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Yoga instructor vs group exercise instructor

The differences between yoga instructors and group exercise instructors 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 group exercise instructor. Additionally, a yoga instructor has an average salary of $45,673, which is higher than the $34,348 average annual salary of a group exercise instructor.

The top three skills for a yoga instructor include CPR, customer service and class attendance. The most important skills for a group exercise instructor are CPR, yoga, and kids.

Yoga instructor vs group exercise instructor overview

Yoga InstructorGroup Exercise Instructor
Yearly salary$45,673$34,348
Hourly rate$21.96$16.51
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs25,40633,704
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
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 group exercise instructor do?

A group exercise instructor is responsible for leading fitness training and programs for different class groups. Group exercise instructors develop correct conditioning techniques, as well as observing the proper form of the student from their movements and exercises. A group exercise instructor also recommends nutritional foods and beverages that would help the students maintain a healthy lifestyle and development. They identify each student's strengths and weaknesses and develop comprehensive training programs to address their needs.

Yoga instructor vs group exercise instructor salary

Yoga instructors and group exercise instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Yoga InstructorGroup Exercise Instructor
Average salary$45,673$34,348
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $63,000Between $22,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CALos Angeles, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyUMiami Health SystemMassachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between yoga instructor and group exercise instructor education

There are a few differences between a yoga instructor and a group exercise instructor in terms of educational background:

Yoga InstructorGroup Exercise Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorPsychologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Yoga instructor vs group exercise instructor demographics

Here are the differences between yoga instructors' and group exercise instructors' demographics:

Yoga InstructorGroup Exercise Instructor
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 23.5% Female, 76.5%
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 group exercise instructor 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

Group exercise instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage general fitness center cleanliness and coordinate group fitness instructor schedules
  • Create classes base on high intensity cardio and strength training using a wide array of fitness equipment.
  • Instruct a group of up to 50 people in exercises ranging from strength training to Zumba.
  • Maintain up keep and cleanliness of the facility, restocking cleaning supplies, cleaning fitness equipment, and re-racking weights.
  • Instruct classes and individuals in mat Pilates as well as on equipment including reformer, barrel, chair, and cadillac.
  • Group equipment classes including springboard.
  • Show more

Yoga instructor vs group exercise instructor skills

Common yoga instructor skills
  • CPR, 42%
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Class Attendance, 8%
  • Teacher Training, 5%
  • Pilates, 5%
  • Yoga, 4%
Common group exercise instructor skills
  • CPR, 36%
  • Yoga, 14%
  • Kids, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • AFAA, 6%
  • Zumba, 4%

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