Five things a yoga instructor should never say in class

Uh…did they really just say that?

I love me some yoga, and have loved it (albeit sometimes a little inconsistently) for a good solid ten years.

While I always seem to learn something new – a new posture, technique or way to relax into my poses – I have also been privy to some cringe-inducing, nose-scrunching phrases muttered by an instructor (or five) of mine.

Though most of them can be shrugged off with a simple “ew”, others have left me questioning my instructor’s reasons and shaking my head in bewilderment.

Curious to know what said phrases are? Read on, yogis.

Is it just me or is this not awwwkward?

I mean, I’m all for venting with your girlfriends over a glass *cough * bottle *cough * of wine, but I firmly believe that a yoga class is not the place to rant about your personal problems.

After all, each of us are in that class attempting to better ourselves, clean and clear our minds and ultimately, move deeper into our poses; not to commiserate over lost love.

Besides, isn’t yoga all about focusing on the positive and letting go of our ego?

If so, then there should be no reason for a teacher to try and illicit sympathy from their students.

Remember, a yoga class is not about the instructor’s personal life, it’s about helping students progress.

“Two minutes?”

That was my audible reaction to my teacher demanding we all hold our quivering bodies strong for a straight 120 seconds.

It just seemed a little torturous for a class that is not supposed to be about the superficial appearance of our bodies or rapid weight loss.

Yet I held my position, shook like a flimsy leaf and silently reprimanded myself for bathing my mashed potatoes (and meat…and yorkshire pudding) in a sea of gravy.

And not only did I curse every second of that one hundred and twenty seconds but my time with that instructor was short-lived after that class.

Especially after she demanded…

Excuse me? How embarrassing.

Now maybe it’s just me but the last thing I want to be reminded of when I’m in my happy place (a.k.a. my yoga class) is that I may or may not have a belly to suck in.

Not to mention the fact that I noticed women looking around the class with a look of defeat in their eyes.

Instead of calling upon a common insecurity that many of us women have and reinforcing negative body issues, it is the instructor’s job to make us all feel comfortable.

After all, we’re in yoga, not bootcamp!

Woah woah woah! Did she just single me out by name? Yikes!

While I’m sure she had the nicest of intentions, calling out a particular student in your class is a big-time no-no.

Not only will you make them feel sheepish but you take a cut at their confidence levels by announcing to the rest of the class that someone’s abilities may not be as advanced as others.

Realize that no instructor worth her weight should ever call out a student who may be trying to advance, but at their own pace.

Yoga class is not a place for judgments; and if you really must say something, please walk over to that student and try to help them instead.

Bleh! This might be my least favourite thing to hear during a zenned-out yoga class.

I mean, who says that in a class full of both men and women?

Well, to answer that: My old yoga instructor. Nearly. Every. Class!

Though I understand the reasoning – inversions are not optimal when menstruating – it is downright distressing having to announce that you are surfing the crimson wave to a class full of near strangers.

Instead, offer a few different options to those who may not be fit for inversions that particular week. That way they can silently move into their adjusted pose without having to announce to the class that they are out of commission for the week.

Besides, the only reason your student’s cheeks should be rosy is because you led a challenging class, not because you humiliated them in front of a group.

V is the cheeky creator of?CarryOnDiet.com?where she blogs and vlogs on how to stay healthy while travelling.

From an easy-to-make?protein pancakes recipe?to short-burst workouts you can take with you anywhere, her goal is to help fellow globetrotters looks as good as they feel while wandering the world. Hit her up on?Facebook?or shoot her?a tweet?but be warned, she’s a talker!

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