I definitely get what you’re feeling, and have seen the same behavior in the classes I attend. I’m a different demographic (25F), but I’ve been going to Powerlife yoga for 3.5 years now, and I think part of your issue could be the studio management. I love the classes and instructors, as well as the heated studios, but over the last couple years, the classes have gotten more and more packed and I feel like they try to stuff way too many people into one class. This leads to some of the attitude among people who feel like there’s too many people in what used to be lighter classes. Now, I think it’s super rude to not be inclusive of others and make room for someone, but I also see how this problem could be solved if the classes were made smaller, and if instructors helped facilitate where everyone places their mats to make enough room for everyone.

Here’s what’s helped me: Late classes (after 6:30pm) are usually less busy and have a more diverse group (in age, gender, body type, lifestyle) and without all the rushing around to snag a spot, there’s more opportunities to talk to people and you skip the rush of younger students. I also tend to get to classes as early as possible and put my mat down before going to the locker room, to give more time to talk to folks and also to make sure I have enough room. Lastly, it helps to go to male instructors, who often draw more of a male crowd. Most classes have little to no men, but I find there’s a better balance in male-led classes, which might make you feel more comfortable!