Teaching yoga without a demonstration requires a more inventive and articulate way of using words. It may be challenging at first, but with practice, it will become easier. Many yoga teachers worry about how to conduct their classes without demonstrating poses since it can be difficult to provide detailed instructions. However, it is possible.
To teach yoga without demonstrating you should establish clear expectations with your students, use language that everyone can understand, give multiple instructions, use props and give adjustments.
The more skillfully you can use language for instruction, the more effective a teacher you will be. You can then conduct classes without having to demonstrate the asanas. Your students will be able to follow your directions, allowing them to have a more embodied experience off the mat.
Establish Clear Expectations
When teaching yoga without demonstrating, it is important to establish clear expectations with your students. Make sure to set the tone for class by explaining what the class will involve and what poses will be included.
You can also provide a brief overview of the benefits of each pose and how they will be used. If you are teaching a specific style of yoga, make sure to explain its fundamentals so your students can have a better understanding of what is being taught.
Additionally, make sure to give students expectations of their behavior in the class and a time frame for the class duration. By setting these, they will be able to deliver what is expected of them throughout the session.
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Use Language That Everyone Can Understand
When teaching yoga, it is important to use language that everyone in your class can understand. The words you choose should be easy to comprehend and the explanation should be straightforward and precise. Avoid using technical jargon and opt for simpler words instead.
If you are talking about a certain posture or breathing technique, explain how they work in terms that everyone can understand. You can also provide visuals or analogies to help clarify a concept or technique. In addition, be sure to provide understandable and clear verbal cues when guiding students into a posture.
Finally, pay attention to the tone of your voice and make sure it is encouraging and supportive. By doing these, you can ensure that your students feel comfortable with your instructions and can easily get into the proper poses by just listening to you.
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Give Multiple Instructions
When teaching yoga, it’s important to give multiple instructions to ensure everyone understands. Step-by-step instructions for each pose will do. If you’re teaching a standing forward fold, tell your students to stand in mountain pose, then hinge at the hips, move their feet apart, and take their hands to the floor.
By breaking down the pose into steps, you can make sure everyone can grasp each part. In addition to breaking down poses, you can provide multiple cues for each instruction. This can help students know what they need to do and how to do it.
For a standing forward fold, you could say “hinge at the hips,” “keep your back straight,” “engage your core,” and “breathe deeply.” Multiple cues can help students get into the pose correctly and safely.
Quick tip: When teaching a standing forward fold, you can give the option of using blocks or fingertips. Multiple options create an inclusive environment and ensure everyone can practice safely.
Use Yoga Props
When teaching yoga without demonstrating, it can be helpful to use props in explaining how to execute poses. Blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters can give students an extra layer of support while they practice. These things can also help students understand alignment cues, as they can provide a visual reference for the student to follow.
For example, using a block underneath the hands in Downward Dog can help alleviate wrist pain and help the student achieve a deeper stretch in their shoulders. Similarly, using a strap around the feet can help the student achieve a deeper stretch in Wide-Legged Forward Fold.
When using props, it is important to provide clear instructions on how to set them up and how to use each correctly. Make sure that the props in the studio are easily accessible for all students so that everyone has an equal opportunity to experience the full benefits of yoga.
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Give Adjustments
As a yoga instructor, one of your primary responsibilities is to assist your students in making appropriate modifications to their poses. These alterations can also serve the purpose of assisting your students in going deeper into their practice, which is another goal that you may have for them. If, on the other hand, you are unable to demonstrate the poses for the students, it may be challenging for you to provide them with adjustments.
Here are some tips to help you give adjustments without demonstrating:
- Explain clearly what the pose should feel like and how it should look. Describe its purpose then give detailed instructions on how to get into the pose.
- Ask your students to check in with their bodies while in the pose. Encourage them to come out of a pose if they feel any discomfort or strain.
- Offer verbal cues instead of physical adjustments. Suggest modifications or slight adjustments that students can make in order to better align their bodies with the pose.
- Offer visual aids, such as pictures or diagrams, to help students understand. This can be especially helpful if you’re teaching a challenging or complex pose.
By following these tips, you can give adjustments without having to demonstrate poses. Keeping your students safe and comfortable is always the most important thing, so make sure you are giving clear and helpful instructions.
Conclusion
Teaching without demonstrating in every class allows you to teach more actively, remove the focus from yourself, and distinguish yoga teaching from your own mind-body practice. You can do this by establishing clear expectations with your students, using language that everyone can understand, giving multiple instructions, using props and giving adjustments.You will become more at ease with discussing poses, observing the bodies of your students, walking around and offering corrections, and even standing still while they do their movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
People typically discontinue their 90-minute practice routine due to a perceived lack of time. It does not matter how much time people actually have in a day; what matters is how they choose to spend it.
Small studios might pay $35 per class, while bigger ones pay up to $50. After 10 students, you can make an extra $1–3 per student. If you have taught for a long time, you could make $75 or more per session.
To learn more about starting your own Yoga Business check out my startup documents here.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Yoga Fan
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online yoga business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a yoga business owner in public at a studio or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Yoga Business Boss: I want to help future yoga business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.