What to do when you don’t like your Yoga Instructor

(430 Words)
Yoga is an excellent way to get exercise, increase flexibility and focus your energy. Yoga classes and styles differ greatly, and a great deal of this is attributed to the instructor. If you do not care for your instructor’s style, then you will have several options on what to do.
The first step is to ascertain whether the instructor is doing anything dangerous. If the instructor is telling the students to do the moves incorrectly, like encouraging exercises that strain a joint, then you will want to bring this to the attention of the instructor and the gym or other supervisor if necessary. It is unlikely that the instructor would purposely make this mistake, but it does happen. Hopefully he or she will change if you talk about it.
If the instructor’s style is not dangerous but simply does not work for you, then you will have several different options. If you have a choice of a different class or instructor, then moving to that class might be the simplest solution. Many gyms offer such classes so you may have a wealth of choices. Of course you can always purchase a DVD and do yoga in the comfort of your own home.
Talking to the instructor is an option, but it must be done delicately. You do not want to insult the instructor, especially if there is no right or wrong but just a difference in style. Instead of saying that he or she is doing something incorrectly, you could mention some other methods and ask if he or she would try them. He or she may be willing to try something different.
If you do not have another class to try then you can try to tune the instructor out during the sessions and just follow the basic moves. In yoga classes, people generally do what they are able to do. If you do not like one move you may be able to quietly do your own thing. You can use the class more as a guide and as a place where you can have the space to do your yoga than as an exact method. If the teacher questions you, then you can talk to him or her quietly after class to explain that you like to do things a little differently. You might choose a corner or an inconspicuous place to do this.
Yoga is an excellent activity, but can be hampered by a poor instructor. Through the above options, you should be able to find a balance to enjoy your yoga despite a difference in style.