Why Do Gyms Have Mirrors? The Science Behind Working Out In Front of a Mirror

Why do gyms have mirrors? The answer goes beyond just aesthetics. Yes, a gym lined with mirrors creates a naturally brighter environment, but mirrors can also optimize your workout by helping you correct your form during training, boost your motivation and performance, and even prevent injuries. 

Read on to learn more about the science behind working out in front of a mirror, the benefits of gym mirrors, and how to use them to boost your barre workouts.

Why do gyms have mirrors?

Gyms have mirrors to provide real-time feedback on how you’re executing each movement. Exercising in front of a mirror — whether during strength training, yoga, or a barre class — can be helpful in ensuring you’re maintaining the proper form or technique. 

In Bar Method classes, we use mirrors for this very reason. Because barre consists of many small movements or motions, using mirrors makes it easier to observe your performance and make adjustments as necessary.

Do mirrors in a gym help or hurt you?

Exercising in front of a mirror offers immediate feedback on how you’re performing or training, helping keep you on track during your workouts — and they may even help you achieve better results. 

Research shows that during exercise, having an external focus having an external focus (paying attention to how your movements affect the space around you) can lead to better performance than if you maintain an internal focus (paying attention to how a particular body part or muscle is moving). 

Think of it like stepping up to bat in baseball. You’re more likely to hit a home run if you keep your eye on the ball — not by sensing how your body moves as you swing the bat.

However, staring at yourself in the mirror constantly may lead some people to over-scrutinize or judge their appearance, losing sight of how their body feels or what they’re doing. That’s why it’s important to practice positive self-talk as you exercise, focusing on your body’s capabilities and strength. 

5 benefits of using mirrors while working out

There are several major benefits of using mirrors while exercising. These include:

• Improved form
• Increased spatial awareness
• Injury prevention
• Increased motivation
• Higher self-esteem
• Brighter environment

Improved form

Perhaps an obvious answer to the question, “Why are there mirrors in gyms?” is that they help you correctly perform an exercise. Mirrors offer real-time feedback about your form. The primary reason so many fitness studios have mirrors hanging on their walls is that they offer members the ability to observe their technique, alignment, and posture when exercising. 

Increased spatial awareness

Working out in close proximity to others is much easier when you can see how close you actually are. Plus, this visual aid helps you master choreographed movements without having to turn and face your instructor or fellow students (but the instructor is always there to help when you need it).

Injury prevention

Because mirrors give you a sense of spatial awareness, working out in front of a mirror may help you be more aware of where you are in relation to others to prevent injuries or accidents with other gym members. Working out in front of mirrors can also help you make the adjustments you need to prevent any mishaps, pulled muscles, or sprains.

Increased motivation  

Almost everyone agrees that working out on a treadmill with nothing to look at gets boring — fast. Mirrors provide an external focal point to help you get through your workout. Seeing yourself in motion can inspire you to work harder and give it your all. 

Higher self-esteem

Have you ever heard of “mirror exercise psychology?” It’s a real thing: the practice of standing in front of a mirror and repeating out loud or in your head positive affirmations. You can do this even while working out to keep your self-talk positive and your focus on the gratitude you feel for your body being able to do the exercises you’re performing. 

Feeling like it’s hard to not be critical of your body? Here are some positive things you might say to yourself as you workout:

• “I am strong.”
• “I am grateful for my body and everything it can do.”
• “I strive for progress, not perfection.”
• “I’m doing something healthy for my body and mind.”

Brighter environment

Mirrors help brighten your workout space or environment. Let’s face it — no one wants to work out in a dark, gloomy gym. Mirrors naturally reflect light and brighten dim environments, which is one of the beautiful design elements of a Bar Method studio.

What is gym mirror etiquette?

Of course, when using a gym mirror with others — like in a Bar Method class — there are a few ways you can share the space to help everyone make the most of their workout. Here are a few principles of proper gym mirror etiquette:

• Be aware of blocking someone else’s view in the mirror. There’s room for everyone — make sure others can use the mirror too.
• Respect others’ space. Keep a respectful distance between you and others while exercising in order to let everyone observe their own form in the mirror and also prevent collisions.
• Minimize personal clutter. Leave cell phones, water bottles, or other personal items in a locker so that someone else doesn’t trip on them in front of the mirror.
• Avoid correcting other people’s form. Unless someone has asked, don’t play personal trainer. Leave the modifications to our expert instructors and focus on yourself and your own technique; not commenting on what others are doing.

Do gym mirrors make you look better?

If you’ve ever wondered why gym mirrors make you look better, it’s not just your imagination. Some gym mirrors are slightly tilted, leading to an illusion that makes people appear more muscular. This is intended to improve confidence and motivation throughout your training.

How to use mirrors to boost your barre workout

Not only can workout mirrors improve your performance in your next barre workout, but they can also boost your self-esteem and body image when used with a positive mindset.

An article by Dance Magazine, explores the use of mirrors in the world of ballet from both a physical and psychological perspective.

Former American Psychological Association president Dr. Nadine Kaslow explains, “The mirror is often the lens through which dancers have a relationship with their body.” This reflection can either boost your performance at the barre or impair it through self-criticism. That’s why it’s so important to resist the urge to compare your appearance to others or dwell on the physical attributes you don’t like. Instead, redirect that energy into appreciating your body for all it can do and use the mirror as a way to center yourself throughout your workout.

Next time you join us for a Bar Method class, focus on appreciating your body, using the mirror as a tool to not only improve your performance, but also to show appreciation for the amazing work your body is doing.

More ways to boost your barre performance

Gym mirrors aren’t the only way to boost your experience during barre classes. Check out these tips from our blog.

• The Benefits of Stretching During Barre 
• How to Practice Mindfulness During Barre Class
• 5 Ways to Maximize Your Morning

Ready to book your next class? We can’t wait to see you at the barre.