Boundaries in a Yoga Class

Guest Blog Post by Alexa

Hey, I am Alexa and I teach Hatha Yoga and Yin Yoga in Bamberg. I want to share this article with you to create awareness of a topic that is very sensitive and needs our attention – boundaries!
I am sure that all of you have had moments of irritation in a Yoga class. But there was one moment in class, that really irritated me. The Yoga teacher assistant of my Ashtanga Yoga Led class, who I saw for the first time in my life, touched my breast during an assist.
This was clearly overstepping of my boundaries. I had a hard time dealing with this irritation the following minutes in the class. Eventually, I decided that I would speak up and say something at the end of the class.
But what?
It took me a long time to find appropriate words and it ended up being something like: „uhm, hey, in this first assist, you touched my breast. I guess it was not on purpose, but it made me feel uncomfortable. I really liked how warm your hands were in the first assist you gave me, though.“
Not that hard, right?
Well, for me it was. And I am a Yoga teacher myself. I know what is appropriate and what isn’t. This definitely wasn’t. An assistant always needs to be good or at least okay for the student. If a mistake happens, immediate communication is necessary.
Dear Yoga teachers, please be aware that in Yoga classes, trust and a safe space are the most important factors! Especially when you don’t know a student, always check if assists are okay and double-check what kind of assists.
And Yoga students – be courageous and talk to your Yoga teacher if you felt uncomfortable – in most cases the Yoga teacher will be thankful for your feedback and eager to improve the class and teaching quality.
It is okay to set boundaries and communicate them.

Who is Alexa

Julia from Warrior Princess Yoga met Alexa in Frankfurt. Alexa had an important role in introducing Yoga to her.

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Reviews of students

Georgiana November 1st, 2022

Google
I met Julia at a retreat and she is an amazing teacher and a really lovely human. I loved how she didn't rush through the process and we really went back to basics, while at the same time learning a wide variety of things about yoga, from how to do a certain asana to yogic wisdom. It was obvious that Julia knows a lot and she is also really good at sharing it with others. She redefined in my mind what a good yoga teacher is.

Eve January 22nd, 2020

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Julia is one of the most precious yoga teacher I’ve ever had! I would recommend all her practices with a special mention for her yoga nidra. I got so relaxed and so deeply calmed down by her voice during each session, she helped me letting it go towards either a tight sleep or for restful nap. Very powerful experience and human being. thank you Warrior Princess!

Agnieszka January 21st, 2020

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I have had the most relaxing beautiful experience in the yoga Nidra class. Thank you so much 🙏. You are so knowledgeable and your voice so soothing

Sarah February 14th, 2020

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Julia ably and effortlessly led a vinyasa class with clear instruction and really helpful assists. She spoke about philosophy just the right amount, there was still plenty of space and quiet to really get into the practice. Thank you Julia!! I loved it

Majbritt May 3rd, 2020

Trustpilot
The best yoga in Copenhagen. They are very skilled at Hatha yoga, Yin, and yoga nidra. Julia has a good personality, an she is one of my favorite instructor.

Kim April 1st, 2020

Google
Julia is an amazing teacher. I have had three classes with her so far and she already improved my asanas a lot. I appreciate her hands on experience and eye for detail. Thank you Julia. Big hug! (by the way: her guided meditations are the best!)