Teaching Yoga Off the Mat is better for Students

3 benefits fOr yoga students

There are so many reasons why I believe it is imperative for every yoga teacher to strengthen their verbal skills and be an off the mat teacher. This article highlights my top benefits for the student. Yes, it’s an amazing opportunity for your students to really learn something beyond coming to class for a ‘workout.’ If you haven’t already, make sure to check out my article on the benefits for teachers.

1. Opportunity to turn inwards

In a world of constant stimulation this method of teaching gives your students a chance to close their eyes and look within themselves. We are constantly multi tasking, being advertised too, spoken too, texting, reading emails, checking social media and on and on it goes. Teaching off the mat is a real chance for students to take a #%!#%! break from it all. It’s not required for them to close their eyes but I always let students know the invitation is there and to trust themselves in space as they move and breathe. When they no longer have to look around the room to figure out what pose or tricky transition is coming they can be more present to the actual depths of the yoga practice, keep their focus inwards and protect their necks from moving in and out of awkward positions. They can truly let go of their thinking mind and stay connected to their practice. They can focus more of their energy on listening and being present rather then trying to copy what yoga poses look like in your body.

2. Self Empowerment

Teaching off the mat empowers students to be better listeners, be more present and develop a stronger connection to their own body rather than having to compare themselves to those around them. So many people find their way on to a yoga mat in search of something physical. They want to lose weight, get fit, more flexible or heal an injury. They may not realize how much they lack awareness of their own mind and body. You might ask them to step their right foot forward and they’ll second guess the simplicity of it. They’ll look at you with confused eyes because they don’t trust that what they’re hearing is correct. Or they’ll just step their left foot forward 🤣. When we commit to teaching yoga off the mat we shift the practice from “this is how it should look” to “this is how it should FEEL.” Over time students will learn to reconnect their mind and body and build trust from within. You will have empowered them to have a stronger sense of self and be more confident in developing their own self practice when they can’t make it to class.

3. Move Beyond Asana - Without Getting Too Philosophical

As students start to adjust to this teaching style and develop the trust and awareness to close their eyes, to listen, to feel and be more present you have inherently taught them to practice the other limbs of the yoga practice without ever having to mention Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Their eyes are closed (Pratyahara - sense withdrawal), giving them an opportunity to connect deeper to their breath (Pranayama), and they are more focused and present throughout the entire class (Dharana -focused concentration). This is all happening without you having to say anything about the philosophy of yoga. You are giving your students a much deeper and well rounded yoga experience as you teach them to worry less about accomplishment and more about feeling.

What do you think? Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below. If you’re interested in transitioning from on the mat to off the mat teaching then check out my mentorship opportunities.