Yoga for fat people?

[Anonymous]

So yeah, I want to get into yoga but I'm overweight and feel uncomfortable in studios where everyone is in top shape. Any video recs to get started?

[Anonymous]

I like Willow St Yoga because the bodies aren’t all willowy.

They will work with you to modify poses if you need to, but I was actually more flexible than my thin friend.

I can’t recall her name, but there’s a fat positive AA woman who posts videos of her doing amazing poses to show that any body can be a yoga body.

[Anonymous]

Found it


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0TsO5u4c5s

[Anonymous]

Yoga is for everybody / every body! Check out feeds like @bodypositive yoga on Instagram and YouTube. In person classes are better though I think for beginners since instructors can do corrections or suggest modifications. Yoga is about acceptance of others and yourself, have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like Willow St Yoga because the bodies aren’t all willowy.

They will work with you to modify poses if you need to, but I was actually more flexible than my thin friend.

I can’t recall her name, but there’s a fat positive AA woman who posts videos of her doing amazing poses to show that any body can be a yoga body.

Dianne Bondy. She’s fantastic. There’s a big “yoga is for every body” movement out there, encouraging people to think beyond yoga as an endeavor for thin, white, rich women. Lots of presence on Instagram that might help your yoga mindset.

Yoga Shala and Yoga Heights are two DC studios that have this as part of their mission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like Willow St Yoga because the bodies aren’t all willowy.

They will work with you to modify poses if you need to, but I was actually more flexible than my thin friend.

I can’t recall her name, but there’s a fat positive AA woman who posts videos of her doing amazing poses to show that any body can be a yoga body.

+1 for Willow Street! It’s in Takoma Park. I’ve been there and seen body types of all sizes. Everyone is treated respectfully. It’s really important to have a teacher that can help you along.

[Anonymous]

My trouble is that I am very top heavy and every yoga place I have tried hasn’t helped me figure out alternatives to the poses thatput excess strain on my back. In fact, they made my back worse. The teachers just sort of ignore me until I stop showing up. I have tried basic classes at rec centers to posh fancy schmancy studios. All are the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My trouble is that I am very top heavy and every yoga place I have tried hasn’t helped me figure out alternatives to the poses thatput excess strain on my back. In fact, they made my back worse. The teachers just sort of ignore me until I stop showing up. I have tried basic classes at rec centers to posh fancy schmancy studios. All are the same.

Private lessons

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My trouble is that I am very top heavy and every yoga place I have tried hasn’t helped me figure out alternatives to the poses thatput excess strain on my back. In fact, they made my back worse. The teachers just sort of ignore me until I stop showing up. I have tried basic classes at rec centers to posh fancy schmancy studios. All are the same.

What poses bother you? If you don't know the english or sanskrit names, can you describe them? I'm teacher certified and may be able to suggest modifications.

I see people of all shapes and sizes at Yoga Heights. It's a very nice community. Unfortunately a bit far from my house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My trouble is that I am very top heavy and every yoga place I have tried hasn’t helped me figure out alternatives to the poses thatput excess strain on my back. In fact, they made my back worse. The teachers just sort of ignore me until I stop showing up. I have tried basic classes at rec centers to posh fancy schmancy studios. All are the same.

Private lessons

cost prohibitive

[Anonymous]

I started doing yoga when I was 220 lbs. Yoga is truly for every body, and it has helped everything about my own fitness journey! I've since lost 60 lbs, and still do yoga at least once a week. The key is to find a teacher who is able to provide workable modifications for you. In fact, I'm pregnant now, and still going to my regular (not prenatal) Vinyasa practice because the teacher is able to offer safe and practical modifications as my pregnancy progresses.

I second the recommendation for Willow Street Yoga. I'm not sure if the PP with back problems is the OP, but Willow Street used to have a class specifically for people with bad backs that I took and it was really great.

[Anonymous]

Any yoga studio that makes you feel anything other than warmly welcome isn’t worth going to. Yoga is for every body. It’s not supposed to be about losing weight. Weight loss and fitness are wonderful side effects. But that’s not what real yoga is about. I would avoid any of the gym type yoga places. Look for a traditional yoga studio. There should be a spiritual component to the practice.

[Anonymous]

For the person with back problems, go to a class at Sun and Moon yoga in Arlington taught by Amir. He cured his back injuries via yoga

[Anonymous]

I’ve seen all kinds of bodies at M Street Yoga in SW DC and Bluebird Sky Yoga in Brookland, especially in the slower paced classes. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Curvy Yoga online is great. I have a $10/month membership and access to unlimited videos. The teacher is top heavy herself.