1 /5 Denise Brims: The instructor (Yvonne O’Gara) did not always provide clear or supportive leading cues and at times rushed us, which may have contributed to one woman losing balance and falling. Rather than offering her an alternative asana or checking in, the teacher only said, “Don’t apologise, that’s ok, do what feels right for you.”
There were also inconsistencies in the instruction. For example, she cued us into Warrior II but referred to it as Warrior I, and the sequence overall felt improvised.
During Prasarita Padottanasana (wide-legged forward fold), I placed the crown of my head on the mat, something I enjoy and have practised for many years. Instead of encouragement or a neutral acknowledgment, the teacher referred to it as “the ego pose” while looking directly at me, which felt belittling rather than supportive.
For context, I am an award-winning yoga teacher who has taught thousands of students internationally over the past eight years, and I would never dream of yoga-shaming a student in that way. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling criticised rather than nurtured, and I will not be booking this class again. I am also hesitant to return to triyoga in the near future and will most likely share my experience with my wider circle of friends at Third Space, school, running club and other places.