I injured myself doing Bar Method - should I quit?

[Lannette]

Originally Posted by Dabbadooey

In the yoga classes I teach, I announce before class that I do make adjustments. I then say if anyone prefers not to be adjusted to let me know when I approach.

This is exactly what I’ve done when I used to teach groups. That said my Egoscue training showed me that verbal redirects are so much more effective in the long run that even one one one I rarely need to do hands on with a client.

[severin817]

I've never taught barre but I have been teaching various group fitness classes for 20+ years. Every certification I've taken emphasizes asking permission before touching a participant. And acknowledging that not all participants can do all moves safely sometimes without modifications.

Everyone's in a different place physically and no instructor should expect everyone's bodies to be able to move with the same range of motion or intensity.

As a former group fitness manager I would want to hear from members that felt uncomfortable in a class, especially if they're considering not coming back because of it. And as an instructor, she needs obviously needs to learn to respect the differences in people.

Laura

[Joni O]

My concern isn’t that she was touched, but that the instructor basically forced her to assume a position that she didn’t want to be in - a position that injured her. I guess “touching” didn’t even occur to me.

[sillygirl]

It’s been a couple years since I’ve taken barre classes in studio but I do remember having an instructor put her foot behind mine to have me go up higher on my relevé. Now, I’m thinking it was at a Bar Method. It didn’t bother me but also didn’t injure me. Adjustments and corrections are great (that is what’s great about a live class) but a little heads-up before doing so is just common courtesy.

Yes, mention it to the manager as well as the instructor. A good instructor will take it well and learn from it!

[rhbrand]

Originally Posted by Joni O

I think you should talk to the instructor, tell her you need to modify - and to stay away from you. I think the manager should also know about this harmful instructor. Even though you probably signed a waiver, the club is still responsible for your safety. You didn’t injure yourself she injured you.

This times 1000

[Lannette]

Originally Posted by Joni O

My concern isn’t that she was touched, but that the instructor basically forced her to assume a position that she didn’t want to be in - a position that injured her. I guess “touching” didn’t even occur to me.

I use the term touching when maybe hands on or in this case “foot on” correction is more accurate? Any hands on adjustment has the potential to hurt the recipient especially if they don’t know it’s coming.

[CharM]

Originally Posted by bubbles76

Also, if you don't report it or talk to the instructor, she may think her behavior is okay and may wind up injuring someone else.

For all we know, bfit isn't the first. I really hope you say something, bfit, it was not ok for her to do that without asking you.

[bfit]

I've written to the manager describing what happened. I'll let everyone know what her response is. I haven't been going to the studio this week, but my toe is much better so I'm hopeful this isn't too serious of an injury.

[fanofladyvols]

Originally Posted by bfit

I've written to the manager describing what happened. I'll let everyone know what her response is. I haven't been going to the studio this week, but my toe is much better so I'm hopeful this isn't too serious of an injury.

Good for you...please keep us posted.

Glad your toe is feeling better 👍

[Lannette]

I’m also glad that you’re feeling better! That’s what’s truly most important.