I just have to wonder and therefore ask; what the hell is wrong with some people who take yoga at the gym? There is this air of rudeness, arrogance and self absorbedness from this particular group of exercisers that I just don't see (to the same level and degree) in the rest of the gym population. Not to say that other gym members aren't rude and inconsiderate at times, but the yoga folks take it to a whole, new, creepy and psychotic level.
Over the years, having taught in many gyms right before many a yoga class, I have seen the same rude, self entitled, "me and my yoga are more important than anyone else" attitude over and over and over again. "I am YOGA... get the hell out of my way!"
This is what I'm talking about....
Instructors at the gym generally know to end a class they're teaching at least 5 minutes before the next class is about to begin. This allows the previous class to properly put away all equipment, and for the next class to then after, enter the studio, set up and begin their class on time. Makes complete and total common sense, and when done right serves both purposes perfectly.
Well, yoga people don't feel that they have to wait for the class before them to put equipment away before barging into the studio and slamming their mats down. Regardless of who or what's going on in the room, they have to come in and claim their space RIGHT NOW. Forget the fact that they have roughly 5 minutes before their class even begins, IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN RIGHT NOW! You, who are there and trying to gather your things to leave had better just hop on out of the way!
I also need to say that the level of rudeness these yoga people are willing to take this action to is unbelievable. I have seen them push the previous exerciser's belongings out of the spot, plop the mat down on the person's feet as they're still standing there...I mean, really mean, childish, UNNECESSARY tactics that make you wonder about the sanity of the perpetrator.
I, always one to put a stop to such shennanigans, take a hard line on this. I insist that any class I teach be allowed to put all their stuff away before you come and claim your coveted, do or die yoga spot. I have even locked the door to keep them out and from committing this selfish, childish insistence on coming in even up to 7 minutes early just to sit down and do absolutely nothing until their class begins.
Picture this: 30 to 40 people trying to put away body bars, dumbbells, mats and towels, but while 30 to 40 more people enter the studio and yoga mats are being slapped down left and right. It becomes an obstacle course and a dangerous maze. Why can't you just wait? Waiting for the previous class to clear their equipment away actually makes it easier for you and your class to set up. Dummy!
The lack of consideration for anyone else in their path is mind bending. You think you're looking at the behavior of a 4 year old. And they will get as rude as is necessary to have their own way. I have seen this same phenomenon in gym after gym after gym.
Doesn't matter how early I end the previous class for everyone's convenience...if I end 10 minutes early, they're are trying to come in and put their mats down 10 minutes early....like there's a damn emergency or something. Why this complete suspension of intelligence or logic? You are going to get into the damn class when it's your turn. IT IS NOT all about YOU, we have 35 other people trying to put their stuff away...YOU CAN WAIT TWO MORE MINTUES, IT'S NOT GOING TO KILL YOU TO DO SO!
I have spoken to other instructors who teach before yoga and have heard the same from them. We are all bewildered and awestruck by the feral, childish, inconsiderate, selfish, and almost animalistic behavior demonstrated by some yoga folks. Not just one class or one location, people. I see this everywhere.
Isn't yoga supposed to balance you and calm you down to a certain degree? Aren't yoga people supposed to be trying to be harmonious with their surroundings? Aren't they supposed to be ridding themselves of negative behaviors and habits? WTF??
Well, from what I've seen, the yoga isn't working, honey. Not one bit. I've seen the same people come to take the same yoga class for years and still, they stand outside the studio door with the same mean look on their face and the same ridiculous attitude. I recommend psychotherapy.... yoga is not equipped to handle what's really eating you. Seriously.
I figure some of them must be coming from THIS place!
Mean yoga people. Selfish, inconsiderate yoga people. "The world revolves around me and my yoga RIGHT NOW yoga people". What the hell is their problem?
I do know that there are many normal, non dysfunctional, kind, considerate yoga practitioners out there. If you are one of them, then you know that this does not apply to you. But those others, oh my God. Somebody PLEASE teach them some good yoga manners!
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