Skip to content Are you a yoga teacher struggling with the dilemma of whether to mirror or not mirror in your classes? This common issue can be quite challenging for instructors, as it involves navigating the complexities of the brain. When we talk about mirroring, we mean aligning our movements with the rest of the class, so it appears as though we are doing the same side. But here’s the twist – while the class might be using their right arm, you choose to use your left arm. It can be a mind-boggling experience, as you have to reverse your thinking and use the opposite side of your body. Some people find mirroring comes naturally, while others become tied up in knots trying to figure it out. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few things to keep in mind depending on your approach.
If you decide to mirror, you can train yourself to become proficient at it over time. For instance, in flow classes, I adapted to mirroring so well that using my right arm when I had said “right” to the room felt strange. However, if you feel overwhelmed with remembering your sequence and keeping calm, it’s perfectly fine to choose not to mirror. In this case, be sure to communicate clearly with the class about which side of their body they should be using. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that people in the room learn differently. Some are visual learners who will simply follow your movements, while others rely more on auditory cues. Regardless of your decision, reinforcing the side of the body through cues like “your other right arm” can be helpful for those who need additional guidance. So whether you choose to mirror or not, keep these tips in mind to create an engaging and effective yoga experience for your students.
Benefits of Mirroring
Creating connection with the group
When you choose to mirror in your yoga classes, it helps create a sense of connection and unity with the group. By mirroring the movements and actions of the yogis in the class, it allows everyone to feel like they are part of a cohesive unit. This can help foster a sense of community and support within the class, as everyone is moving together in synchrony.
Easier for visual learners
Mirroring can also be beneficial for visual learners in the class. Some people learn best through visual cues, and by mirroring the movements, visual learners can easily follow along and understand the poses and sequences. It provides a clear and visual reference for them to mimic and imitate, making it easier for them to understand and perform the yoga poses correctly.
Benefits of Not Mirroring
Reduced cognitive load
Choosing not to mirror can help reduce the cognitive load for yoga teachers, especially when they are already overwhelmed with remembering the sequence and keeping their nerves calm. Mirroring requires significant mental effort to reverse the movements in the mind and body, which can be challenging and distracting. By not mirroring, teachers can simplify their own practice and focus more on guiding and supporting the students.
Clear communication with the class
When yoga teachers choose not to mirror, it is essential for them to communicate clearly with the class about which side of the body they will be using. By providing clear and precise instructions, teachers can ensure that students understand the movements and avoid confusion. This allows for smooth transitions between poses and helps maintain a harmonious flow in the class.
Considerations for Mirroring
Training yourself to mirror
If you decide to mirror in your yoga classes, it is essential to train yourself to do so effectively. Practice reversing movements and using the opposite side of your body while providing cues to the class. With time and practice, mirroring will become more natural and intuitive, and you will be able to create a seamless experience for both yourself and your students.
Reinforcing the side of the body
To ensure that the class understands which side of the body they should be using, it can be helpful to reinforce the side during your instructions. For example, instead of simply saying “lift your right arm,” you can say, “lift your other right arm.” This helps students consolidate the information and ensures that they are performing the poses correctly.
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Tricky postures on the floor
Some postures on the floor can be particularly challenging to mirror effectively. Take, for example, adamazi andrasana, which involves crossing of legs and arms. To overcome this challenge, one trick is to face sideways on your mat while cueing the pose and then turn your head back to the group to continue projecting your voice and observing the students. This allows you to drop into your sense of right and left while still maintaining connection and communication with the class.
Tips for Mirroring Tricky Postures
Facing sideways on the mat
When encountering tricky postures on the floor, facing sideways on your mat can be a helpful technique. By facing sideways, you can more easily align your movements with the class while still maintaining a sense of direction and guidance. This allows you to cue the poses accurately and seamlessly, providing a clear reference for students to follow.
Turning head back to the group
While demonstrating a pose and turning your head away from the group, it is crucial to be mindful of your voice projection. If you turn your head for an extended period, your voice may bounce off the back wall, making it difficult for the class to hear your instructions clearly. To avoid this, finish off the shape with the group, then turn your head back to face the class and continue talking through the posture while partially demonstrating.
Partial demonstration with talking
In tricky postures, it can be helpful to combine partial demonstration with verbal cues. This allows you to continue guiding the class through the pose while still showing them the correct movements. By finding a balance between demonstration and instruction, you can effectively communicate the details of the posture and ensure that students understand and follow along correctly.
Considerations for Not Mirroring
Different learning styles of students
When choosing not to mirror, it is essential to consider the different learning styles of your students. Some individuals may be strong visual learners and rely heavily on visual cues to follow along with the class. For these students, it is crucial to provide clear and explicit instructions to avoid any confusion. Reinforcing the side of the body they should be using can help ensure that visual learners understand and execute the poses correctly.
Reinforcing the side of the body
To compensate for not mirroring, it is helpful to reinforce the side of the body that the class will be using during your instructions. By reminding students which side they should be focusing on, you can effectively guide them through the poses without mirroring their movements. Utilizing phrases like “lift your other right arm” can help clarify the instructions and prevent any misunderstandings.
Seated floor twists and voice projection
During seated floor twists, where you may be facing the back wall, it is crucial to be aware of your voice projection. When facing away from the class, your voice will naturally project towards the back wall, making it difficult for students to hear you clearly. To overcome this challenge, ensure that you face the class whenever possible to maintain clear communication. This way, your voice will reach the students and enable them to follow your instructions accurately.
Practice and Implementation
Starting with mirroring in standing postures
If you are new to mirroring, it can be helpful to start by incorporating it into standing postures. Standing poses are often easier to mirror as they provide more space for movement and visualization. By gradually incorporating mirroring into your standing sequences, you can practice and refine your mirroring skills before moving on to more complex postures.
Transitioning to correct sides on the floor
Once you feel comfortable with mirroring in standing postures, you can gradually transition to using the correct sides on the floor. Start by mirroring some of the floor poses that are simpler to reverse, and then gradually incorporate the correct sides as you gain confidence and proficiency. This gradual transition will allow you to maintain continuity in your teaching while adapting to the needs and preferences of your students.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to mirror or not mirror in your yoga classes, it is essential to consider the benefits and considerations of each approach. Mirroring can create a sense of connection and facilitate visual learning, while not mirroring can reduce cognitive load and promote clear communication. By exploring these different techniques and finding what works best for you and your students, you can create a positive and effective teaching experience that caters to different learning styles and fosters growth and understanding in your yoga classes.
