A Chain Studio Evaluation Shook My Confidence as a Yoga Teacher—But Only for a Moment

I’ve been teaching yoga for more than eight years, and practicing for many more. I teach strong, fast-paced formats as well as restorative ones. My classes are consistently full, and I know my students leave feeling stronger, challenged, and centered. But after a recent yoga teaching evaluation at a chain yoga studio, I walked out feeling the opposite: not strong, not capable, not enough.

The feedback? I was “too sweet.” My energy wasn’t “high enough.” They suggested my voice was better suited for gentler classes.

And here’s the thing: I do teach those formats. I love holding space for restorative practices. But I also love to move. I love to feel strong. Being told otherwise made me question myself.

During the evaluation, I stumbled on my words under the gaze of a lead teacher, who held a stopwatch and kept her eyes fixed on me the entire time. I knew it wasn’t my best class. But still, the words cut deep.

For me, this experience immediately activated my imposter syndrome. Even as an experienced teacher, I left that yoga teaching evaluation questioning myself. And I know I’m not alone. I’ve spoked to many teachers  who admit to feeling the same: pressured to perform, measured by numbers, and asked to fit into a mold that leaves little space for individuality or authenticity.

The irony is that I know I’m a strong teacher physically, mentally, and energetically. I’ve watched students leave class stronger, sweatier, and more grounded.

So yes, that experience shook my confidence. But only for a moment. Because the truth is, yoga doesn’t need more drill sergeants. It needs teachers who bring humanity, connection and presence into the room.