I just wanna do yoga
Today I went to my first yoga class in over five years. I was looking forward to it because I’d always felt great after a yoga class. There used to be a yoga studio one block from my apartment and I would go two to three times a week for an hour and a half-long class.
About five months after going to these regular yoga classes, my step-father passed away. I flew home to Ontario to help my sisters make funeral arrangements and take care of his farm.
Taking care of the farm meant shoveling manure and lots of it — cow manure. Shoveling cow manure is like shoveling wet cement. I spent an afternoon cleaning stalls, shoveling for hours. As I shoveled, I dreaded the muscle aches I would have the next day.
The next day? Nothing. Not one sore muscle. Not even one! I couldn’t believe it. All because of the yoga classes — what else could it have been?
That yoga class had been one of the best I’d ever been to — I enjoyed the instructors and the gentle style of yoga. It felt right and I had no interest in looking for another class when they closed the centre. I continued doing yoga on my own at home for about a year, until it gradually dwindled off to nothing. Sigh.
And so, that brings us to today. That same yoga organization had opened at a different location and I was looking forward to the familiar poses and guidance from the class leader. I picked the General Class because it had been a while for me. Surprisingly, I was still pretty flexible and remembered most of the poses.
I don’t want to be a Yogi
I wasn’t prepared for the business pitch after class. The class leader called my name as I was gathering up my things to change into my street clothes. I didn’t have a chance to get past the door.
He referred to himself as a Yogi, having lived in India and given his life for this practice. I appreciate that… however, he was trying to “convert” me.
He encouraged me to sign up for their new Course Series that would include lectures and study of their philosophy, telling me that they don’t promote the General Classes as much. He stressed that by going to the General Classes I wouldn’t advance in the practice and would be held back by newcomers just learning the postures.
These Course Classes are only held once a week, after work hours. Yet I can choose from five General Classes throughout the week at various times of day. That fit my needs perfectly — to pick and choose from the General Classes that accommodate my irregular work schedule — to not make a commitment to one particular class. I was there purely for the pleasure of doing yoga and to connect with other people — nothing else. I don’t want to become a Yogi.
I listened to his spiel, standing there in my bare feet, holding my shoes and socks, with one hand on the doorknob. I can appreciate when someone is dedicated to a spiritual practice in their life, but as spiritual as this man claimed to be… I didn’t feel it. There was a lack of warmth and openness — and, inflexibility. He was living in a box, labeled as a Yogi and trying to sell that same package to me.
I couldn’t tell if he was blinded by his own philosophy or business practices; probably both. This reminded me how important it is to know your customer so that you don’t make assumptions about what their needs are.
I’m unsure if I will return to this yoga class, but I am certain that I will spend some time shopping around for the class that is right for me.
Photo Credit: Scootzsx
patricia
Hilary
Tony Single
Linda
Barbara Swafford
Deb Dorchak
Chris Edgar
{ 22 comments }
LOL Davina – I’ve done my fair share of shoveling and brushing cow shit in the past – it’s bloody hard work.
I hate when folk come across pushy like that – especially when they don’t seem genuine. As you say – it puts you off carrying on using the service you were originally using.
Like you say – you’d think he’d try to get to know a bit more about his customers needs and wants before trying to persuade them into something that big.
.-= Cath Lawson´s last blog ..Thinking Of Immigrating? 8 Things You Should Know =-.
Hi Cath.
Hard work AND smelly work! It’ll make a man out of a lady :-) I was surprised and disappointed by the sales pitch. Thought it was a bit too much for my first visit; though I suppose he wanted to make sure I wasn’t the one that got away. I might have felt and responded differently if I’d been to a few more classes…
Sounds like he was more focused on HIS needs — to get people to sign up for his course.
.-= Dot´s last blog ..Comment on The World of Dotitude by Cath Lawson =-.
Sometimes these sales folks think, “Why sell, when I can convert?” Glad you didn’t put up with the BS, and I hope you find a yoga home.
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Karate yells: Bogus or big help in self defense? =-.
I agree that you should find a yoga class that feels right for you.
I hate it when people are pushy.
.-= vered | blogger for hire´s last blog ..Genetic Testing for Children: Would You Do It? =-.
Hi Dot.
I think you’re right. He didn’t SEE me even AFTER I’d already told him I was more interested in coming to the odd class during the week and not committing to anything.
Hi Lori.
He had a blank look on his face… almost as if he was brainwashed. Perhaps if he was thinking for himself, he might have tuned in better to a potential customer. He’s closed off in some way. I still appreciate his commitment to his practice, but there was something “off”.
Hi Vered.
Oooh boy… me too!
.-= Davina´s last blog ..A Yogi Twists A Business Pitch =-.
Oh dear that poor man is coming from fear. Seeing it’s his studio maybe he could set up a video camera and watch himself turn others off. God bless him!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Thank You for Being My Friend =-.
Hi Davina,
I’m with you. It’s time to move on and find a different yoga class where you can relax after the moves and not be confronted with a sales pitch.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..What Does Your Blog Say About You =-.
It’s been a few years since I’ve done yoga…I’m aiming to do tai chi instead. It seems that this phenomenon of sales pitches is not even sacred in a place you go to find peace of mind and body to get away from pressures!
It is good for all of us to have our passions but we should not impose them…let each person decide for themselves – a tall order. I have discovered three areas were this seems rampant – marketing (including internet marketing), anything spiritual and the health industry.
It seems once someone has discovered their path that everyone should take it! Especially if it helps them.
Okay, sorry enough ranting…but I’m so glad you are taking the actions you said you were going to Davina. Good for you. I’m in active mode for activities that get me away from the computer too. Keep going. Keep going.
.-= simply stephen´s last blog ..simplicity is productivity =-.
Oh Davina I can hear you….not only did I clean chicken coops and shovel…I have had the hardest time doing yoga…
I loved the pregnancy yoga classes I took with the skilled instructor and I can say delivery was much better with the good instructions – there ends my good feelings with yoga classes.
I have an inflexible knee and a twisted hip socket….Yoga keeps me so much more flexible and that combined with chiropractic adjustments have been so helpful…but after 3 to 5 classes I always get called up and it is suggested that yoga is not for me and I should try stretching or something else…and last year the instructor twisted my shoulders the ligament that holds the stomach, pancreas, and diaphragm was torn….no apology after 5 months of sitting in a chair to sleep…they just suggested I no longer take the classes….so I do a DVD yoga class – Wii Fit – now…it is isolating
Hi Tess.
He’s actually one of the instructors. The studio is run by someone else. But still, I see where he is operating out of fear… probably serving the studio owner’s wishes.
Hi Barbara.
There are at least 3 yoga studios closer to my apt that I’m going to investigate. Usually the first class is free, so I’ll be able to try before I buy :-)
Hi Stephen.
Rant away — I love a good rant :-) “It seems that this phenomenon of sales pitches is not even sacred in a place you go to find peace of mind and body to get away from pressures!” Exactly!!! Marketing & sales IS rampant in the health industry… “avoid death at all costs”.
I used to do tai chi as well. Loved it and would consider doing it again. I would highly recommend it to you.
Hi Patricia.
I wonder how you would be with Tai Chi? It is much more gentler than yoga — stimulating for the muscles in a less strenuous way. It is very relaxing too. Doing exercise at home tends to be isolating, tho I prefer to practice in privacy. However, once in a while it’s good to get out and connect with a group doing the same activity.
Hi Davina,
I have always hated the hard sell and even hard marketing when it isn’t direct. But even then, sometimes I have been taken (agreed to something I shouldn’t have). Usually that happens when I have a connection to someone and feel like I should help. I’m being much more discriminating now but there was a period where the printers and copiers in my home office were at a level that belonged in a corporate office not a sole proprietor. The sales rep was in an organization with me and he was a good guy… but he was out to make a living. The amount I paid to the office supply place was could have translated to a complete remodel of my house.
I just hated those sale pitches. I think they should really learn how to observe other’s reaction and know when to stop.
.-= BK´s last blog ..Theme Song of Departures (Okuribito) =-.
Hi Julie.
I know you! :-) A Twitter buddy… thanks for stopping by. I think these salespeople can smell a possible sale a mile away. It sounds like this guy knew how to manipulate you and took advantage of your good nature by selling you more than you needed. You’re onto him now though; that’s a good thing.
Hi BK.
Welcome. I agree completely. He had more to gain by stepping back instead of pushing a sales pitch.
I love yoga (especially hot yoga), but I hate sales pitches as much as everyone else, so that would really turn me off. I think you really have to be comfortable with your studio, your practice and your teacher in order to make the most out of it.
.-= Carol´s last blog ..Stress Eating, Money and Weight =-.
Hi Davina – I’m here from Barbara Swafford’s blog – your blog title caught me eye. As a yoga instructor and practitioner I’m horrified by your sales pitch story! I am happy to hear you have not given up on yoga for good and will search for another class.
Sometimes I think the real truth, value and philosophy behind yoga has disappeared, it’s become extremely commercial. Over the weekend I read a story about yoga becoming a competitive sport.
Patricia – I hope you won’t give up on yoga entirely since you found it beneficial. (though trying new things is great, too!). Not all yoga is strenuous and yoga is an amazing healing tool physically and emotionally, with the appropriate guidance and instruction, for all bodies.
I see this a lot. Not necessarily the sales pitch but pitch to join yoga “my way or the highway”. We all come to yoga and benefit from it in different ways, that’s the beauty of the practice.
.-= Stacey Shipman´s last blog ..Exercise and Yoga: You’re Never Too Old to Start =-.
Hi Davina,
It does sound as if the Yogi wasn’t in tune with your feelings at all. Standing there bare footed with one hand on the door knob was definitely an obvious clue that you weren’t interested! :-)
There’s a good lesson in that experience. One should be observant of others to see if they are truly interested in (or need) what we are saying.
Thanks Davina!
.-= Keith´s last blog ..Choose Your Path! =-.
He sure doesn’t sound sincere enough. As Tess has said, he is likely to be operating out of fear and insecurity. It is with the hard-sell!
Absolutely agree that you should find a yoga teacher who resonates well with you. Yoga is a mind-body-spirit practice. It is not simply some other regular exercise program!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Timeless Unfolding of Truths =-.
Hi Carol.
Welcome. I think what turns people off these sales pitches is the fact that we all just want to be “seen” and the unsuccessful sales pitches are the ones that are all about the salesperson and his/her perspective. This was blind pitch… and… he missed.
Hi Stacey.
Thanks for following me from Barbara’s blog — welcome. :-)
You’re right about that. Yoga has become quite commercial. I suppose it’s because there are so many yoga studios out there competing against each other. Unfortunately it ends up being more about the yoga studio staying in business than keeping the customer happy.
Hi Keith.
I must have looked too vulnerable standing there all bare-footed. :-) An easy mark… If I hadn’t been in a hurry to “escape” it would have been interesting for me to turn the tables and start quizzing him about the General Classes… for instance, “WHY” is it still on the program?
.-= Davina´s last blog ..A Yogi Twists A Business Pitch =-.
Hi Evelyn.
You’ve got me to thinking that not many people enjoy sales and marketing (I sure don’t). With him being a Yogi (not that I’m sterotyping), but could be that this is not one of his strong suits and he was overcompensating for that — trying too hard.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..A Yogi Twists A Business Pitch =-.
Good for you on recognizing what’s important to you. If that’s the only thing holding you from going back you could always enjoy the General class, then give him a big grin on the way out each time you leave. You keep your power!
.-= Jannie Dumster´s last blog ..Soul Impressions Of Dr. Liara M. Covert’s “Self Disclosure — Changes From Within” =-.
Hi Jannie.
You bet! :-D
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