What is Yoga Shame?

Let’s start with Lucy’s story.

She’s going through a tough time in her life—work stress, personal challenges, and an overwhelming feeling of being stuck. Determined to turn things around, she decides to prioritise her health this year. She’s heard so much about how yoga can improve mental and physical well-being, so she decides to give it a try.

Excited and hopeful, she signs up for her first class at a local studio.

On the day of the class, Lucy walks into the room to find a group of people already setting up their mats. The atmosphere feels calm yet intimidating. Soft music plays in the background, and the instructor greets everyone warmly. Lucy feels positive as she rolls out her mat, ready to begin.

But as the class starts, things take a turn. The instructor flows through poses with instructions that seem clear to everyone—except Lucy. She struggles to keep up, fumbling through sequences that others execute effortlessly. Her confidence starts to crumble as she compares herself to the other students, who seem so graceful and skilled. She begins to feel out of place, self-conscious, and increasingly frustrated. To make matters worse, Lucy has an old knee injury that flares up during certain poses, but she hadn’t mentioned it to the teacher. The instructor doesn’t notice her discomfort and doesn’t offer modifications, leaving Lucy feeling isolated and ignored.

By the end of the session, instead of feeling relaxed or accomplished, Lucy feels defeated. As soon as the final relaxation pose ends, she bolts out of the room, avoiding eye contact with anyone. On her way home, Lucy can’t shake the sense of failure and embarrassment. What just happened?

Understanding Yoga Shame

Lucy’s experience is unfortunately common, and it highlights how yoga shame can arise. In her case, there were a few key factors at play:

1. Class Level Misalignment: Lucy unknowingly attended an intermediate class, which was beyond her current ability as a beginner. Had she asked about the level beforehand, or if the teacher had clarified it at the start, she might have avoided the struggle.

   
   

2. Comparison Trap: Comparing yourself to others is a natural instinct; it’s how we gauge our own abilities. But in yoga, this often leads to unnecessary self-doubt and shame. Lucy didn’t know that many of the students in her class were experienced practitioners, which made her feel even more out of place.

   
   

3. Lack of Communication: Lucy’s knee injury created additional challenges, but she hadn’t informed the teacher, and the instructor didn’t ask if anyone had physical limitations. This breakdown in communication left Lucy without the support she needed, exacerbating her discomfort and discouragement.

   
   

Experiences like this can create such a strong sense of shame and failure that students may never return to yoga, believing it isn’t for them. But this doesn’t have to be the case.

How to Avoid Yoga Shame

If you’ve ever felt like Lucy, know that yoga is for everyone—it just takes a little preparation and communication to find the right fit. Here are three simple steps to help you avoid similar situations:

1. Ask About the Class Level: Before attending, confirm whether the class is suitable for your experience level. Most studios offer beginner-friendly options, so start there if you’re new.

   
   

2. Inform the Teacher About Injuries: Always let your instructor know if you have any injuries or physical limitations. A good teacher will provide modifications to keep you safe and comfortable.

   
   

3. Research the Style of Yoga: Not all yoga is the same. From gentle restorative classes to dynamic vinyasa flows, different styles cater to different needs. Look into the class description or ask the studio staff to ensure the style aligns with your goals and abilities.

   
   

Finding Your Perfect Match

Yoga shame doesn’t mean yoga isn’t for you—it’s simply a result of misaligned expectations or communication. There’s a perfect class and teacher out there for everyone.

If your first experience didn’t go as planned, don’t give up. Keep exploring different styles, levels, and instructors until you find the right fit.

Remember, yoga isn’t about being the best in the room; it’s about connecting with yourself, at your own pace, in your own way. Your perfect match is out there, ready to transform your life.

Keep searching—you’ll find it.