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Yoga instructor vs fitness specialist

The differences between yoga instructors and fitness specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a yoga instructor and a fitness specialist. Additionally, a yoga instructor has an average salary of $45,673, which is higher than the $32,472 average annual salary of a fitness specialist.

The top three skills for a yoga instructor include CPR, customer service and class attendance. The most important skills for a fitness specialist are CPR, fitness assessments, and ACSM.

Yoga instructor vs fitness specialist overview

Yoga InstructorFitness Specialist
Yearly salary$45,673$32,472
Hourly rate$21.96$15.61
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,40628,175
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

What does a yoga instructor do?

A yoga teacher or instructor is an individual who teaches yoga lessons and works at yoga studios, gyms, or fitness centers. Yoga teachers are wellness and fitness professionals who lead yoga classes. They teach their students a variety of practice meditation, promote mindfulness, and stretching poses. It is expected of them to know about mindful meditation and Chakra system implementation. They should be equipped with energy, inspiration, authenticity, attention to detail, and diligence.

What does a fitness specialist do?

A Fitness Specialist is focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise and working with clients in various settings. They teach individuals or groups how to properly perform exercises and use exercise equipment.

Yoga instructor vs fitness specialist salary

Yoga instructors and fitness specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Yoga InstructorFitness Specialist
Average salary$45,673$32,472
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $63,000Between $24,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyUMiami Health SystemUniversity Settlement
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between yoga instructor and fitness specialist education

There are a few differences between a yoga instructor and a fitness specialist in terms of educational background:

Yoga InstructorFitness Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorPsychologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Yoga instructor vs fitness specialist demographics

Here are the differences between yoga instructors' and fitness specialists' demographics:

Yoga InstructorFitness Specialist
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between yoga instructor and fitness specialist duties and responsibilities

Yoga instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage operations, develop and teach the syllabus for group/private classes.
  • Recognize by the gym ownership for utilizing a CPR certification and managing an on scene emergency.
  • Manage general fitness center cleanliness and coordinate group fitness instructor schedules
  • Lead adult fitness classes involving yoga & Pilates classes.
  • Educate the community in the philosophy and practice of yoga as well as the physical practice of Asana.
  • Instruct students on Pilates, TRX and HIIT principles.
  • Show more

Fitness specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Lead group strength training exercises, conduct vitals, and monitor EKG telemetry before during and after exercise.
  • Conduct CPR and a workshops for facility.
  • Water safety, CPR, and a certified.
  • Maintain cleanliness of exercise equipment.
  • Maintain cleanliness and safety protocol of fitness equipment.
  • Show more

Yoga instructor vs fitness specialist skills

Common yoga instructor skills
  • CPR, 42%
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Class Attendance, 8%
  • Teacher Training, 5%
  • Pilates, 5%
  • Yoga, 4%
Common fitness specialist skills
  • CPR, 16%
  • Fitness Assessments, 8%
  • ACSM, 7%
  • Sales Floor, 6%
  • Blood Pressure, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%

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