In a recent Reddit post, a user shares a troubling experience they had with a yoga instructor regarding their ongoing physiotherapy treatment. The poster, who has scoliosis and neural complications from childhood, seeks to incorporate yoga into their routine after years of managing their condition with a physiotherapist. However, after a few classes, the instructor exhibited a dismissive attitude towards the physiotherapist’s advice about using a cushion for certain poses. This situation ignited comments from users, many of whom expressed concern over the instructor’s behavior and highlighted the importance of prioritizing medical advice over general fitness guidance.
Summary
- The poster shares a frustrating experience with a yoga instructor who dismissed their physiotherapist’s advice.
- Users overwhelmingly advise prioritizing the guidance of medical professionals over that of fitness instructors.
- The discussion raises questions about the role of yoga instructors and their responsibility for student welfare.
- Several commenters suggest finding a new yoga instructor who respects individual health needs.
The Problematic Instructor
At the crux of the discussion is a yoga instructor who apparently believes that individual expertise in a clinical setting should be overshadowed by a more generalized approach to physical activity. The poster, who has been attending physiotherapy for scoliosis, shares initial positivity during early classes. However, everything changed once the payment was made, a classic narrative of instructor power dynamics in play. The comment from the instructor that “in my class, you’ll listen to me and not the doctor/therapist” raises several eyebrows. The general consensus among commenters is that this attitude is not only unprofessional but a significant risk to students’ health.**
Community Response
Comments from astute Redditors stress the importance of listening to medical professionals. One user, bending around the snazzy handle “bendyval,” asserts, “Bring your cushion, adjust as you need, and disregard that teacher’s big ego.” It seems that the yoga community finds it natural to prioritize individual practice over institutional dogma when it comes to health. Many commenters suggest that the poster should think about switching to a different instructor, highlighting the need for teachers who actually listen to their students’ needs rather than imposing their viewpoints. Essentially, it seems that not all yoga studios promote a safe environment, and this incident has sent some ripples through the community.**
The Importance of Props in Yoga
A recurring theme throughout the commentary is the importance of using props to cater to individual needs during yoga practice. One commentator emphasizes that the idea of using support is integral to yoga philosophy rather than a sign of weakness. “You’re supposed to use the props you need and not harm your body,” they assert. Users resonate with the sentiment that yoga should be inclusive and adaptive, not a one-size-fits-all practice. Many commenters point out that even without medical conditions, yoga should promote comfort and inclusivity; therefore, the practices should adapt to help individuals feel more stable and supported. This supports broader discussions about inclusivity in sports; yoga should not alienate people with special needs but acknowledge and accommodate them instead.
Managing Expectations in Class
The incident has undoubtedly left the original poster feeling conflicted about yoga. Another comment reiterates the need to listen to the body’s signals, stating, “Isn’t that the caveat? The first thing is to listen to your body, and your body’s telling you that it wasn’t right for you.” It raises the relevant question of how yoga programs or instructors define what is “normal” versus what’s “appropriate” for the body in motion. While yoga’s core tenets emphasize self-awareness and mindfulness, sometimes, the process might feel sidelined by instructors who have more rigid notions of practice. Commenters recommend seeking a yoga instructor who allows for adaptation and variation in forms rather than strictly adhering to sequences, citing experiences in studios that foster a supportive atmosphere for all.**
Overall, the yoga journey is deeply personal and should afford everyone the chance to adapt the practice to their individual needs. The urging from commenters to find a new instructor is a good dose of assurance for our Reddit poster, reminding them that not all yoga spaces are the same. Building a practice should be a healthy balance between acquiring new skills with respect while ensuring well-being auspiciously comes first—and that respect for those in the medical profession should factor uniformly. The dialogue surrounding this Reddit post serves as a wake-up call for both yogis and instructors; after all, the overall journey to wellness shouldn’t be marred by dismissive attitudes, because the essence of yoga is to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit, without ignoring any bit of it. Ultimately, there needs to be an understanding that while instructors may lead classes, they should never undermine the expertise of medical professionals who are equipped with the knowledge to help individuals on their path to wellness.