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Yoga instructor vs fitness trainer

The differences between yoga instructors and fitness trainers 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 trainer. Additionally, a yoga instructor has an average salary of $45,673, which is higher than the $28,702 average annual salary of a fitness trainer.

The top three skills for a yoga instructor include CPR, customer service and class attendance. The most important skills for a fitness trainer are customer service, front desk, and CPR.

Yoga instructor vs fitness trainer overview

Yoga InstructorFitness Trainer
Yearly salary$45,673$28,702
Hourly rate$21.96$13.80
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,40623,881
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
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 trainer do?

The job of a fitness trainer is to instruct and motivate individuals and groups in physical activities, including stretching, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. The typical duties of a fitness trainer include demonstrating how to perform various exercises, guiding them during the exercise to improve fitness and minimize injuries, and monitoring their progress. As a fitness trainer, you are also responsible for explaining and enforcing safety rules on exercise equipment usage, recreational activities, and sports, and giving clients resources and information about weight control, lifestyle issues, and nutrition.

Yoga instructor vs fitness trainer salary

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

Yoga InstructorFitness Trainer
Average salary$45,673$28,702
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $63,000Between $19,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyUMiami Health SystemKohler Co.
Best paying industryEducationHospitality

Differences between yoga instructor and fitness trainer education

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

Yoga InstructorFitness Trainer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPsychologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Yoga instructor vs fitness trainer demographics

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

Yoga InstructorFitness Trainer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 59.8% Female, 40.2%
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 trainer 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.
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Fitness trainer example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Monitor the swimming area and CPR certify.
  • Certify for CPR and a and always have first aid available.
  • Improve the cleanliness of the community recreations centers by implementing an hourly maintenance and cleaning schedule.
  • Maintain fitness center cleanliness while assisting members.
  • Assist in the cardiac rehabilitation clinic which include implementing progressive rehabilitation methods with education for long term health and wellness.
  • Show more

Yoga instructor vs fitness trainer skills

Common yoga instructor skills
  • CPR, 42%
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Class Attendance, 8%
  • Teacher Training, 5%
  • Pilates, 5%
  • Yoga, 4%
Common fitness trainer skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • Front Desk, 28%
  • CPR, 24%
  • Cleanliness, 6%
  • Physical Fitness, 2%
  • Fitness Equipment, 1%

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