Meet the world’s youngest yoga teacher in Guinness World Records 2027

While most kids her age were just setting foot in a classroom for the very first time, this incredible five-year-old was already standing at the front of it.

At the age of 5 years and 337 days, Phoenix Giselle Hicks (USA) became the youngest female yoga instructor, after completing 200 hours of Yoga Teacher Training course.

Not only did she break a world record at such a young age, but she even secured a spot in Guinness World Records 2027, which is out now!

Phoenix’s yoga journey began at just three months old in “Mummy and Me” classes and gradually grew into something much bigger.

The now-eight-year-old isn’t just mastering poses but teaching others, leading classes for both children and adults alongside her mum in Houston, Texas.

“I love teaching classes with my mum,” she said. “She inspired me to be a yoga teacher so it’s fun when we get to teach together.”

Earning a yoga teaching certificate is challenging for most adults, but little Phoenix refused to let her age hold her back.

“I was the only kid in a class of all grown-ups,” she recalled. “I had to read a lot of books, learn about anatomy, take classes daily, write papers, and complete practice teaching hours.”

All the hard work was worth it for the chance to do a job she deeply loves: “When I’m teaching yoga, I feel honoured and proud that people allow me to lead them.

“It inspires me to see my community grow, be calm, and find relaxation.” 

To prepare for class, Phoenix starts by practising her flow, then she does breathwork to make sure she is calm and her energy is balanced.

Her favourite yoga pose is the tree pose, because “it's fun to practise balancing and it can be a little tricky at times.”

As she likes to remind her students: “It's okay if you wobble or fall, just try your best.”

Read more stories about record-breaking athletes in our Sports and Fitness section.

Phoenix’s mum, Sydney Hicks, is extremely proud of her achievement. She commented: “Through her playful yet powerful teaching style, Phoenix is not just guiding yoga sessions – she’s nurturing a movement. A movement that says you’re never too young to breathe deeply, move intentionally, and change the world.”

About breaking the world record, Phoenix said: “I am so grateful to inspire kids around the world to follow their dreams no matter how young they are!”

The young yogi is passionate about mindfulness, and recently published her first book teaching fellow kids her age everything she knows: “[I teach] kids how to take deep breaths when they feel upset, sad, or angry. 

“Just pause, breathe in slowly through your nose, and breathe out through your mouth a few times. It helps your body relax and your mind feel calm. You can do it anywhere and anytime.

“I hope my book inspires everyone across the globe and reminds them that their breath is always with them. I love sharing things that help me feel happy and calm with the world!”

Earlier this year, Phoenix visited the Guinness World Records HQ in London, UK, and taught a beginner’s yoga class to a group of kids aged seven to 16. After an insightful session, she read her pupils an extract from her book.

“I love helping people learn how to move their bodies mindfully!” she said.

When she’s not on her yoga grind or writing a book, Phoenix keeps herself busy with a wide range of interests: “I love travelling the world and exploring new places. I’m passionate about dance and have been training in ballet since I was two years old. I’ve also been playing the piano since I was three, and had the honour of performing at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England.

“I’m on a robotics team and enjoy working on science experiments. I love trying new things and having fun while learning!”

And when asked about her future plans, the young teacher said: “In ten years, I’d like to be learning and preparing to become an astronaut. Beyond yoga, I have a big passion for STEM and love learning about planets and outer space.

“Maybe one day I’ll even be the first person to do yoga in outer space!”

If she ever leads an outer space yoga class, we’ll be the first to sign up.

Congratulations, Phoenix, you are Officially Amazing!