Yoga Students Pressured to Buy Extras
Long-time yoga practitioners are experiencing discomfort and frustration due to instructors consistently pushing them to purchase additional products and services, creating a feeling of obligation and undermining the practice's intended benefits. This pressure detracts from the core value of yoga and impacts mental wellbeing.
SOURCES (60)
“Would you do a retreat, training or just head to India & go explore. Based in US. Edit: I want to get out of the US for a lil bit. Our food is garbage & sure we can consider this an eat pray love thing,…”
“Hi friends. I’m not a pro by any means. I started really doing yin yoga at the beginning of this year. I noticed my anxiety and chronic shoulder pain almost 100% disappear when practicing 4-5 times a week (before bed specifically). About 2 months ago, my soul dog started having some minor health issues. Nothing that I thought would be a huge concern (I did bring her to the vet multiple times). But I just had this odd feeling that she wouldn’t be with me much longer. I started to spiral. I though”
“This isn't taught in my small town but I miss it so much where I used to live. I don't want to pay $40/mo for buti MVMT as I only have time for occasional class and I like small studios better and enjoy live classes vs prerecorded. So I've been looking online for studios that Livestream it (or on demand)and preferably charge for individual class vs monthly but not having much luck via Google nor the mindbody app. Also similar like somatic, etc would be cool. TIA for any recs! s”
“Hello! I recently started doing yoga, about six months ago. I can say it’s one of the best things that I could do for myself. I work an office job, 9 to 5, there’s lots of sitting. My hamstrings and hips feel specifically tight, keeping me from doing poses properly. Lately, I’ve heard a lot about trauma being stored in your hips, hence the reasons they are so stiff. I just can’t truly understand that. While I noticed progress along these six months, I am still unable to touch my toes with my leg”
“Hi everyone, sorry, but English isn't my first language. I practice Yoga and Power Vinjasa at a center in my city. Until now, I've been using a package with entrance fees of €80 for 10 classes (the cost of a class was €10 if booked individually). Starting in October, the price of Advanced Yoga and Power will increase to €15 per class, or €130 for the 10-class package. This is because they'll keep the basic yoga class (1 hour) at €10, while the advanced yoga class (2 hours) and the po”
“Hi all, This is a strange one, for me at least. I feel many types of ways about speaking on this, but I only have a very limited few that I can speak to about this IRL. I'd love anyone's feedback or wisdom here. Basically the gist of it is that recently one of my teachers has converted to Christianity and subsequently dismissed yogic philosophy. This person was one of my first and most impactful teachers and I have attended her weekly classes for the entirety of my two years of practicin”
“I've had a regular workout mat for years assuming that there wasn't that much of a difference. This year, I've been trying to commit myself to doing yoga once a day, general for 60 minutes (I've definitely done it for 15 minutes due to time constraints. I'm currently following Inner Dimensions Level Up 108 program). Previously I had super old yoga towels that really weren't gripping. I didn't know until this week that you weren't supposed to use fabric softener on”
“What's the actual difference between "Power Yoga" and standard "Vinyasa"? I'm not talking about chain studios like CorePower that trademark it. I mean independent studios that list dedicated "Power" classes on their schedule right alongside regular Vinyasa. Is there a specific structure to it that sets it apart? submitted by /u/Public-Ad8008 [link] [comments]”
“This is a PSA and a bit of a warning for people who practice yoga in Toronto. I've had two really weird and bad experiences at Modo Yoga Danforth. I'm currently doing a two week trial and I'm not even through the first week and I'm honestly appalled at the way I've been spoken to by their staff. For context, I'm a gay man, and it's pretty obvious that I am from my appearance. On my very first day, the man behind the counter was super weird to me. He acted like someone”
“Hi, y'all really enjoy doing some gentle poses. Every night. Experiencing pain in my back glutes. Hips. Especially. Finding it hard to do a lot of poses any thoughts on what else. I can do. I'm trying to use pillows et cetera. I always use blocks. I miss my practice and I also have pelvic floor issues, which makes it really important submitted by /u/Leading-Kale-2327 [link] [comments]”
“Hey, I'm looking for something that isn't just some 30 day program that I complete and then am lost on where to go after that. I need something that offers long-term progression and not another 7 day challenge. Any ideas? I really want to progress in strength and mobility. Looking for something in-home where I'm not constantly needing to search the internet for the next video series. Maybe some kind of longer form progressive course? thank you in advance! submitted by /u/”
“Through meditation, I learned to notice and release tension in both my muscles and my mind. I also learned a more sustainable way to become flexible—not the usual 10-second, force-yourself-deeper stretch that many sports teach. Ironically, I often feel most relaxed and flexible after a 10-day meditation retreat, despite barely moving at all. That’s what sometimes bothers me about “modern/western” yoga: it can be so movement focused. It seems like people want to do fancy, flowing sequenc”
Yogasana submitted by /u/WorkingPercentage106 [link] [comments]
“hey all, I developed a numbness/tingling in my right outer hip after doing dancer’s pose. i’ve been taking a break from doing yoga/hip openers specifically but i was just curious if anyone has experienced anything like this before? i have an appointment with a doctor this coming monday. submitted by /u/Emotional_Original60 [link] [comments]”
“Hi all, I started yoga/pilates practice through classes about a year ago up until April when I started having some health issues that I believe now may have been rooted in high anxiety. I’ve been trying to get back into practice (mainly at home practice) for the last 6 weeks. I tried this one flow this past weekend that includes a backwards plank, I’m not sure if I’m just trying to get into the pose too quickly but I notice that my right forearm (my dominant arm) feels really tight/almost numb o”
“Joined a so called “accountability” group. They started selling classes, and when I asked about false advertising on Reddit, they deleted my message and removed me from the group lol. submitted by /u/benedict250 [link] [comments]”
“As I've gotten better my desire to go to classes gets less and less. Sometimes in the middle of a sequence I wanna forward fold for like 10 minutes to decompress my spine. Or hold a chair twist for longer. Or just do bicycle crunches at the beginning to warm my core (instead of a bunch of Surya A's which is what many teachers like to do). It's nice to have someone manage the sequence for me tho, and tell me what's next. There's a number of teachers I like that upload their cl”
“I recently went to my first couple yoga classes and I was starting to really like the movement. I am working on nervous system regulation and feeling safe in my body, Ive had a lot of emotional trauma so I thought yoga would be good for me. I had thought it was more about listening to your body as your doing the poses and what feels right for you. I don’t know the poses so I was looking around the room but I didn’t really mind doing so, but then the instructor was harshly telling me I’m doing th”
“A: a class include more challenge poses, but have poorer fluency and flow between postures & feel less like a “true” flow OR B: a class include primarily more basic poses with one main challenge pose, but have it feel more natural to flow between each posture I went to a class at a different studio in a different town than my usual one today and the instructor was fine, but the flow felt very nonsensical and disjointed compared to the classes at my home studio. However, there were a number o”
“Hey guys, I've been doing yoga for about 2 months now, a few days a week, so I guess I'm pretty consistent with it. I've definetely noticed a difference in my flexibility (I always used to be super not flexible) but I still struggle with keeping a straight spine during some poses. Should I keep doing them, with the rounded spine, or do everything I can to keep my spine straight? I'm worried doing it the wrong way will just mess up my posture more. submitted by /u/Aggr”
“Try to mentally get back to the starting point. Why did you start this thing? What motivated you back then? What success have you gotten so far? After this exercise you might get soome of your motivation back”
“Years ago before franchises like CP existed, Pilates teachers were always independent contractors. Is this still the norm in privately owned studios? I am in the US submitted by /u/No-Drama724 [link] [comments]”
“I’m currently in the Club Pilates Core program, which includes Reformer, Special Populations, and Mat. I’m interested in taking Balanced Body courses for the education—not because I’m planning to become comprehensively certified through Balanced Body anytime soon. I already plan on taking Reformer 1 in January. I had a few questions for anyone familiar with the program: Do the modules have to be taken in a specific order? If I want to take apparatus courses later (Chair, Cadillac, etc.), do I ne”
“Trying to simplify my practice down to what actually moves the needle instead of 10 different techniques. If you had to drop everything but one daily thing — what would you keep, and why? submitted by /u/Junior-Ball4128 [link] [comments]”
“Any feedback appreciated. I only do yoga 1-2x/week so any pointers/advice is welcome submitted by /u/kettlesthenics [link] [comments]”
“I went to a yin class yesterday that had yoga wheels and I want to get one for home. Does anyone have tips for what size/brand I should get? submitted by /u/saminblackandwhite [link] [comments]”
“Hi there, I'm a 36F and slightly overweighted (it's not easy to write that eh). I'm trying to go back on track with my yoga practice as I've left it aside for a while after having a baby. My recent mental health (which is in a very bad state) brings me back to it in an attempt to protect me but I'm struggling to do every pose where I need to lean on my knees. It's kind of frustrating. I'm wondering if a special equipment exists for people like me other than a blanket”
“I was first introduced to yoga when I was just a kid and have ebb and flowed in my practice for the last 15ish years. Context: In the last 5 years, I have been dedicated to a pretty traditional practice, focusing on all 8 limbs with asana mostly in the hatha and ashtanga traditions. A brain injury left me with minimal asana practice outside of a yin and restorative style for years. 2 years ago I found the studio I now call home and the teacher I now call friend. She has a very traditional lineag”
“I've been doing yoga on and off for 10 years. It accompanied me during my depression. I have recurring depression it means it comes in cycles and every time I got depressed I've stopped doing yoga. Because everything costs me fatigue and I don't have the motivation to finish it. This march I have enrolled in a yoga teacher training online because its my dream, but depression came back and I haven't touched a book and the mat in 3 months. So I'm not asking how to get rid of de”
“i just wanted to share a recent accomplishment i gained through yoga :) i am very very naturally unflexible. i also have quite poor back & neck posture. i started practicing yoga consistently at a studio around 3 weeks ago, and i already see massive differences! to start, i can finally touch my toes without having to stretch, which is huge for me because before i could barely reach my shins. my posture has also improved a notable amount, and im also more aware of my posture too. i can hold p”
“Is it just me or does it seem like yoga is “dying” in the west. Something I’ve noticed over the past year is a rapid decline in class numbers in studio setting, also a rapid decline in dedicated students that practice often and strive for growth. Why do you think this happening? Have you noticed it too? submitted by /u/United_Stuff8318 [link] [comments]”
to me it sounds like bs submitted by /u/TopCompany9406 [link] [comments]
“Wondering if anyone has watched her free youtube videos and then purchased her "Built to Birth" course? Is it worth it if she already offers so much for free on youtube? Is there extra info in the course that isnt covered in the youtube videos? Thanks for your help! submitted by /u/HereToLaughAndLearn [link] [comments]”
“Hey yall im dealing with a herniated disc and its kinda taken over my whole life honestly I had a massage at massage envy and got pressured into a membership like a fool ik Its a service I genuinely thought I could use because i dont have health insurance despite being a bit steep in price I was told it was 80 dollars a month but my first charge went though on friday it was 2 20 dollar charges and one for 97 So 140 essentially when I thought id be paying 80 I plan on calling them tomorrow if the”
“It works on me every day. Even when I’m not on the mat. I just had to say this have a good day. submitted by /u/RealDrugDealer [link] [comments]”
“We have been having some discussions recently in the yoga teacher sub [ r/YogaTeachers ]( r/YogaTeachers ) about noticing steady declines in yoga class attendance with many citing high / rising class costs amidst an increasingly expensive world and many simply not being able to afford yoga classes, particularly with how much "free" content is available online, among other factors. I'm curious, here among this more general yoga audience, what a yoga class costs on average where you”
“Can you tell me about how you consistently did yoga not in a class? I sometimes find it hard to do it at home because it’s not as enjoyable (for me) as doing it with everyone else in a class. but I’m trying to save some $ and do yoga at home more. any tips? resources? i currently use ther MadFit app and i think it’s great :) thanks <3 submitted by /u/Signal-Cow-3524 [link] [comments]”
“Hello fellow, yogis, My life has been dramatically changed since I started regular yoga practice about three years ago. I lost weight, got stronger, my mental health benefitted tremendously. On top of that I made friends with the people at my small studio. Yoga was my lifeline. A few weeks ago I was injured at work. I have a MRI tomorrow- workman’s comp approved my claim immediately. I fear it’s a herniated disc due to the symptoms I am having. As an athletic woman who needs to be outdoors to do”
“Hello yogis, I’ve been practicing yoga for 20 years with various teachers and studios. It’s a humbling and joyful journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the gifts yoga has offered to me. As a student and member of my studio’s community, I try to be as respectful as possible during class. I would hate to be doing something that is annoying or bothersome to both my teachers & fellow yogis. I know I struggle with some behaviors from my fellow yogis and try to practice an open mind and heart inste”
“So I have got a new male yoga teacher. I have been practicing yoga for past 3-4 yrs, sometimes in a studio, sometimes with a private tutor. They mostly did verbal correction or sometimes no correction. In studios there used to be cards to choose whether verbal or physical and even so teacher's touch would be minimal. Now this new teacher is teaching well but he always corrects me physically and never asks. Like he would use his legs to help me bend and stretch backwards while sitting. Someti”
“I’m about 25 years into an on-again-off-again relationship with yoga and it’s very much “on” at the moment. I’ve gotten into hot yoga, practice about twice a week and love it. The only thing I don’t love is that as I’ve aged & the magic of perimenopause, and probably because of the hot room too, the vasovagal syncope syndrome (fainting/near faints) I’ve had since childhood is acting up more and more. I can’t lift my arms over my head much or I get lightheaded, can’t shift from a down dog to”
“Those of you that include this in your practice, how do you maintain count aside from mentally counting as you go. Id rather focus on breath than numbers. submitted by /u/chowderpouch [link] [comments]”
“I’ve been on a health journey which has included the goal of 30lbs weight loss which I have now achieved. I want to stop focusing on weight and have some yoga “goals”. Mostly yoga for me is about switching off and enjoying the movement but I would like to do wheel pose again as I had some years of practice. Currently I just don’t have the arms strength/back flexibility. I also want to set out to practice at least 4 times a week, I go to class twice a week but the rest of the week is hit or miss”