Elitism in Yoga

This week I attempted to join two different yoga classes, (both the same style of yoga – let’s just say it’s one that uses a lot of props), and each time was turned down because I was either too inexperienced or couldn’t attend due to “health and safety” reasons.

In the first case, all I asked was whether there was parking on site, and the response was I would not be able to join the class. I’ve never known such an unwelcoming and elitist bunch of people!

Yoga should welcome all. Even if the class was not suitable for me, (or I for it), at the very minimum a less blunt, more inclusive, more explanatory communication for example suggesting suitable classes, times and dates would have left me feeling much less like a vagrant wannabe trying to join a VIP club. Or maybe they could have asked what my experience was first and then explained their policies?

“Yoga is not about tightening your ass, it’s about getting your head out of it”

Eric Paskel

Also, what about my original question re parking? That was never answered. My teacher Tal warned me about this, but I didn’t quite believe it until now.

Have you encountered anything like this when trying to find a class to attend? Let me know in the comments below. You can be assured that ALL are welcome at my classes…