Sometimes, self-care means leaving spaces that feel off so you can protect yourself and your energy. That’s exactly what TikToker Alajasia (@alajasia) did when an aerial yoga class turned uncomfortable due to hostile treatment from the instructor.
Her experience is a reminder that you are allowed to leave places that make you feel tense or unsafe.
She recently walked out of an aerial yoga class, wondering if fitness is reserved for a certain type of person. This was her fifth time in the class, so she knew that they weren’t supposed to wear jewelry.
She asked if she could wear her fitness ring since it wasn’t dangling, but the instructor said no, which was totally understandable.
Then, as Alajasia was about to set up her yoga mat, the instructor rudely told her that she could leave her jacket and water bottle in her locker.
No one had ever told her that water wasn’t allowed.
At this point, she was starting to feel unwelcome, so she headed back to her locker and started to pack up her stuff. As she was packing up, the instructor asked what her name was.
After Alajasia told her, the instructor referred to her as “Angela” and said that it was okay to bring her water bottle this time.
There were only six people in the class, and not one Angela was in attendance. It was not the first time this instructor had made her feel uncomfortable, but it was definitely the last time.
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Many TikTok users took to the comments section to show Alajasia that they were on her side. They all agreed that the instructor was in the wrong.
“Having been there five times already, and she didn’t know who you were, speaks volumes. Especially with how small the classes seem to be,” pointed out one user.
“Fitness instructor here. I have never entered a class that does not let you have water bottles. That’s a huge red flag. I would either leave them a review or call the manager; that’s extremely unsafe,” stated another.
“If anything, I think it was a power trip. She was eventually going to let you keep the water bottle; she just wanted to assert her authority over you,” commented a third.
By Emily Chan
Emily Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in... More about Emily Chan
