Partnership Boosts Career Opportunities for BWY Yoga Teachers

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is pleased to announce a partnership with Exercise, Movement & Dance UK (EMD UK), the national governing body for group exercise, to provide additional career recognition and support for yoga teachers who train through BWY or one of our training partners.

This collaboration will help safeguard the professional status of yoga training and open doors for BWY teachers working in gyms, leisure centres and other group exercise settings, where clearer governance is being introduced across all disciplines.

Qualified yoga teachers and student teachers – whether trained through BWY, an Accredited Training Organisation or Recognised Centre Member, will have the opportunity to be listed for free on a central registry for exercise professionals managed by EMD UK and backed by Sport England.

The registry recognises qualifications, skills and experience, making it easier for employers and the public to understand what yoga teachers are trained to deliver. Currently in its pilot phase, the register will be managed by EMD UK until an independent body is appointed to oversee it as a cross-sector national register.

BWY is also working with EMD UK to develop a scope of practice framework that reflects the different levels of yoga training. This will help distinguish traditional yoga teaching from fitness-focused approaches and provide clearer guidance for employers on what teachers are qualified to deliver.

CEO of BWY, Peter Tyldesley, said: “Good governance is essential to safeguard the integrity of the yoga profession and to clearly differentiate between fitness-based approaches and traditional yoga training. The register will provide the professional visibility yoga teachers deserve, validating the depth of their training and opening new opportunities to work across a wider range of settings. This partnership is a key part of our commitment to champion high standards in yoga teaching.”

What does this mean for BWY teachers and training partners?

Professional recognition: all qualified yoga teachers and student teachers trained through BWY or a partner organisation will be automatically included in the central registry of exercise professionals unless they opt out by emailing: [email protected].

Greater visibility: the registry enables potential employers to easily find and verify suitably trained yoga teachers, supporting employability and professional standing.

Marketing tools: teachers included in the registry will receive a logo to showcase their credentials in promotional materials and on digital platforms.

Further information can be found in our FAQs in Miscellaneous Resources for Teachers in Teacher Resources.

About EMD UK

EMD UK is the national governing body for group exercise and a system partner of Sport England. Its mission is to increase participation in group exercise by supporting instructors, operators and organisations across the sector. Through training, advocacy and partnerships, EMD UK champions high-quality teaching and inclusive access to group fitness and movement practices across the UK.