If you’re a yoga teacher and have been teaching for a while, it’s likely that you’ve used a range of cues, phrases and instructions in the past that you might think twice about using now. For example, I used to label poses easy, medium, and hard. I thought that made yoga poses accessible, but all it did was create competitiveness and hierarchy. I believe the best teachers are also lifelong students and we can only do better once we know better. 

Language matters

Words like ‘accessible’ and ‘inclusive’ have become much more widely used with regards to yoga in recent times. However, I feel that the way that yoga is sometimes taught and presented is, in fact, the opposite: ableist and inaccessible. Fortunately, more yoga teachers and practitioners are beginning to question such ableist and exclusive practices and have shifted toward methods that return to the roots and basics of this holistic practice – i.e. philosophy, pranayama, and meditation that go beyond the practice of asana. 

Alongside widening the scope of what we teach, I believe that by examining and adapting the way we teach and the language we use can have a huge impact on who has access to yoga. There are over 30,000 yoga studios in the USA alone. Yet the majority cater to a very specific profile of student; fit, able-bodied, middle-class, white women. As evidence mounts on the benefits of yoga for the body and mind, it is important to return to simple practices that are accessible and can support individuals regardless of their background, gender, social status, body shape, age and so on.

6 do’s and don’ts for accessible yoga classes

I spoke to some practitioners who shared their experiences of feeling ‘othered’ (i.e. excluded / being treated as if they are fundamentally different). Listed below are some of the cues and phrases that elicited this feeling, along with some suggestions of what you could say / do instead. 

I invite you to reflect on these and come up with some cues or phrases that you feel might support and empower your students more effectively.

1. “The full expression of the pose”

You may have heard this phrase used by yoga instructors to describe the ‘traditional’ (or most advanced) way to perform a posture. You may hear: “To explore the full expression of Gomukhasana, bind your hands behind your back.”

Using this kind of language suggests that there is an ‘end goal’ to what an asana should look like and contributes to the idea that there is hierarchy in yoga poses. Being able to bind your hands or not behind your back in Cow face pose, has nothing to do with your worth as a human being nor with your experience as a yogi. 

Consider building postures in layers instead, by establishing the basics or foundation of the posture and then teaching different variations of the poses so that your students can experience what works for their body. 

2. “If you are (more) flexible…”

Eulalia, a Senior Engineer from Barcelona, explains that one of the comments she dislikes the most is, “For those more experienced, flexible people in the room, slide your front leg forward into Hanumanasana …” (or some such other pose…) “Such a comment implies that those who have been practicing for longer will inherently be more flexible, which is untrue,” Eulalia adds.

Flexibility is something one can foster through the consistent practice of asana. But many other factors must be taken into account too – e.g. body shape, musculature, anatomy, etc. Being more flexible does not equate to being more advanced.

3. Not offering options

Christina, a 4-time Paralympic gold medalist who’s been practicing for several years, said that the thing that bothers her most is not what is said, but what is omitted:

“I feel frustrated when it’s assumed that everyone can make the same shapes with their bodies and there is no instruction on how to modify or adapt if you are unable to create a certain pose. Or when there is no alternative action or prop offered.”

Teaching a one-size-fits-all sequence and not offering different options or props is based on the assumption that everyone has the same capabilities instead of meeting each student where they are. When props are offered as an integral part of the practice, students regain confidence and self-government. They are then able to make better choices that support them in different stages of their practice and their life. 

Get creative and come up with different variations, with and without props, fostering an environment where students can honour their individual needs and experience the benefits of the practice.

Practice with Laia: Ground floor access

This grounding practice is ideal if you’re looking to remain on the ground! With the use of props to make this practice accessible to most, we will move through poses that will help you feel grounded, relaxed, and present. This class is perfect for those with reduced mobility that can benefit from remaining on the floor, starting with slow movement and followed by a few Yin-style poses.