We live in a modern world. Most of us live in urban environments where many of the yoga classes on offer are available in gyms. Yoga has become very popular and is available in even the most remote of gyms. So why are there people out there who say it isn’t yoga if your class is in a gym?
Many of the reasons there is opposition is in relation to the atmosphere: harsh lighting, tannoys, noisy rooms next door and continual problems with temperature control. This is what you expect in a gym environment. Yet I feel you can use these issues in a positive way. Taking a leaf out of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, look at everything from a different angle: Pratipaksha Bhavanum.
I teach in a gym, Traditional and Vinyasa Flow Yoga at Queens P.E.C. here in Belfast, and yes, I have all of these issues to deal with. However, I use them to teach my students to be accepting of where they are right now, even using the vibrations of the music from the room downstairs to help release tension in the body.
Yes, a gym is not the perfect place to practice yoga but who lives in a perfect world? So choosing a yoga class is more than simply is the style and teacher a good fit, the venue is important too. So, if you have an issue with noise when you practice, then choose somewhere other than a gym. If you do choose to practice in a gym, expect there to be some noise. And if you are able to feel and create peace in yourself in this type of environment, then you’ll be able to do it anywhere!
What’s your opinion?
Peace, love, joy, bliss,
Namaste,
Rain
om shanti
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