Women-Only Yoga classes? When this makes sense

Yoga for women only: when is this right?

The strength of the Yoga community is its ability to be open and inclusive, promote open mindedness, self-transformation and general understanding. So how, then, could Yoga classes exclusive to one group be justified? In particular, we’re talking Yoga classes just for women.

The discussion almost seems like overkill, since most Yoga classes have a female-to-male ratio of at least four to one. But maybe that’s because Yoga simply appeals naturally to women and its nature has to be learned by most men, just as female fans of American football may need a little exposure to before they become interested in it.

Yoga classes have become of place where women transform their lives, learn to love themselves as they are and empower themselves for the long term. This fact is quite crucial to societal transformation when we consider how many women have been abused and need a safe place to start rebuilding their lives. 

That's why Sumora, a 20-year veteran Kundalini Yoga teacher says some Yoga classes should be offered exclusively for women. 

Yoga Instructor Sumora of Massachusetts

"I think it's great that there are men who wish to practice yoga.  I wish I knew more than the one I know.  :-)   I know that there are those that disagree, but I believe there should be yoga centers that are women-exclusive.  Many women are survivors of abuse.  They have no desire to exercise or practice yoga in the presence of men.  These needs must be addressed and women-only studios is the way to go."

-Susan Sumora Morgaine Stanley, professional Kundalini Yoga Instructor

Sumora is an active feminist as well. Click to read all of Sumora's recent interview that included her above statement.

Colorado Yoga instructor Vincent Gerbino

As a male Yoga teacher, I agree with Sumora that women-only classes have their place. Who knows, maybe someday, there will be enough male interest in Yoga to have men's Yoga classes may also be discussed. 

Controversy has always surrounded gender-exclusive fitness programs. Technically, gender discrimination is never permitted. Private studios may request that gender boundaries by voluntarily respected, but this may be the extent of what is permitted. The fitness industry has always faced this challenge.