Yoga Instructor Faces Teaching Challenges | Gym Critics Weigh In
A new yoga instructor at a local gym is struggling with class dynamics, facing conflicting feedback from students regarding the pace of her Vinyasa classes. Despite her enthusiasm to branch out from her primarily Yin yoga background, her journey has become a mixed bag of criticism and support from participants.
Mixed Reactions from Students
After a year focused on teaching Yin yoga, the instructor was excited to introduce Vinyasa to her students. However, the response has been overwhelming. Participants voiced contrasting opinions, with some complaining that classes were too slow, while others felt they were too fast.
As one experienced teacher noted, "People give feedback after every single class You’ll never please everyone, that’s impossible." This sentiment mirrors the experience shared in a recent comment, highlighting how gym students often take "ownership" over their classes.
Lessons from Fellow Instructors
Feedback from other instructors provides valuable insights. One advised, "Instead of telling the class they can work at their own pace, offer specific modifications to level down or spice things up." This approach could help address the diverse needs of participants while still keeping the integrity of the class intact.
Others further elaborated, emphasizing that feeling discomfort is a part of the yoga journey. As another instructor stated, "No yoga is 100% comfortable; you need to push against your edge." This mindset can help students appreciate the discipline of yoga beyond mere physical exercise.
Instructor's Evolving Strategy
In her second class, the instructor added more standing and balancing poses, trying to cater to the feedback that the pace was too sluggish. Yet, even after these adjustments, she received mixed responses, leaving her in a state of uncertainty. “As long as your class meets the description, teach the class you want to teach,” said one commenter, urging the instructor to assert her teaching style.
Navigating the Gym vs. Studio Environment
A recurring theme in the discussions is the distinction between gym and studio settings. "Gym yoga is different than studio yoga students are generally there more for exercise than the experience of yoga," explained one contributor. Many suggest that finding a supportive teaching environment may align better with those focusing on the therapeutic aspects of yoga.
Interestingly, one instructor shared her experience of balancing class expectations by incorporating a "self flow" section, allowing students to move at their own pace while demonstrating modifications. This method reportedly helped in catering to varying skill levels and preferences.
Key Takeaways
🔄 "For every person who voices dislike, there are 3 who loved the class and don’t think to say anything."
🌱 "Don’t take it too hard, it’s not you, it really isn’t."
💬 "You need to feel confident in your teaching ability."
Despite early challenges, there's potential for the new instructor to cultivate a loyal following by refining her approach and finding a balance that resonates with most students. Whether she can develop her unique style while adapting to feedback remains to be seen.