In a societal climate where women are expected to have a certain appearance, the struggle to become a bigger yogi is real. Many larger practitioners face additional challenges when starting or continuing their practice: Curvy yogis often have to overcome body-shaming stereotypes, stigmas, or images in the media. Some even suspect that overweight people cannot practice yoga at all. None of this is true nor does it fit the yogic philosophy.
No matter how social media or social stigma portrays it, yoga is a practice for all bodies. Yoga is about the spiritual and personal journey, not about pants size or body shape.
There is no “yoga body”. Rather, any body that does yoga is a “yogic body.”
A common misconception is that in order to practice yoga, one must be naturally flexible, slender, or graceful. Here’s a grossly flawed logic: yoga has no boundaries when it comes to height, perceived flexibility, or clothing. It’s a spiritual practice available to anyone willing to try it.
Yoga for Plus-Size Practitioners
Yoga for Plus-Size Practitioners
For plus size yogis, your practice may look different than others. But that’s okay. As long as you continue to evolve and transform spiritually, your practice will be successful. Asanas are second only to a complete and meaningful yoga practice.
Students who don’t feel like they fit into a naturally slender, athletic, or strong “yoga body” may want to drop out, force their bodies into incorrect positions, and even feel embarrassed. Yoga is for all bodies, and oversized yogis are as capable of a fulfilling yoga practice as anyone. Don’t let your weight, size or experience level convince you.
For larger yogis, regular yoga practice may involve overcoming insecurities or perceived limitations. It may also mean making some changes or taking some extra precautions. But that doesn’t make your practice any less important. Despite the shame, yoga is a smart step toward a healthy body image.
Your height doesn’t tell you if you should do yoga. Yoga is a spiritual and physical journey based on self-discovery and personal growth. Therefore, anyone who is committed to the practice can become a yogi.
So why practice yoga?
So why practice yoga?
Regular yoga practice is good for both body and mind.
Benefits of yoga practice for the body. Yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve flexibility, increase muscle and bone strength, lower blood pressure, improve immune system function and promote cardiovascular health. Yoga also keeps your metabolism in balance, helps you lose weight, and protects you from physical harm.
Mental Health: Yoga practice can also promote mental health by enhancing mindfulness, compassion, self-awareness, emotional balance, and spiritual fulfillment.
The physical and emotional benefits of yoga practice are numerous – and suitable for bodies of all shapes and sizes.
For larger yogis, you can try these tips and tricks to make the practice work for you and your body:
15 Tips to Make Yoga Work for Your Body
15 Tips to Make Yoga Work for Your Body
Don’t be afraid to change positions. Don’t hesitate to change positions to suit your body. While you may feel pressured to do your most advanced asanas or deepest twists, it’s important to listen to your body. Do asanas and poses that work for you and your body now.
Most yoga teachers vary the flow. unless? That’s great, too — you don’t always have to listen to your yoga teacher or follow the exact Vinyasa.
When in doubt, listen to your body and do what you think is right. Yoga should be challenging, but never painful or hurtful. Listen to your body and don’t feel like an inferior practitioner because you need a modified version today.
Use props. Make sure you test your props, even look for oversized props. Yoga blocks and straps are helpful, and incorporating them into your practice will help you progress safely and confidently.
Buy a yoga mat. A yoga mat is one of the few items you should have while practicing yoga, but it’s especially important for plus-size practitioners. Pads provide cushioning, support and grip. These are important to improve your safety on the mat.
Expand your posture. Extending your stance slightly beyond hip-width during the exercise will help improve your stability and balance.
Build strength to prevent injury. Watching your weight just means you understand that certain poses increase your risk of injury, require more strength, or require more attention.
Arm balance is an example where you need to watch your weight to reduce the risk of injury. Watching your weight doesn’t mean you’re ashamed or setting limits; instead, turn your attention to strengthening those weak spots.
Stretch often. A common misconception is that to practice yoga, you have to be flexible. In fact, yoga practice encourages flexibility over time. Make sure to incorporate a little extra stretch during (or outside of) your exercise to reduce the risk of injury or strain.
Take it easy. Go at your own pace in class and throughout the practice. This will encourage you to listen to your body. Don’t rush in and out of Poznan if you end up behind schedule on courses? It does not matter. You are on the mat for your journey and yourself.
Look for body positive classes. Taking a body positivity class is a great way to build confidence, develop a sense of community, and learn