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 8 benefits for the teacher.

1. Stand out from the rest - This is an advanced SKILL SET

No doubt this is number one for me because you will immediately stand out from the rest of the crop. The yoga teacher market is flooded with supply and short on demand. This is because yoga studios rely on YTT income to keep their bills paid. The whole system is kind of flawed IMO but we’ll get into that another time.

I suggest you spend more time on improving your cueing skills and less time on creative sequencing in order to get ahead. If you can learn and develop this particular skill of off the mat teaching you will stand out far more than with a flashy, creative sequence. You will be able to get jobs more easily and separate yourself from your peers.

2. Protect your income - pregnant or injured? No problem. Still teach and make money

I’ve taught classes while holding my kids in my arms. This is a major parenting hack for so many mothers who have to put their careers on hold to step into the world of nurturing and caring for their kids. But there is another way too if you desire. For pregnant moms this could mean 2-3 extra months worth of income. You can literally teach until your final weeks of pregnancy. I know it sounds crazy coming from a male teacher and I’m not trying to ‘mansplain’ this one. I’ve seen it. I was taught this method of teaching by some incredible women who are mothers too and I’m so grateful to share their teachings with you. All of what I’m saying to you has been said to me by others. Teaching yoga off the mat will open up the door for you to teach when you think you can’t. Heaven forbid if I broke an arm and or leg I could still park myself in a yoga class and deliver the same quality experience. My income is protected in ways it never would be if I had to rely on physical abilities to teach class.

3. Be more present - learn to teach to who shows up rather than stick to your pre-planned sequence - enhances your ability to change your plan and be flexible

When you start teaching this way you have more time to learn through observation. You can watch students respond in real time to each and every cue. It’s easy to step on your mat and practice the whole time, playing the game of simon says, as students awkwardly try to copy what you’re doing. There’s a reason why the MAJORITY of yoga teachers demo. It’s simply easier. But I can say with 100% certainty it definitely is not better.

Teaching off the mat forces you to be more present and, while that takes some work and mental energy, it will make you a better teacher. You will inevitably realize that what you may have WANTED to teach that day may not be suitable for who SHOWED UP. So do you try to jam a square peg into a round hole OR do you adjust and cater to the needs of the students in front of you?

Again, this is an ADVANCED SKILL that can only be developed through practice and repetition. But you will be a way more present teacher who is flexible and can teach to anyone who shows up. Being more present will allow you to teach that group class that has the 70 year old practicing next to the 22 year old. You’ll be able to confidently teach to the new and experienced students all at once. None of this is possible if you’re simply demonstrating your classes from start to finish.

4. Less robotic

Instead of going through your list of cues for each pose give the cue that’s needed by watching and responding to the needs of your students that day. When you’re demonstrating you end up giving half hearted cues that don’t make sense on their own. You miss out on the details. When you’re watching as you teach you might realize you don’t have to say certain cues because students are already doing it. You will be less robotic in your delivery and only say what’s truly needed. Plus it saves you from losing your voice and creates opportunities for silence that students will appreciate.

5. More opportunities for hands on assists and 1:1 attention

Connection. Have more chances to connect with each student individually. There’s no better feeling as a student when you feel seen and supported by your teacher in the middle of a busy group class. If I’m teaching a class that has a new student alongside a group of experienced students then I’ll make sure to find my way to them and give them support. Sometimes I’ll demo a few things right beside them as I continue to teach the rest of the class. Other times I’ll hold students in a pose while going over to the new student and quietly giving them a few extra alignment cues. When you connect with your students this way you will see them come back over and over again and develop stronger relationships and bonds. It’s good business but more importantly it’s good community building.

6. Opportunities to speak to and teach the other limbs of yoga

Too many classes these days are all workout and fitness related focusing way to deeply on the Asana portion of the practice. By teaching off the mat and taking away the opportunity for students to copy you is a form of Pratyahara - sense withdrawal. You’re asking them to go inwards and feel their practice. You have an opportunity to go much deeper in your teachings simply by giving students an opportunity to pay more attention.

7. Better Voice Projection

Do you think your students can understand you better if you’re speaking to them from Downward Dog or if you’re standing tall and projecting your voice across the room? Your voice will be much clearer and crisper when teaching yoga off the mat.

8. Learn more through observation about mobility, atmosphere, sequencing and holding space

You will learn so much more about the atmosphere and container that you are creating and holding for your students. Little things like turning lights off when it’s the middle of the day or dimming lights in the evening as you move students towards savasana. Finding moments to turn the volume up or down in your music will add depth to your offering. You will learn so much more about the human body and how people move. No two downdogs are the same. Every body is unique and this method of teaching will give you the ability to meet every students needs.

That’s all I got for now. 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.

8 Benefits of Teaching Yoga Off the Mat