r/yoga

So this is a bit of a rant, but the teacher of the yoga class I just took completely skipped Savasana. She basically said “I consider Savasana too hard, so I’m going to skip it, class is over but if you want to do it you can”. 😳. What??. I’m pretty sure it’s common knowledge that Savasana is the most important pose. Also, not to put anyone down, but I really don’t struggle to lie on my back for 3 minutes after a difficult class. In fact, it feels good, and I could lie on my back for the whole class. I can’t help but feel like we’re cooked as a society if we can’t relax for 3 whole minutes. Also, it makes me feel sad that yoga can get so ripped from its spiritual roots. It’s a mind and body practice, not just a workout. Also, this was at a reputable studio in my city.

Been trying to find the answer to this online, and I also asked my yoga teacher about it but didn't get a clear answer (and didn't want to hog her attention during class by persisting). In skandasa, are you using strength in the bent leg to hold your hips up? Or is it ideally more like a resting pose? I hope I've explained this clearly enough. The difference I have in mind is rather like the difference between utkatasana (where leg strength is used to hold one's weight) versus malasana (more of a resting pose for the legs).

Some preliminaries - my lineage is far afield (literally) from studio-based yoga. We practice primarily outdoors (hence the field allusion) avoid the hierarchy inherent in the “teacher/student” paradigm (those of us who are called take turns leading class) and our practice derives from Dhanurveda. Thus, we view mukta (weapons that are released from the hand, typically arrows from a bow) as a metaphor for moksha, he soul’s release from samsara, the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.

With this as context, at a recent practice in a secluded area, one of the group, after first asking if anyone would be offended, extended the metaphor and encouraged everyone to “release themselves from the tyranny of clothing.” Everyone joined in w/ various levels of undress, depending on their comfort level. There was no pressure and certainly nothing sexual about it.

I have to admit that I was skeptical at first. I am something of a traditionalist and our lineage encourages modesty and moderation. But, yoga is evolving and I am willing to evolve with it. We had a very good practice. I observed that there is a fair amount of ego associated with clothing. The clothing optional approach encouraged a greater feeling of equality. It also put us closer to nature. The metaphor held.

Anyone with clothing optional experience? Many of the group want to continue clothing optional. How do we hold space for the more modestly oriented yogis? Any other observations or suggestions?

Thank you so very much for your interest and comments.

Hello everyone! Hoping for some advice and (hopefully) reassurance.

I am a 35 year old, chunky and unfit guy. I get moderate anxiety and the odd bout of depression. I used to lift weights a fair bit but with poor form and as a result I’m a kind of chubby ‘gone to seed’ ex-muscly-ish guy with ZERO flexibility.

two weeks ago I decided I wanted to do something to try and get some level of fitness up but even more importantly carve space out of my week to just concentrate on me and my mental wellbeing. So I booked onto a beginners yoga course… fast forward to tonight… the class is tomorrow morning and honestly… I’m slightly terrified. My anxiety level is rising and I’m questioning whether this was a bad idea.

If anyone has any advice on what to expect and whether they think I should instead try doing this at home to begin with instead I’d really appreciate it.

UPDATE: I have just got back and showered… which I needed as I sweat buckets… I felt really awful as I was the only student in the class today so basically had my first ever yoga lesson as a 1-to-1. The teacher was so so lovely and welcoming and whilst I must have looked TERRIBLE she was very kind. I found it tough but the time flew by and at the end I felt really good!

Anyway… I’ve booked on for next week!!!

Thanks again to everyone for the great advice and reassurance - it made the difference between me actually going and backing out.

Does this happen to anyone else? It doesn’t happen every time, but most of the time. Especially during good classes. Only in Savasana, and I can’t avoid it as much as I try. Any ideas what’s causing this?

(Sorry english is noy my first language) My teacher has serveral traits, characteristics, jokes, ways of speaking to the people in class, that I do not agree with. Like at all. He generally is a good teacher, and a very good person, super considerate, and his classes are often great. But I cannot help focusing on what I find out of place with him. I don't want to make examples of the beahviour he has, beacuse I want to ask a generic question. A part of me wants to leave. A part of me, instead, considers that this is probably my occasion to overcome some of the things that bother me, my opportunity to shut my ego. Maybe what I don't like about him, is what I need to work on me. What is, in your opinion, the line between "about this, I can work on myself" and "this I cannot stand"? I would really appreciate any input.

Cause my arm doesn’t reach that far in a resting position

Hey everyone 🧘‍♀️

I’m curious what yoga apparel brands people genuinely love right now when it comes to comfort, quality, flexibility, and durability.

There are SO many options now and it’s hard to tell what’s actually worth buying versus what’s just popular because of marketing/social media 😅

Would love to hear which brands you keep going back to for leggings, tops, bras, shorts, etc. especially for regular practice and long-term comfort.

I’m a newer instructor at a gym and something happened tonight that really knocked my confidence, so I wanted outside perspective on whether I’m being too sensitive.

Last week, in the studio before one of my classes (taught by another instructor), a woman sadly collapsed and passed away from a brain aneurysm during Body Pump. It really shook everyone up, especially because I’m still very new there and had only taught around four classes before that happened.

This week was my first week back teaching since the incident, and honestly I already felt a bit flustered going in. I’m still learning the studio systems, sound, lighting, etc. The lights tonight were slightly brighter than ideal for an evening class, but nothing extreme or unusual. I genuinely tried to fix them before class and told everyone, “I’m so sorry, I’m still new to the system and I’ve already tried.”

Then a guy arrived about 5 minutes late, making a lot of noise setting up while I was trying to begin meditation. About 5–7 minutes into the flow, he suddenly interrupted and said, “Can’t you fix the lights?”

I apologized again and explained I was new and had already tried. He then said, “Well I’m just going to have to leave then, aren’t I?” packed up all his stuff, and walked out.

I felt SO embarrassed and had to just carry on teaching like nothing happened.

Was he actually rude/inconsiderate, or am I taking this too personally because I’m new and already anxious after everything that happened at the gym?

Hi all! I attend heated vinyasa yoga classes 2-3 times a week for the past two years.

Recently, my studio’s heater broke. No biggie, I went to class actually interested to see how a non heated yoga class would operate. Usually the studios in my city that offer non heated yoga classes dont offer a full on vinyasa class. Its either Yin or Hatha, or slow soul flow class.

My teacher taught the unheated vinyasa pretty much the exact same way she teaches her regular vinyasa classes. I take her every monday and she teaches one of the more intense classes at my studio, so I’m familiar with her class and flow structure.

The next morning, I started having pretty intense pain in my rhomboid/scapular area on my right back/shoulder. Breathing deeply without pain became difficult, and I had to go to urgent care to get a muscle relaxer and toradol shot.

My question: is teaching a vinyasa flow in an unheated environment the same way as you would a usual heated class unsafe? I dont think my teacher would ever intentionally try to teach an unsafe class, but maybe she just didnt think about it. As i do research around what classes they offer in my city, it makes sense that none of the unheated classes are full on vinyasa flows

I am breathing from left nostril and it is very dry breath. Even if I do running or eat food same is the case. It's harming me and when rarely I have right breathing my body slightly open up and i feel better for those small moments

I started doing yoga in February 2025 - the motivation was anxiety and wanting a way to relax a bit, and then I discovered that it was also a very good workout. In January, I started to attend classes instead of just doing it at home, and this way I've started to connect more with the philosophy and treat it as an actual practice.

I now do a vinyasa class and also a 4beat class most weeks, plus some at-home stuff a few evenings a week. I aim to do yoga every single day, but admit I've missed ~10 days so far this year ;)

Today I decided it was time to get a proper yoga mat - a cork one instead of foam - and while at the shop, I decided to pick up some handmade incense. I'd never bought incense before, let alone used it. It's something I'd noted the instructors using at the end of practices in classes during shavasana - I liked the smell and it was inexpensive, so I bought some (natural, handmade, Indian) today.

This evening, I prepared for my practice. I lit the incense, I laid out my new cork mat, and I chose a very relaxing, soothing video.

I suddenly realized that my life-long love for candles is over. Incense is the way. It is cheaper, it is a lot more natural, there is virtually zero waste, and the smell is significantly more soothing. I instantly decided that next winter, I will burn the rest of my scented candles and then will be done. I've battled with the waste of candles for a long time - I love the light and the smell, but the packaging is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. Such a waste. Turns out, incense is the way.

Then, at the end of today's practice, for the first time ever, I did a proper and real meditation. I've tried so many times, but today was the first time I fully left my brain. I think the incense was an influence, but regardless I am so proud of myself. And I also feel amazing and think I am going to have an incredible sleep tonight.

I am so grateful for this practice and I just get deeper and deeper into it, and my love for it grows so much stronger.

Namaste <3

Update: I had an incredible sleep, and I almost lucid dreamt for the first time! I was aware I was dreaming, but didn't control what happened. Very surreal experience! But I am so well-rested today and in a great mood!!!

Hey everyone,

I completed my 200hr yoga teacher training a year ago and am in the process of doing the 500hrs. Although I’ve mainly practiced Ashtanga over the past 8 years, I’ve been gravitating more toward Hatha Flow. My training focused on Hatha and Vinyasa.

I originally did the teacher training mostly for myself, though I am interested in teaching eventually. I especially loved learning more about alignment and stability, and it has helped my own practice so much.

Now my teacher asked me to substitute her advanced class, and I’m feeling a bit hesitant. On one hand, it’s an advanced class, so people generally know what they’re doing. On the other hand, I’m struggling a bit with feeling like a fraud—even though I know everyone has to start somewhere.

How did you navigate those feelings when you first started teaching? ☺️

I just wonder if out there exist something like a Yoga Asanas guide with a ‘how to’ and benefits for every asanas. Would we very helpful for beginners and people who is understanding yoga universe.

I’ve gotten into vinayasa yoga pretty seriously in the last 5-6 months. I am a member of a great studio and I’ve learned a ton. Lately, the studio has been focused on arm balances and crow, side crow, flying pigeon, headstands, etc. I practice headstands and crow regularly. And I am getting somewhere! I’m able to hold crow for a few breaths and I can do a headstand against the wall/hold it without using the wall - only using wall as emotional support lol. But I can’t help but feel that I’m so much worse than others in my class.

How long did it take you to learn to do these arm balances? Also additional poses we are taught include lifting up your body/scrunching everything up and lifting with pelvic floor and abs and it feels nearly impossible to do! My lower body feels incredibly heavy to be so nimble and to be able to squeeze and lift it…

Is there a way to improve arm balances and strength? Perhaps I should focus on upper body weight lifting and strength training? My upper body has only become more toned and stronger since starting vinaysa. Normally I only focus on lower body. Is becoming stronger/weight training the ultimate trick with arm balances and “flying” in yoga?

(A few thoughts/questions i had during my 90 min hot yoga yesterday)

Does anybody else...

1. Have trouble putting their ego aside during practice? Why does my brain tell my body that i need to prove myself when no one is paying attention? Honestly i never even recognized how it felt to have an ego until i started yoga.

2. Notice that they are stronger/better balanced on one side than the other? My left side gives me so much trouble.

3. Feel like they can't lay completely flat on the floor during shavasana? No matter how I arrange my limbs/joints, I don't feel equally balanced while laying on my mat.

What kriyas or practices, what would you recommend, to establish powerful immunity to toxic people, to be established, inner focused, unaffected by external toxicity? 

I am looking to establish a lifetime practice of what works, the best kriyas for

• establishing powerful boundaries
• strengthen the aura
• build magnetism or a magnetic personality, personal power
• develop a strong "negative mind," the part of the psyche that senses danger, sees red flags, and allows one to make clean decisions for safety
• strong rooted grounded established unshakeable invulnerable to toxicity

I read of things like ajeet alai, triple chant, chia Kriya, arc line meditations in books.

Also, step by step demos or instructions please, I am a 'follow along the video yogi', not formally trained.

 (I have done, and continue to do an enormous amount of inner work, shadow work, trauma clearing, forgiveness, etc and am rebuilding my practices of prayer, meditation, yoga, nutrition etc. )

I noticed people's jealousy or toxicity seemed to reach me even from a distance even though I was in minding my own business.

Thanks 🙏