As an avid participant in fitness classes, I’ve come to appreciate the power of effective communication within the industry. Along the way, I’ve noticed certain language trends that have found their way into the yoga world.

This is the first of a video series on Instagram where I shed light on the vocabulary, phrases, and expressions that are commonly used in fitness-related contexts and I’ll share insights on the fitness language you might want to reconsider using in your yoga classes and offer alternative suggestions.

Yoga has a rich tradition and distinct vocabulary that sets it apart from other fitness disciplines. By incorporating authentic yoga language, or language that is simply different than fitness, you can create an atmosphere that resonates with the ancient roots of the practice.

It’s important to note that this exploration is not meant to criticize fitness instructors; instead, it’s about being aware and embracing a distinctive set of phrases and expressions that attune to the essence of yoga and distinguish you as a yoga teacher vs. a fitness teacher.

This first video is about the use of the phrase, “I want you to…”

I hope this is helpful – Go visit the post to watch the video and get in on the conversation in the comment thread!

About the Author:

Amy Ippoliti is known for bringing yoga to modern-day life in a genuine way through her intelligent sequencing, clear instruction, and engaging sense of humor. She shares her passion for yoga, health, soil advocacy, marine conservation, and regenerative practices through her teachings and writings for Teach.yoga, Yoga Journal, Organic Life, Prevention, Mantra, Origin, Mind Body Green, and Elephant Journal. She’s appeared on the covers of Yoga Journal, Boulder Lifestyle, and Fit Yoga Magazine and has been featured in Self Magazine, New York Magazine, Allure (Korea), and Newsweek. As lead educator for Vesselify.com, she’s a pioneer of advanced yoga education, co-founding Vesselify (formerly 90 Monkeys), an online school that has enhanced the skills of yoga teachers and studios in 65+ countries. She is a Kiss the Ground Soil Advocate, an ambassador for The Rodale Institute, and co-author of The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga. Find her classes on Yoga International and Teach.yoga. Learn more at amyippoliti.com