Fat People Can Do Yoga in Class or at Home
Postures, Poses and Blogs for Large Bodied Yogis
Oct 11, 2009
Yoga postures and poses can be modified to fit the body. Just as not every person has the same body or limitations, nor does every fat person have the same areas of fat or immobility. Fat people are often mistakenly considered to be out of touch with their bodies but are probably more in touch with their own presence than most. Self-consciousness or embarrassment should no longer keep the overweight from participating in yoga class. Classes can be structured for all types and abilities.
There is a studio in New York City, Buddha Body Yoga, that caters to big bodies by adapting the yoga poses to larger or injured people. It also offers private sessions and teacher training. There are most likely other studios that offer the same kind of class. The blogs of Yoga for Curvey Gals and Big Guys and plus sized people sharing their yoga moments are supportive and enlightening.
Home Yoga DVDs for Fat Bodies
Real life fears and experiences might convince the potential obese newbie to seek out home yoga classes.
- “Heavy Weight Yoga for the Body You Have” features Abby Lentz, an experienced yoga practitioner and teacher who understands the heavy body. The postures are shown and verbalized, and even explain how to push aside a big belly to get a better spinal stretch.
- “Yoga for Couch Potatoes” with Marlon Braccia is a DVD for overweight or voluptuous yogis. The plus sized practitioner and her students demonstrate the postures and answer typical questions about movement or diet for the overweight.
- “Yoga- Just My Size” with Megan Garcia addresses the self-consciousness that comes with being overweight and out of shape. Flowing poses are demonstrated with emphasis on breath and attainable goals.
Yoga Breathing Posture for Fat People
Yoga isn’t known ideally for weight loss, although some types of practice lead to lost pounds. Yoga can affect metabolism and hunger. Bringing the belly up toward the back in down dog posture along with 5 deep inhalations and exhalations helps tighten the abdomen muscles.
Sitting breathing rapidly in and out through the nose in Kapalbhati Pranayama (cleansing breath) helps purge negative body image while simultaneously tightening the abdominal muscles. A tight core makes other movement possible.
Plus Sized Yoga Clothing
Large or plus sized clothing is more easily found than plus sized yoga classes. Check out Lane Bryant, Wal-Mart, and Uniquely Me Clothing, among others. Larger yoga mats can also be found.
Sample Yoga Pose Altered for Large or Plus Sized People
Locust Pose or Salabhasana starts face down on mat. The arms stretch forward beyond the sides of the head as the legs stretch toward the back walls. The intention is to lift the head, arms and legs in a stretch utilizing the abdomen and back muscles.
A heavy torso or heavy breasts or extra back fat may prevent lifting the torso off the floor. Focus mentally on the spine lifting regardless of the flesh remaining on the floor. Spread the front of the thigh outward to the sides with the hands then feel the leg muscles engage in a lift upward and backward even though they may appear not to leave the floor. The momentum is there. Hold the posture and release with an outward breath. Repeat three times.
Fat people can do yoga and should never be intimidated by a thinner body that may ultimately be not as flexible nor as strong. In yoga, begin where you are.
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