Have you ever had a bad experience in a public yoga class? If you said yes you’re not the only one. More than 50% of clients that come to me (I specialize in private coaching sessions) state their reason for pursuing private sessions as having bad experiences in public yoga classes. So today I want to talk about yoga bullying & peer pressure.⁠

⁠Don’t get me wrong there are PLENTY of amazing yoga teachers & studios out there, I have a few favorites of my my own, but even I’ve had some bad experiences.⁠

⁠I started doing yoga many years ago as I was told it was a great way to get exercise without hurting my joints or causing inflammation since I have Lupus. First of all, yoga is not one-size-fits-all. There are several styles that caused my body distress, but after years of trying things out I found Iyengar yoga & it became my happy place, but on my journey to this happy place I experienced a lot of pressure! It was so confusing. Wasn’t yoga supposed to be about my inner journey, no ego, pride, competition or judgement? That was not my experience, it is now, as I’ve found my people & practice that work for me, but over the years I’ve been pushed extremely hard by yoga teachers, told to preserve through the pain. I’ve been adjusted aggressively in class & called out publicly for using modifications when a pose didn’t feel safe for me. Once a teacher even told me there was no reason I shouldn’t be doing Handstand without modifications. I call bullshit! I was proud of myself! I was proud of not being in a hospital bed, or on a ton of medication. Doctors told me I was going to die, but I was in a yoga studio moving my body, that’s all that mattered to me. It’s MY practice, it’s YOUR practice! Do what feels safe for YOU! Pick a style that feels good in your body. Modify if you need to. Close your eyes, breath & listen to YOURSELF! Find a teacher that makes you feel empowered & challenged in a way that feels safe for you, your body & whatever ailments you might be dealing with. This practice is about self-inquiry & growth, not just on a physical level but also mentally. Move your body in a way that feels good & trust yourself. Feel safe! Feel empowered ❤️

For the entire month of May I am offering new clients the opportunity to pay what you can for virtual coaching sessions in meditation, mindfulness, breathwork & yoga. Now more than ever we need to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves both physically & mentally. I’d love to help you through this incredibly hard time. You can sign up for your FREE consultation below. Be well & take care of each other.

To book a private coaching session with Jenna you may fill out our contact form, call us at 323-849-0039 or shoot us an email at jenna@yoginest.com

Photo @jessicaczarneckiphoto