From the article: Plus-Size Yoga
Plus sized yogis face unique challenges when starting a yoga practice. Share your tips on how you can do yoga even if you are overweight. You can recommend a yoga style, teacher, DVD or book, whatever had helped you the most. Share Your Tips
Starting Alone
- The hardest thing is starting alone. In your apartment or in a class the first and second time. But the times, they are a-changing. I'm teaching a workshop specifically for Buddah Body Yoga, yoga for large people, at Omega Institute. There are very few of us doing this, one day there will be many.
- —Guest Michael
Curvy Yoga
- Find a teacher who you feel comfortable with and who can provide modifications that work for a curvier body. One of my favorites is Anna Guest-Jelley. She has coined a type of yoga called Curvy Yoga and she teaches in Nashville, TN. However, if you can't make it to see her in person, she writes a blog with tons of helpful tips, and she has recently filmed two online yoga classes, as well as some short, free, instructional videos on YogaVibes.com.
- —merejohnston
Great class in West Central Missouri
- The first class I went to I felt judged and out of place; I was even told I did not "fit"... then I found Flexercise offered at my physicians office... we had a take home program the first class; I was impressed at the difference I felt in my body in just the first week. My flexibility, core strength and balance have all improved steadily. The instructor provides individual attention and modifies poses to make sure each participant is comfortable and able to perform the poses safely. All sizes and ages are welcome; I feel at ease having an instructor who meets us where we are and builds from there based on individual needs. The price is very affordable and the class is small. One on one is also available, if you need to build up confidence before joining a group. There is a genuine concern for each participant and the weekly class is great support. I almost forget I am "plus size" and I should mention I have lost 13 pounds in 3 months since starting the class :)
- —Guest T
Just Do It
- I didn't sign up for a beginner's class and one day walked into a fast-paced vinyasa flow class. It was hard, but I was hooked. I really don't care about always being the heaviest person in yoga classes, because at least I'm there and I'm pushing myself. Your mat is your safe zone. Nobody is looking at you. Four months later, and still going. I love yoga, I'm strong, I sweat out my stress and I'm happier than I've been in a while.
- —Guest Xma
Plus Size Yoga in Chicago
- Check out Caitlin Custer's Plus Size Yoga Classes in Geneva, Illinois, just outside Chicago at Prana Yoga Center. Offered twice a week and she is certified in yoga therapy as well. Great gentle yoga class that gives all the benefits of a more strenuous class. All sizes welcome!
- —bauhausblack
Plus Size Yoga in NYC
- I've been in a plus size yoga class for a little over a year now in NYC with Michael Hayes, of Buddha Body Yoga. The changes in my body have been amazing. I have increased flexibility and feel more "in" my body. Michael gives individualized attention and modifies poses as needed to make sure each student is comfortable and able to benefit from the pose. The class is only for big people, so I feel comfortable in a class with others who look pretty much like me. Working with a teacher who will focus on your needs and make modifications with blocks, bolsters, and blankets is key. Also, don't worry about being perfect - do what you can and before you know it you will feel the results. Don't worry about your belly or your chest - sometimes you just have to move them out of the way or pose differently. You aren't alone - everyone is dealing with the way her (or his) body is shaped. Don't be shy - go for it. If you are in NYC please come to Buddha Body Yoga. I'd love to meet you!
- —Guest Alexandra
Yoga is great
- I went to my first yoga class one month ago. I made up my mind if I felt judged or uncomfortable about being there I would not return. Well, I felt totally welcome. I am in the "gentle" class which is not an easy class. There are many other overweight women (and sometimes men) there, so I am not alone. Being overweight makes some of the yoga poses more difficult (because the belly is in the way), but we all have to start somewhere. How does an obese person ever change their course if they are afraid to participate due to being judged? We obese people have to look away from those that try and bring us down and find our paths to a healthier body and mind. Namaste
- —Guest Maria
Yoga: Just My Size
- I did Megan Garcia's DVD at home. I rented it on Netflix to see if I would like it before buying it. The problem I had with classes at the Y was that they didn't have enough or any props to help. I could bring my own but as a beginner wasn't sure how many or what type and didn't want to look odd coming in with 400 props! So the DVD got me started enough to feel confident to walk into a class.
- —Robin
Yoga is a confidence builder
- Yoga will build your confidence the minute you give it a try. If you are looking for insight before you visit a yoga studio look for Mega Yoga by Megan Gracia is a great book & has a DVD as well. She shows you how to use all the props & variations no matter what your size is. So you are willing to try pose thrown at you without worring about getting hurt or bonged down by "I can't." Another great book is Yoga on the Inside & Out. This book is by Christina Sell and she focuses on body image.
- —Guest Racheal Hernandez
it's not as difficult as you think
- I've always been intimidated by yoga but last October I decided to try a beginners class and it was fabulous! Everyone in the class was trying it for the first time so I didn't feel self conscious about my size. I noticed less joint pain, more flexiblity and more emotional balance after a few weeks. I do yoga for me and if I need a prop like a block or a strap then I use it. The poses are supposed to benefit you. Using props are not a weakness, they help you ensure you are doing the poses correctly so you don't hurt yourself. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose and a better awareness of self to gain!
- —Guest Gena
Tips for Plus Size Yoga
- Yoga is not competative, It is a personal journey. Make use of props... A Chair to sit on to do leg raises, forward bends, and twists. A strap helps with many asanas, as does making use of the wall. One should also be encouraged to not compare oneself and to be concerned with is happening on THEIR mat only. The teacher should make sure that the by the end of the lesson, everyone in the class goes away feeling good about themselves and motivated to return again soon. Encourage 'Baby Steps" as yoga is a journey that lasts a lifetime.
- —Guest Theresa
Accept yourself
- Let's face it; if I had a dime for every time I said I'd like to try ____ but I'm too fat-I'd be wealthier! What finally got me was when I realized that this is the body I have now-not the one I had last year, or the one I'll have in two years, but right now this is it. If I can't work with this, I'll never get started. So don't beat yourself up if you have to move your thigh to accomodate your belly-you'll get a better pose if you do. And forgive yourself for not being able to reach around the back and grab your thigh-you get the same results with a strap. Leave pride at home and just ask yourself what's the best that I can do RIGHT NOW. Incidentally, I can reach around and grab my thigh now, but it's taken me a dozen years to do it. Patience, grasshopper!
- —rbrubacker60
Plus Size tips after a year of vinyasa
- For me the best thing to do was start in a beginners class. That helped me gain confidence. After taking the class I felt like even if I was bigger that a lot of the people in my class I could still enjoy my pratice. Two of the teachers I practiced with encouraged me to put my heart into every moment and not be discourage if something looked too hard. There are always poses that will help me build the strength and the confidence I needed to grow. So to sum up I would suggest starting with a beginners class (if in NYC try Joschi Body Bodega, Sarah Coleman's the best) enjoy your practice and not worry about anyone else and finally if something seems to hard ask for and easier pose that help you work towards that difficult pose. Hopes this encourages someone to try.
- —Guest Nicole
