like they're stuck in a rut.
October 23, 2020
LITERALLY, the best book for yogateachers! I will go on an read all the other books by the wonderful Sage Roundtree. Her knowledge and experience in the field from all different perspectives make the book even more relatable and suitable for all! Love love love ❤️❤️❤️
September 30, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from The Experiment in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in my review are completely my own.
My original intention for writing this review was solely based on my love for yoga and potentially becoming a future yoga instructor as a side job and this was the perfect book to review in order to do so. This book taught me so much about the yoga studio business and what it takes to build a client base, handle money including a proper starting price point and what exactly your clients will be looking for in your classes. This will be a good book to have on my bookshelf as a reference for the business and to have for patrons who inspire to become a yoga instructor.
We will consider adding this title to our R Non-Fiction collection in our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
My original intention for writing this review was solely based on my love for yoga and potentially becoming a future yoga instructor as a side job and this was the perfect book to review in order to do so. This book taught me so much about the yoga studio business and what it takes to build a client base, handle money including a proper starting price point and what exactly your clients will be looking for in your classes. This will be a good book to have on my bookshelf as a reference for the business and to have for patrons who inspire to become a yoga instructor.
We will consider adding this title to our R Non-Fiction collection in our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
September 22, 2020
As a student of Sage’s both in her 200 YTT program, her specialized certification in teaching yoga to athletes and at her workshops at Kripalu, I can wholeheartedly attest to every nugget of wisdom contained in her latest book.
I choose the audio book edition and listened to it while putting the finishing touches on my larger brick and mortar studio I’m opening because of the success of and consequently un-COVID friendly size of my first small studio - which I opened shortly after graduating from the Carolina Yoga Company. Sage, both through her mentorship and her infinite wisdom shared throughout her many great books, has been my faithful guide post to laying down an unwavering foundation for my business and brand far beyond how to teach poses.
Her wisdom is of tremendous value no matter the path your yoga teaching career leads you down. My first listen of this incredible content brought about many smiles not only because Sage’s authentic personality shines through, but because I was repeatedly reassured that I was taking the comprehensive steps necessary to running my own studio, improving my teaching skills, expanding my knowledge and speaking to the best audience for me while knowing there is still much work to be done and so much more to know.
Sage leaves no stone unturned, no corner overlooked, no area of teaching yoga left out. And if she did, don’t worry, she’ll include it in her next book! But I’m positive, it’s ALL IN here!
There cannot be a more comprehensive book about teaching yoga and the business behind it, especially in these modern times than this book - an investment in your career not to be passed up!
I choose the audio book edition and listened to it while putting the finishing touches on my larger brick and mortar studio I’m opening because of the success of and consequently un-COVID friendly size of my first small studio - which I opened shortly after graduating from the Carolina Yoga Company. Sage, both through her mentorship and her infinite wisdom shared throughout her many great books, has been my faithful guide post to laying down an unwavering foundation for my business and brand far beyond how to teach poses.
Her wisdom is of tremendous value no matter the path your yoga teaching career leads you down. My first listen of this incredible content brought about many smiles not only because Sage’s authentic personality shines through, but because I was repeatedly reassured that I was taking the comprehensive steps necessary to running my own studio, improving my teaching skills, expanding my knowledge and speaking to the best audience for me while knowing there is still much work to be done and so much more to know.
Sage leaves no stone unturned, no corner overlooked, no area of teaching yoga left out. And if she did, don’t worry, she’ll include it in her next book! But I’m positive, it’s ALL IN here!
There cannot be a more comprehensive book about teaching yoga and the business behind it, especially in these modern times than this book - an investment in your career not to be passed up!
October 2, 2020
Sage is an excellent teacher, but she might be an even more-excellent writer. Her language is crisp, clear, and contains lovely (and often funny) examples. In addition to being a beautiful book, The Professional Yoga Teacher's Handbook is also well-organized and full of thoughtful direction regarding teaching—both traditional studio teaching and offering online classes. (For that reason, it's a FANTASTIC book for teachers navigating the teaching yoga during a pandemic!) My favorite part of this book is its honesty right from the start: in the first chapter of part 1, she is frank about the idea that teaching yoga as a primary professional is very challenging if not downright impossible. But rather than be saddened by this idea, readers will feel hopeful as she discusses the ways that having yoga as a secondary career or "side hustle" can be beneficial to not just the teacher, but students, too. As the book goes on, she also covers a variety of ways yoga teachers can grow what they're offering, including offering online workshops, teacher trainings, and yoga in unique settings. The Appendix has a nifty chart which offers a timeline for yoga teachers to stay on track as teachers—I found this really valuable, and I bet you will, too! This is the book I wish I had read when I finished my first YTT 10 years ago, but it offers enough robust wisdom that it's still applicable to me as a veteran, professional teacher. (Oh how the section on language reminded me—again—to work on cutting out my repetitive filler words!) New yoga teachers and seasoned ones alike will benefit from having this gem in their teaching toolkit.
September 25, 2020
Practicing Yoga for 10+ years prepares you to teach but there’s so much more that goes into getting your certification and teaching than just attending yoga classes. I’ve often used Yoga during difficult times in my past. When the going gets tough, I get on my mat and through those hard times, my routine got more and more solid. So much so that I Was seriously contemplating teaching myself. I know I’m not ready yet, but I definitely feel more confident after reading this. It’s one that I’ll keep in my toolbox for a very long time!
Thank you Netgalley, Sage Rountree, and The Experiment for the ARC!
Thank you Netgalley, Sage Rountree, and The Experiment for the ARC!
June 1, 2023
This is a book that looks at yoga as a career path. It shows different ways on how to be paid teaching/instructing in the Western world, there is advice on ethics, on management and how to grow — from before taking the YTT and to making it a full-time job. It might be helpful, some things are really good to be reminded of. For me it lacks a deeper dive in on diversity, accessibility, and tradition. But there are other books that talk about that, of course.
I’d say that Teaching Yoga by Donna Farhi (though published a while ago) is still my fave on a subject; of course it also has weak points.
I’d say that Teaching Yoga by Donna Farhi (though published a while ago) is still my fave on a subject; of course it also has weak points.
February 22, 2024
Excellent, thorough, and so practical. Everything you didn’t know you needed to know about what it’s like to be a yoga teacher: creating a particular environment in the classroom, negotiating contracts with gyms/studios, establishing a subscription-based online library of content. It’s a lot of logistics, administrative details, and other considerations. I’ll be referencing this a lot as I begin to step into teaching!
May 3, 2020
This is a great book if you are considering a career in yoga or something similar. Lots of great ideas from how to advertise to how to conduct the class whether it is a large or small group. It gives you great insight into what you can expect if you haven’t taken the leap.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
November 27, 2022
This book was recommended to me, and although I am not sure I will ever be a yoga teacher, this was an enjoyable and informative read. A lot of what is discussed could apply to any health or wellness business that involves teaching and I took lots of notes as I read and found the reflection questions useful. Definitely worth a thorough read.
May 23, 2020
Great book for anybody that wants to be a yoga teacher. It's very well explained and organized! There are lots of tips and it's easy to follow! Excellent! I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
April 14, 2022
Not at all what I was expecting. Was hoping for a book that took me deeper in my ways of teaching. This book was mostly all marketing and how to make money off yoga. Not what I was looking for.
January 10, 2025
It was well written and gave me amazing wisdom
May 4, 2021
Sage Rountree always does an excellent job with her yoga books. I already own her Everyday Yoga book, which is a great starting point for any yogi who wants to set up an at hone practice.
This book takes it a set further for the more experienced yogi with more in-depth practices and giving you a guide for being a yoga teacher. It talks about the Yoga Alliance Standards and gives details on how to structure a class. It also goes into how to get your first gig, whether you want to open up your own studio, work full time, part time or do teacher training yourself. It’s just packed with so much great info!
I recommend this for every yogi who is interested in becoming a teacher.
Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes it a set further for the more experienced yogi with more in-depth practices and giving you a guide for being a yoga teacher. It talks about the Yoga Alliance Standards and gives details on how to structure a class. It also goes into how to get your first gig, whether you want to open up your own studio, work full time, part time or do teacher training yourself. It’s just packed with so much great info!
I recommend this for every yogi who is interested in becoming a teacher.
Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2020
Good manual for new yoga teachers.
See my full review on Metapsychology Online Reviews:
https://metapsychology.net/index.php/...
See my full review on Metapsychology Online Reviews:
https://metapsychology.net/index.php/...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews