Am I Too Old to Train as a Yoga Teacher?
Embarking on anything new at any age can be scary. There’s the fear of failure, of looking silly in front of fellow students, and the lingering question:
“Am I too old? What’s the point? It won’t be a career!”
Let’s unpick this a little.
When I began my teacher training, it wasn’t because I had a grand dream of teaching packed yoga classes. I just wanted to teach my son—it was a Children’s Yoga Teacher Training Course.
But after just the first two days, I realised how valuable and important these tools and techniques were. Suddenly, my calling was right there in front of me!
Most people on my Children’s Yoga Training Course were already yoga teachers. They kept asking me why I wasn’t one myself.
And if I’m brutally honest, I didn’t feel like I knew enough—or was good enough—to be a teacher.
I felt confident working with children, but I didn’t think I could live up to the adult yoga teachers I’d met.
That started to change when I realised I wanted to deepen my own knowledge.
Because here’s the truth:
Teacher training will teach you how to be a teacher, but the real gift is in the knowledge and self-discovery.
Here are 3 points to consider when deciding on yoga teacher training:
1. Age is irrelevant
Truly—it is. Especially when it comes to yoga.
Yoga is for everybody, regardless of age, ability, height, or weight. And that applies equally to teacher training.
Yes, most courses include daily yoga practice as part of your development. That can be physically demanding for everyone. But you’ll go through it together—supporting and leaning on each other along the way.
Don’t stress about the physical aspect. A good instructor will guide you in a way that works perfectly for you.
2. Your age is your experience
Your life knowledge and deep wisdom offer something powerful. You’ll be a calm, grounding presence for younger, less experienced students.
Being mature means you bring value that wouldn’t exist without you. In fact, your age is your superpower.
Look at the yoga teachers around you—do they all seem to be within a certain age range?
There are people just like you out there—thinking about starting yoga but feeling intimidated by all the young, hyper-flexible images in the media.
You can be the comfort, courage, and inspiration they need.
I’m not saying your niche should be “over 40” or “over 50.” But by simply being authentically you, you’ll naturally attract the right students. You’ll stand out—and that’s a good thing.
3. It’s not about the career—it’s about YOU
Taking on a Yoga Teacher Training course isn’t just about career choices or filling studios with students.
It’s about you.
Regardless of your ability, experience, wealth—and least of all, your age—what matters most is your passion.
Your desire to learn. To grow. To expand your knowledge.
Yes, teacher training gives you the tools to teach. And perhaps, like me, you’ll discover that teaching is as essential to you as breathing.
Or maybe not—and that’s okay too.
One thing is certain:
You will deepen your understanding of yoga.
Your life and health will be richer, more grounded, and deeply nurtured by the experience.
There may be younger people on the course, but your experience is a gift—and that’s priceless.
No matter how old you are.
