Adding up the ideal durations of your poses rarely gives you the actual duration of your class. The difference hides in the small, “invisible” actions that your written notes do not yet show. To prepare a class that fits its time slot, account for what happens between poses as well.
Account for Invisible Time
Separate the setup, instructions, practice time, and transitions in each block. A two-minute exploration on the right side followed by the left side does not take exactly four minutes altogether. You must add the time needed for students to retrieve a block, adjust their stance, or watch you demonstrate a modification.
Rehearse with Words
Reading your sequence silently in your head can make it seem unrealistically quick. Say your instructions aloud, leaving the actual physical pauses you intend to give your students. Record a time range rather than a falsely precise number of seconds. The group will affect the pace.
Create Decision Points
Creasana · Workshop
Try it in your planning
- Time one complete sequence block, including all of its transitions.
- Compare the actual result with your initial mental estimate.
- Add two specific time-check markers to your teaching notes.
- Prepare a shorter alternative version that maintains an understandable progression.
References for further exploration
These planning examples should be adapted to your group and training. References provide context for the topics discussed; they do not validate every example sequence.
