Yoga Instructor Fired Over Water Ban Dispute

A hot yoga instructor in New York City has been terminated from her position after a student publicly accused her of shaming her for attempting to hydrate during class. Roma Abdesselam, a 29-year-old social media influencer, documented the incident online, sparking a debate about acceptable practices within hot yoga instruction.

Abdesselam claims that during a class at Bode studio, she was verbally reprimanded by the instructor, identified as Irena, when she reached for her water bottle. According to Abdesselam’s account, Irena publicly criticized her, stating that water breaks would be permitted only at the instructor’s discretion. “Is this normal?” Abdesselam asked in a video posted to social media, detailing the encounter.

Jen Lobo Plamondon, founder of Bode NYC, confirmed that Irena is no longer employed by the studio, stating that her behavior did not meet the studio’s standards. Plamondon’s response suggests a zero-tolerance policy for public shaming of students.

Irena, in a statement to the New York Times, disputed Abdesselam’s characterization of the event, claiming she merely “asked” the student to refrain from drinking water until a designated time during the class. She framed her instruction as a polite request, not a command, and suggested a generational disconnect, stating that “young people are having a very hard time to be told what to do.”

The incident highlights a long-held practice within some hot yoga circles, particularly Bikram yoga, where instructors traditionally discourage hydration for the first half of the class. Proponents of this method believe that early hydration can disrupt the body’s internal heat, potentially hindering flexibility and causing discomfort. However, this practice is increasingly being questioned by health and fitness professionals, who emphasize the importance of staying hydrated, especially during strenuous activity in a heated environment.

While the intention behind delaying hydration may stem from a desire to maximize the benefits of hot yoga, the manner in which it was communicated – and the alleged public shaming – appears to be the core issue. A respectful and informative approach to guiding students, rather than a controlling or demeaning one, is crucial. The incident serves as a reminder that prioritizing student well-being and fostering a positive learning environment should always be paramount, even within the context of a traditionally rigorous practice.