Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Was this a bad yoga teacher?

46 replies

foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 14:04

Very new to it and can't really tell, so would like some advice.

I have practiced at home for 3 months and it's been great, pretty much changed my relationship to my body, and to some extent altered my mindset for the better. I decided to take a few in person classes for corrections and guidance, so signed up to the closest one to my home.

I asked the teacher over the phone whether the class was suitable for beginners who struggle with inversions and arm strength, etc. She said absolutely, do come along!
Once in there, we were all told to choose a spot and sit on our mats. She filled in a register of who was attending and when she got to me asked if I had any medical issues, I answered no.
The class began at a rapid pace, a ton of vigorous sun salutations in succession. A few times I almost fell over or began shaking so much I felt close to puking. For tis reason I had to sit back again in lotus and just relax. I was left like this, without any assistance or able to ask questions, until 20 mins had gone by.
I tried to join in again after getting my bearings but most of the poses at this point were unfamiliar to me (I hadn't held a full side plank before and my arm isn't up to it yet!), so just continued to wait in a few restorative poses.

I know this is ok, and I should not push my body, but I was surprised she never came over to me at all, or suggested a modification as I was so clearly struggling throughout. It was the pace more than anything, I simply couldn't do that.
At the very end I asked her to come over and she just looked at me, nonplussed and shrugged when I asked her if the class was a bit too advanced for me. I then asked her to correct my downward dog and she did, very quickly and then busied herself packing up. I feel the class was rushed and there was no engagement whatsoever from the teacher. Is this usual?
I figured it was a class for more advanced practitioners who just wanted to get out and move for an hour. I had been advised online to go to a class to get feedback and assistance, but I guess this one didn't work.

My only complaint is she should not have invited me along. I am presuming I need to look around for another? Still, I am cautious of this happening again so I am asking MN is this a typical class vibe (no one spoke to each other, and that's ok, but I couldn't envisage any actual teaching at all)?
Will this happen wherever I go? I don't see the point in paying for what was less instructive than Adrienne.

OP posts:
BogRollBOGOF · 07/09/2022 14:08

Was it described as any particular type of yoga?

I'd expect a good teacher to offer some 1:1 adaption/ correction (with consent) within the class. It can take a while to find a class with the right style, a teacher you connect with and logistics to suit (it's about 4 years since my class folded and i haven't found one since)

LordEmsworth · 07/09/2022 14:11

Well - as a yoga teacher, I'd have told you to look after yourself and tell me if you were struggling... But also I keep an extra beady eye on a new person.

Is she with any particular yoga school? Some types aren't really bothered by individual needs, and some actually don't prioritise the physical side anyway. I don't mean that in a judgey way, just that "yoga" is a very generic term with a wide variety of paths and approaches.

If you want specific attention and correction then I'd ask the teacher beforehand if that's how they do it, and keep asking till you find one who does.

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 14:12

I had initially asked her on the phone before signing up was it any particular type, and she didn't give me a direct answer. She just told me to come along and it would be fine. I had mentioned struggling with arm strength and inversions and she didn't respond.
At the end of the class when I asked her to check my down dog she told me it was Vinyasa. And whilst this is reasonable, I hadn't been told. I will def shop around.
I am ok with Vinyasa but I do it very slowly as a beginner and would have appreciated corrections or advice. It was honestly so fast I was out of my depth.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Exercise & fitness Fitness Yoga
LordEmsworth · 07/09/2022 14:19

I'm an Iyengar yoga teacher so I am biassed... But any Iyengar teacher would correct and modify, and help with arm strength. And would give extra attention during inversions, which need shoulder strength to do safely.

But also it's worth trying a few different classes and not pushing yourself too hard - there's time to build up to pushing, but stop before you puke 😋 to start off with...

LIZS · 07/09/2022 14:21

Sounds like a flow class, if she said it was suitable for beginners I would expect corrections and alternative levels. How many were in the group?

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 14:30

Thank you!

There were about 14 of us. The atmosphere was fine and I didn't feel judged, but it was like having walked into a pro class, it was a good lesson in humility, sitting there for most of it like a lost skittle Grin

I have been learning online for a while and took some excellent advice on here and Reddit, and most people have advised me to attend a class to get feedback. I just doubt this class was focused on that, and whilst that's fine, she should have mentioned it. I am wary of asking a teacher if the class is beginner level now, sadly.

OP posts:
LIZS · 07/09/2022 14:33

Maybe better to say you are relatively new to yoga and ask how they will ensure you are included and get the most from it. Did you ask for a one off or a course?

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 14:38

LIZS · 07/09/2022 14:33

Maybe better to say you are relatively new to yoga and ask how they will ensure you are included and get the most from it. Did you ask for a one off or a course?

It was a one off, thankfully. I will definitely ask more questions.
I am intrigued why so many people online advised me to go to a class if this is the norm. I do believe they are all different though so will make a few calls. I got the impression this woman was rushed and didn't want to have any engagement with the students. Not a bad little earner!

OP posts:
tectonicplates · 07/09/2022 14:56

Sounds a bit cliquey tbh. I'm getting bad vibes.

Shannith · 07/09/2022 14:57

This is interesting I've been doing Adrienne for a while and one of the benefits over classes I've always assumed is that I do 45mins or so daily - which is always going to be better than a couple of classes a week.

But I have been wondering about checking my form and getting advice and am erring towards booking a couple of private lessons.

I ride and it's similar in that everyone is different and often to really get the benefit you need a 121 lesson - groups are OK for getting some mage in but ate unlikely to make me a better rider.

All lessons are 121 - and I ride on my own in between.

I wonder if you could shop around for someone to do this with you for yoga?

Shannith · 07/09/2022 14:58

Mileage and are! Mage and ate sounds like an altogether different kind of tuition!

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 15:03

Yes, I have earmarked a local teacher who offers private sessions. I would preferably like a few and then maybe search for a class that suits my own vibe - possibly Iyengar, but definitely NOT fast, rapid flows.

I didn't get the impression it was cliquey - no one spoke to each other, nor the teacher, so I just assumed it was about focusing on your own thing.

It was possibly more concerned with fast paced fitness and getting out of the house for an hour. Breathing wasn't mentioned once.
Nothing wrong with this, but I do prefer the more considered, slower paced flows that include descriptions and perhaps a bit of the philosophy.

OP posts:
ShaneTwane · 07/09/2022 15:04

No i would find a new yoga place op, this one doesn't sound right for you. Ive been to a few different ones and they always specify beginner level. They also help correct postures and ask if anyone has any issues that they need to be aware of, which i have so they always advise before class even starts how to modify a pose or do a different pose thats easier whilst you wait out a difficult pose your struggling with. That one sounded a bit like a free for all. If i was a yoga teacher i would want my students getting something out of the class not just sat there on a mat.

Kanaloa · 07/09/2022 15:10

Were you doing downward dog in the class? I don’t know if I’ve misread but it reads like you sat in various positions that weren’t part of the class then when everyone was leaving you randomly asked her to correct you doing downward dog?

It doesn’t sound great to be honest, but I’m not sure what the instructor could do if you genuinely couldn’t keep pace with the class. And I think it was a little bit daft to sit in lotus for twenty minutes then sit in other random positions - how did you think the instructor was supposed to react to that? If you’d been trying to follow along you could have been corrected but an instructor can’t really correct somebody who isn’t participating. You really could have just followed along more slowly or realised it wasn’t for you and left.

Maybe try a variety of classes? Sometimes one won’t suit while another will be more right for you.

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 15:36

Well the sequences were so fast and intense that if I had joined back in with my arms and legs shakings I would have either puked or collapsed. It was just a bit too advanced for me, so adding the pace to that.....I was out of my depth. I was aware that when in pain of discomfort to rest in a gentle pose to restore. It was either that or harming myself.
Largely I sat cross legged awaiting some advice, but tried to join back in when possible. I am honestly not sure what else I could have done.

OP posts:
Howappropriate · 07/09/2022 15:40

Kanaloa · 07/09/2022 15:10

Were you doing downward dog in the class? I don’t know if I’ve misread but it reads like you sat in various positions that weren’t part of the class then when everyone was leaving you randomly asked her to correct you doing downward dog?

It doesn’t sound great to be honest, but I’m not sure what the instructor could do if you genuinely couldn’t keep pace with the class. And I think it was a little bit daft to sit in lotus for twenty minutes then sit in other random positions - how did you think the instructor was supposed to react to that? If you’d been trying to follow along you could have been corrected but an instructor can’t really correct somebody who isn’t participating. You really could have just followed along more slowly or realised it wasn’t for you and left.

Maybe try a variety of classes? Sometimes one won’t suit while another will be more right for you.

That's on the teacher, not you. I am an experienced yogi, and a teacher should make you feel welcome, safe, that you can ask questions, and emphasise that you only do the poses you feel comfortable in, do not strain yourself. And invite you to lie in shavasana, or sit in lotus if you prefer.
Definitely find a class where you feel a more nurturing vibe from the teacher- I've been to classes where I didn't go back because I didn't like the attitude they brought to the class.
So, there's loads of variety in class type and teacher. Maybe say to the next teacher you had a negative experience to help them understand what you are looking for. Good luck!

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 15:40

Also, the speed of the sequences and my lack of strength led to me pushing myself too hard to keep up in the first 10 mins. I could not go at a slower pace as I didn't know the sequence and everyone was so far ahead.
As my arms wobbled I could barely focus on breathing and the strain made my heart pound. No way would anyone advise me to continue in that level of distress. I should imagine resting would be the only choice.

OP posts:
Howappropriate · 07/09/2022 15:42

I just saw what you said about no mention of the breath! I hate that! As our pal Adriene says, you have to bring the breath! Sounds like a fitness focused yoga class, rubbish.

TheOGCCL · 07/09/2022 15:47

I do Pilates rather than yoga but the types and styles of classes are very different, and most claim they are ok for beginners even if, in my opinion, they are not. OK for beginners if you are very fit from doing other stuff perhaps, or if you have good natural coordination. I think some teachers lose sight of just how difficult newbies might find the class. You need to shop around for a good one, worth their weight in gold. Don’t let this one experience deter you. It’s not nice to feel excluded but it wasn’t your fault.

At my class we don’t really speak but the teacher jollies us along and makes jokes so it feels less weird.

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 15:47

Yes, the pamphlet said that this class focused on yoga for fitness and health of mind and body. I just presumed this was a decent all rounder for all levels. Not quite though!
I am only concerned if this is the standard type of class attitude, as something else would be much more suitable for me.
I will def be checking out a few one to one lessons.

OP posts:
ClownsOnTheLeft · 07/09/2022 15:51

LordEmsworth · 07/09/2022 14:19

I'm an Iyengar yoga teacher so I am biassed... But any Iyengar teacher would correct and modify, and help with arm strength. And would give extra attention during inversions, which need shoulder strength to do safely.

But also it's worth trying a few different classes and not pushing yourself too hard - there's time to build up to pushing, but stop before you puke 😋 to start off with...

I attend an Iyengar class, and can confirm they are the best for corrections and modifications.

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 15:51

TheOGCCL · 07/09/2022 15:47

I do Pilates rather than yoga but the types and styles of classes are very different, and most claim they are ok for beginners even if, in my opinion, they are not. OK for beginners if you are very fit from doing other stuff perhaps, or if you have good natural coordination. I think some teachers lose sight of just how difficult newbies might find the class. You need to shop around for a good one, worth their weight in gold. Don’t let this one experience deter you. It’s not nice to feel excluded but it wasn’t your fault.

At my class we don’t really speak but the teacher jollies us along and makes jokes so it feels less weird.

I am happy with the no-speaking, don't mind either way, and nobody made me feel uncomfortable apart from the stand offishness of the teacher. Your class sounds great, a bit of humour is always a good thing!

I am so used to doing Adrienne and Kassandra, and some of the Desi Iyengar online. This class was like speeding up the videos or Adrienne on amphetamines Grin

Someone asked was I doing downward dog?
It was part of the sequence so I followed them at the start until I couldn't keep it up. I had wanted to ask the teacher if my back was straight enough so I called her over at the end when everyone had left the studio. She showed me herself doing it and then watched mine, said it was fine and riuhed off.

OP posts:
Kanaloa · 07/09/2022 15:52

Howappropriate · 07/09/2022 15:40

That's on the teacher, not you. I am an experienced yogi, and a teacher should make you feel welcome, safe, that you can ask questions, and emphasise that you only do the poses you feel comfortable in, do not strain yourself. And invite you to lie in shavasana, or sit in lotus if you prefer.
Definitely find a class where you feel a more nurturing vibe from the teacher- I've been to classes where I didn't go back because I didn't like the attitude they brought to the class.
So, there's loads of variety in class type and teacher. Maybe say to the next teacher you had a negative experience to help them understand what you are looking for. Good luck!

Show quote history

But if the issue is pacing and you can’t do the majority of the poses in the class so you sit in lotus for the majority of the time then realistically the teacher can’t do much - you obviously need a less advanced class.

Original poster
foxofthefells · 07/09/2022 15:56

that is true!

OP posts:
Howappropriate · 07/09/2022 15:57

@Kanaloa but you are then alerting teacher, who can give you attention! And in my experience, it's very unusual for a teacher to not give personal attention to a pupil who is new or struggling. Even just to reassure them, tell them to do poses they can do and miss out others etc.
Between the lack of care, the lack of breath instruction, and the misleading information on the leaflet, I think the OP did have a bad yoga teacher.