How to create truly inclusive Yoga and Pilates spaces – Part 1: The power of language

21st October 2024

In recent years, the conversation around inclusivity in Yoga and Pilates has gained significant momentum, and with good reason. During a Yoga class I attended recently, the teacher, who was friendly and knowledgeable, performed the full version of a pose from the front of the class. I noticed a gentleman in the class clearly struggling, he looked bewildered and lost, and I wondered how he felt. Feeling intimidated or uncomfortable is a top reason people don’t return to classes.

Creating an inclusive environment goes beyond offering assists or modifications, though these are crucial, especially the way you offer them (see our blog on enhanced cuing skills for examples). It’s about fostering a sense of belonging for every student, regardless of background, body type, ability, or experience. For us teachers, there’s so much to consider and juggle, but small adjustments can make a big difference.

As my teaching journey evolves, I’ve become increasingly mindful of how language and delivery can create a more inclusive environment—principles we seamlessly integrate into all our teacher trainings, CPD courses, and workshops.

Understanding inclusivity through language

At its core, inclusivity is about creating a space where everyone, regardless of their background, ability, body type, or experience level, feels safe, respected, and valued. In yoga and Pilates, language plays a critical role in how we communicate with our students and meet their diverse needs. By making thoughtful language choices, we can foster a sense of community that uplifts all voices.

So, how can we do this?

Inclusive language tips for Yoga and Pilates teachers:

  1. Use gender-neutral language: Terms like ‘folks,’ ‘everyone,’ or ‘people’ are more inclusive than ‘guys,’ ‘ladies,’ or ‘girls.’ For example, a colleague of mine was once approached by a student who politely asked them to avoid addressing the class as ‘ladies’.

  2. Avoid technical jargon: Newcomers may feel alienated by complex terms. If you use anatomical terms, offer a layman’s explanation. If you use Sanskrit, provide the English translation—unless you know your setting well and are sure it’s not necessary.

  3. Offer accessible alternatives to chanting: When sharing a mantra, explain its meaning so students can make an informed choice about whether they wish to participate. If you’re unsure how chanting will be received (some students may feel intimidated using their voice), start with something more accessible, like humming instead of ‘Om,’ or chanting vowels while explaining the benefits of vibration and sound.

  4. Promote inclusivity with your phrasing: Use terms that foster belonging, such as “everyone” or “all bodies.” If referring to age, include yourself in the conversation by saying, “As we age” instead of “As you age.”

  5. Avoid terms that discourage: Words like “advanced” or “flexible” may alienate some students. Instead, encourage personal exploration with phrases like “Find what feels good for you” or “Listen to your body” whihc promote a more inclusice atmosphere.

  6. Support self-awareness: Use cues that encourage self-awareness, such as “Notice how your body feels” or “Pause and breathe anywhere that feels good for you.”

  7. Cater to different learning styles: Include a mix of visual demonstrations, clear verbal instructions, physical cues, and imagery-based prompts to accommodate a variety of learning preferences.

Creating a Welcoming Space Through Words:

The words we use can significantly influence how students feel in a class. By making small changes to the language we use daily, we can help students feel more welcome, accepted, and empowered to practice in a way that suits them. By focusing on language, we can begin to build a more inclusive atmosphere that makes students feel valued and confident in their abilities.

However, this is just the beginning. In our next blog, we’ll explore how physical accessibility and representation are equally important aspects of inclusivity, offering practical tips to ensure all students feel comfortable and supported in your class environment.

Join us to delve deeper:

As you reflect on the importance of language in fostering inclusive spaces, consider joining us for one of our upcoming teacher trainings, CPD courses, workshops or retreats, where we dive deeper into these themes and provide practical tools to enhance your teaching and/or practice. We weave inclusivity into every aspect of our offerings.

We also do our best to make our courses and events more accessible by offering teacher training grants (by application) to those on a low-income, and monthly payment plan options for our courses and retreats. We also offer early-bird discount savings.

Find out more via the links below (all CPD courses, workshops and of course retreats are open to non-teachers who are interested in attending for self-development).

Article by: Clare Francis

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