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Original poster

To think that many yoga teachers are too “woo woo?”

60 replies

SnugShaker · 25/03/2025 12:21

I’ve done yoga for a while and noticed that a lot of teachers seem to embrace a very spiritual, “new age” approach, with talk of energy, chakras, and healing. While I understand yoga has a deeper, more mindful side, sometimes it feels like it goes a bit overboard. Is it just me or do others feel that yoga teachers often focus too much on this “woo woo” stuff?

OP posts:
sunshine2025 · 25/03/2025 12:43

As others said, yoga is much more than a 'workout'. It's an ancient practice that is based on spirituality. I'm a qualified teacher and the training goes through the history of it and chakras, mediation, spirituality are fundamental parts of yoga. The asana- the poses are just the cherry on top of a whole lifestyle. It's completely white washing to look at those aspects and say people that practice those parts make yoga too woo. If you don't like it, do Pilates.

Original poster
SnugShaker · 25/03/2025 12:41

MagicPharmacist · 25/03/2025 12:30

What exactly do you think yoga is?

I’m not being snide, I’m interested to know.

Yoga without the spiritualism and philosophy is just a series of gymnastic stretches. You can’t really just have the asana without the other 7 limbs or you may as well just do Pilates.

Edited

I get that yoga has a spiritual and philosophical foundation and I don’t expect it to be just another fitness class. But some teachers lean so heavily into the mystical side - talking about ‘third-eye awakenings’ and ‘cosmic downloads’ - that it feels more like a spiritual seminar than a movement practice. I’m fine with mindfulness and intention but I sometimes wish there was a bit more balance. Does that make sense?

OP posts:
applegrumbling · 25/03/2025 12:39

MagicPharmacist · 25/03/2025 12:30

What exactly do you think yoga is?

I’m not being snide, I’m interested to know.

Yoga without the spiritualism and philosophy is just a series of gymnastic stretches. You can’t really just have the asana without the other 7 limbs or you may as well just do Pilates.

Edited

This. I think you’ve misunderstood the nature of yoga. It’s not just an exercise class.

Offtobuttonmoontovisitmrspoon · 25/03/2025 12:38

I wish mine was more woo. I love her but I’m not sure that she has an ounce of woo. Sometimes I want to yell about my chakras but obviously can’t shout because of my zen.

Agane · 25/03/2025 12:35

That's what yoga is. If you just want the stretching you need something else.

BurntBanana · 25/03/2025 12:35

I like the woo woo stuff! I don’t think it’s really yoga without it to be honest, it’s always felt like it should be a whole mind and body process to me and the introspective element of it is important. Chakras etc for me is just language used to describe how to focus on what’s going on inside you and become more aware of your body. You don’t have to subscribe to it on more of a level than that if you don’t want to.

CosmicScouser · 25/03/2025 12:31

I love the woo woo.

If you're not keen, have you tried pilates?

I hate pilates specifically because it's not woo woo! Haha

MagicPharmacist · 25/03/2025 12:30

What exactly do you think yoga is?

I’m not being snide, I’m interested to know.

Yoga without the spiritualism and philosophy is just a series of gymnastic stretches. You can’t really just have the asana without the other 7 limbs or you may as well just do Pilates.

Thistooshallpass. · 25/03/2025 12:29

Yoga obviously is going to attract this type of person . However of all the yoga teachers I know .. and that’s alot .. only a couple of them are too woo woo for me . Most teachers are fairly down to earth and embrace the mindfulness, breathwork and the asana side . Yoga is more than just stretching and exercise . People who like the woo will practice with those teachers those who don’t will find another who suits them .
Yoga teachers are human - they are supposed to live a yogic lifestyle.. however I have met the loveliest people who teach and equally some nasty pieces of work !!

Setyoufree · 25/03/2025 12:29

Different teachers are different levels along that spectrum but yoga is generally about more than just making some body shapes.

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