One in Three Yoga Teachers May Be Teaching Without Insurance, Survey Suggests

Yoga may be associated with calm, balance and wellbeing, but for yoga teachers there is also a very practical side to running classes safely and professionally, and that includes having appropriate insurance.

A recent survey by specialist insurer Insure4Sport suggests that around one in three UK yoga teachers do not have their own dedicated insurance covering their teaching activities.

The survey sample was relatively small, so the figure should be treated as an indication rather than a definitive picture of the entire profession. Nevertheless, it raises an important question for anyone currently teaching yoga or considering becoming an instructor.

Accidents can happen even in a carefully managed yoga class. A student might slip or fall, suffer an injury during a movement, or allege that inappropriate instruction contributed to an injury. Claims involving personal injury or alleged negligence can potentially result in substantial compensation and legal costs.

Without suitable insurance, a self-employed teacher could find themselves personally responsible for those costs.

Insurance may also increasingly be required simply to get through the door. Yoga studios, community centres, councils, landlords and event organisers may ask instructors to demonstrate that they hold appropriate public liability and professional indemnity insurance before allowing them to teach on their premises.

Another consideration is first aid.

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) stresses the importance of appropriate first aid training and risk management alongside insurance. Teachers should therefore check the precise conditions of their own policy, including any requirements concerning qualified first aid provision.

For instructors looking for a straightforward way of obtaining professional support, BWY offers an Associate Teaching Membership.

Priced at £108 per year, it is available to teachers who have completed more than 300 hours of training through a reputable yoga school.

Membership includes comprehensive teaching insurance covering public liability and professional indemnity, alongside resources designed to help instructors maintain good professional standards.

Members can also access continuing professional development opportunities, guidance documents, templates, marketing resources and other teaching support.

The survey provides a useful reminder that being a good yoga teacher isn't only about knowing poses, breathing techniques and meditation. Protecting students, and protecting yourself professionally, matters too.

Whether you're an established instructor, returning to teaching after a break or preparing to teach your first classes, now could be a good time to check exactly what insurance you have and whether your first aid qualifications remain current.

Further information about British Wheel of Yoga Associate Teaching Membership can be found at bwy.org.uk/about-bwy/benefits, or by contacting office@bwy.org.uk.

Free Online Ayurveda for Sleep Masterclass Offers Natural Tips for Better Rest

Discover how Ayurveda could help improve your sleep with a free online masterclass from the British Wheel of Yoga. 

Learn practical bedtime routines and natural wellbeing tips.

If you've ever climbed into bed feeling exhausted only to wake up the next morning still feeling tired, you're certainly not alone. 

Millions of people across the UK struggle to get a good night's sleep, and many regularly get less than the recommended seven hours.

The good news is that help could be just a click away.

The British Wheel of Yoga is inviting everyone to take part in a completely free online masterclass, Ayurveda for Sleep, on Wednesday 8 July from 5.00pm to 6.15pm. 

The session will be led by respected Ayurvedic practitioner and British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Trainer Tarik Dervish (PICTURED) and is open to everyone, whether you already practise yoga or are simply looking for natural ways to improve your sleep.

Rather than focusing solely on what happens once your head hits the pillow, Ayurveda takes a much broader view of health and wellbeing. 

This traditional system of medicine, which originated in India thousands of years ago, looks at how our daily routines, diet, stress levels, environment and relationship with nature all influence the quality of our sleep.

According to Tarik Dervish, sleep should never be viewed in isolation.

He explains to That's Health that Ayurveda encourages us to reconnect with the natural rhythms of the day and the world around us, helping to restore balance to both body and mind. Many of us spend our days indoors under artificial lighting, staring at screens and rushing from one task to another. 

The masterclass explores how small changes to our evening routines can help us unwind more naturally before bedtime.

During the session, participants will discover practical techniques that can be put into practice immediately. These include simple evening rituals, lifestyle adjustments and information about traditional herbs and remedies that Ayurveda associates with better sleep. There will also be a live question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask their own questions directly to Tarik.

Here at That's Health, we're always interested in sensible, evidence-informed ways to improve wellbeing. While Ayurveda should not be seen as a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment for persistent sleep disorders, many people find that healthy bedtime routines, reducing stress and reconnecting with natural daily rhythms can make a real difference.

If you've been finding it difficult to switch off at night or simply want to learn more about a holistic approach to better sleep, this free event could be well worth an hour of your time.

You can reserve your free place here: https://portal.bwy.org.uk/user/events/1172?

Ayurveda for Sleep – Free Online Masterclass

Spaces are limited, but the event is free for both members and non-members of the British Wheel of Yoga.

The British Wheel of Yoga Celebrates the Summer Solstice with Festivals Across Britain

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) is marking the Summer Solstice with an online yoga festival on Friday 19 June, part of a series of BWY yoga festivals taking place across Britain throughout 2026.

'Grounded in the Glow' is an online day retreat bringing together five experienced tutors for a rich blend of yoga, Ayurveda and mindfulness practices, helping practitioners reconnect with their inner light and the rhythm of the season. The programme draws on a wide range of approaches and traditions.

Nahdeannah Francis-Pennant (BWY Teacher) leads a somatic movement and visualisation practice inspired by the Summer Solstice and the solar plexus chakra, exploring themes of warmth and embodied presence through gentle, flowing movement. 

Emma Turnbull (BWY partner) weaves yoga and Ayurveda into simple daily rituals, mindful movement and breathwork, helping practitioners move into summer with steadiness and ease. Vicky Arundel (BWY Tutor) combines myofascial release, acupressure and nervous system regulation to address the ‘tired but wired’ feeling that can intensify in our high-summer culture.

Completing the line-up, Richard Kravetz (BWY Special Yoga Tutor) leads a chair and wall-supported sensory practice designed with people with visual impairment in mind, yet enriching for all – an invitation to experience the solstice through touch, sound, breath and inner awareness. Emma Tian Williamson (Qigong practitioner and mindfulness teacher) integrates mindfulness, Qigong and yoga to cultivate calm, spacious presence and a deeper sense of inner glow.

Beyond the online retreat, BWY communities from Cambridge to the Welsh Hills and County Durham to the South Coast are hosting local festivals where practitioners can meet yoga teachers on their doorstep, discover new styles and enjoy the unique energy of practising together in person.

BWY Chair, Diana O’Reilly told That's Health: “At the BWY, we believe that yoga is for everyone, whatever your background, ability or experience. These festivals, both online and across our local communities, are a wonderful expression of that belief in action. 

"They bring people together, deepen connection and remind us that when we practise as one community, something truly special happens. The Summer Solstice feels like the perfect moment to celebrate how far we have come and to open our doors wider.”

For full details on all local and national celebrations, including booking links, visit the BWY website https://www.bwy.org.uk

Finding Serenity: A Guide to Managing Stress Through Relaxation Techniques

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress has become an unavoidable companion for too many of us. 

From demanding work schedules to personal responsibilities, it's easy to feel weighed down and overwhelmed by the constant pressure. 

However, amidst the chaos, there exists a sanctuary of calmness within reach: relaxation techniques. 

These methods offer a pathway to managing stress, promoting mental well-being, and nurturing a sense of inner peace. In this blog post, we explore some effective relaxation techniques that can help you navigate the stormy seas of stress.

Deep Breathing Exercises: The cornerstone of many relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises are simple yet powerful. By focusing on your breath, you can quiet the mind and induce a state of relaxation. One effective method is diaphragmatic breathing, where you inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise, and exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling the tension release with each breath.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This technique involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body. Starting from your toes and working your way up to your head, tense each muscle group for a few seconds before releasing the tension. This helps to alleviate physical tension and promote overall relaxation.

Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves bringing your attention to the present moment without judgment. By focusing on your breath, bodily sensations, or the environment around you, you can cultivate a sense of awareness and detachment from stressful thoughts and emotions. Regular practice of mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly.

Yoga and Stretching: Combining physical movement with breath awareness, yoga offers a holistic approach to relaxation. Gentle yoga poses and stretching exercises can help release tension stored in the body, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Even a short yoga session can leave you feeling rejuvenated and centered.

Guided Imagery and Visualisation: Guided imagery involves mentally visualising peaceful and calming scenes or scenarios. By immersing yourself in a vivid imaginary experience, you can create a sense of relaxation and escape from stressors. Whether it's picturing yourself on a tranquil beach or in a serene forest, guided imagery can transport you to a place of tranquility.

Aromatherapy: Certain scents, such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus, have been shown to have calming and stress-relieving effects. Incorporating aromatherapy into your relaxation routine through essential oils, candles, or diffusers can help create a soothing environment conducive to relaxation.

Progressive Relaxation Apps and Resources: In today's digital age, there are numerous apps and online resources dedicated to relaxation and stress management. From guided meditation apps to relaxation playlists and nature sounds, these tools provide convenient access to relaxation techniques anytime, anywhere.

Incorporating these relaxation techniques into your daily routine can help you manage stress more effectively and promote your overall well-being. 

Remember that relaxation is a skill that requires practice and patience, so be gentle with yourself as you explore what works best for you. By prioritising self-care and carving out moments of relaxation in your busy schedule, you can cultivate a greater sense of calm and resilience in the face of life's challenges. And they'll help make you calmer person more able to cope with whatever challenges you'll be facing in your life.