Why I Don’t Offer “All Levels” Yoga Classes (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

By Sharon Gordon, Sanctuary Yoga & Wellness

If you’ve been in the yoga world for a while, you’ve probably seen “All Levels” or “Everybody Welcome” in class descriptions. And truly, I do believe yoga is for every body. Every age, every background, every stage of life, every level of experience, and every nervous system state. But believing everyone is welcome is very different from pretending everyone’s needs can be met in a single class. That’s why Sanctuary doesn’t offer “All Levels” classes. Not because I’m exclusive. Not because I’m gatekeeping. But because I’m committed to creating spaces where people can actually feel safe, successful, and supported, not overwhelmed, discouraged, or at risk of getting hurt.

As both a yoga therapist and a licensed PTA trained in outpatient orthopedics, my job is not to impress people with complicated sequences. It’s to protect their bodies and help them feel at home in themselves again. And in my experience, and in the research, true healing requires clarity, pacing, and the right level of challenge. “All Levels” rarely provides that.

Why “All Levels” Often Misses the Mark

When I taught in studios where all-levels classes were the norm, I constantly found myself torn. A person recovering from surgery or managing chronic pain might walk in because their provider suggested yoga. Someone brand new to yoga might arrive, hopeful but unsure. And right behind them, an experienced practitioner would show up ready for a strong, breath-led flow. These three bodies, experiences, and movement histories cannot and should not be asked to do the same practice.

To pretend they can is not inclusive. It’s unsafe. And it can unintentionally make people feel like something is wrong with them when they inevitably struggle. I could modify until I ran out of oxygen, but someone always left overwhelmed, confused, or disappointed and someone else was pushed beyond their capacity. That never sat right with me. And now that I have my own studio, I simply won’t put people in that position.

Why Differentiated Levels Are More Inclusive, Not Less

Clear, intentional class tiers actually support inclusivity. They help people choose a class that aligns with their comfort and capacity, build confidence in a supportive way, feel successful rather than discouraged, and progress gradually without feeling rushed or left behind. This isn’t about hierarchy- it’s about nervous system regulation, motor learning, injury prevention, and psychological safety.

Research shows that people learn movement best when the challenge matches their abilities; overly intense demands can activate stress responses that reduce coordination and increase risk of strain; feeling unsafe or overwhelmed can shut down the brain regions needed for learning; and healing requires a regulated, supportive environment. In other words, a class that’s too challenging doesn’t make you stronger, it makes you tense and frustrated. A class that feels appropriate doesn’t “baby” you, it gives your body and nervous system room to build a strong, healthy foundation.

How Sanctuary Structures Classes Intentionally

This is why Sanctuary offers three clear class levels, each with a purpose. Gentle + Meditation (Level 1) offers a grounding, therapeutic space for those healing, recalibrating, or new to yoga. A place for foundations, mobility, and nervous system regulation. Slow Flow (Level 2) bridges the gap between gentle and more active yoga, offering mindful movement, standing work, and accessible strength building. Flow (Level 3) is a steady, breath-led practice for those wanting mindful heat and stamina without pressure or performance. Each level honors where someone is in their body and their life, and supports them without pushing them into a space that doesn’t feel safe.

Intentional ≠ Exclusive

I want to be clear and honest: Sanctuary is a welcoming space for anyone whose needs can be safely supported within the physical layout of the studio and the scope of the classes I offer. Because the studio is located upstairs, and because group classes have certain movement requirements, there are some mobility or medical situations that truly require more individualized support than a group setting can safely provide.

And I want to say this gently: it would be incredible if yoga were accessible to every single person, in every body, in every circumstance. I wish I could offer that right now. One day, as Sanctuary grows, I hope to expand in ways that allow more people with different needs to experience this kind of healing environment. But every studio has to begin somewhere.

For me, inclusivity means that within the group of people I can responsibly and safely serve, everyone is treated with respect, compassion, and care. It means no one is pushed beyond their capacity. It means people aren’t made to feel “behind,” “not enough,” or like they’re supposed to keep up with something that doesn’t honor their body.

Group yoga simply isn’t one-size-fits-all, and pretending otherwise can be discouraging or unsafe for those who actually need a different level of support. Offering clear class levels is one way I help ensure that each person who walks into Sanctuary and is able to participate safely can practice in a space that feels approachable, supportive, and appropriate for their nervous system, their history, and their goals.

My hope is that everyone who comes through the door feels seen, supported, capable, and empowered to move at their own pace. That is inclusivity. That is accessibility in practice. And that is trauma-informed care.

A Final Thought for Anyone Who’s Struggled in a Yoga Class

If you’ve ever walked into an all-levels class and felt lost, frustrated, or ashamed, please hear this: there is nothing wrong with you. You were simply in the wrong container. Your body isn’t the problem. The structure was. And at Sanctuary, the structure is intentional so you can feel successful, supported, and safe every time you walk through the door.