Lithe, But Plus-Size? Yoga for Round Bodies Could Be for You!
Hello, your Santa Barbara Chiropractor here. I just read a great article about yoga for plus-size people. What a wonderful concept. I tell all my patients that “health begins right where you are today. You can’t wait for more time or less body weight.” However, up until now, yoga studios have not usually been purlieus for people of size. Striking a yoga pose has seemed to be an exclusive option for lithe, limber bodies. But, not anymore! Yoga classes for heavier people have been sprouting up all over the country with names like Buddha Body Yoga, MegaYoga, HeavyWeight Yoga, and Yoga for Round Bodies.
The ancient practice of yoga might be based on a philosophy of self-acceptance and non-competitiveness, but plus-size people usually feel too self-conscious to even try a yoga pose, much less try on a yoga philosophy. In addition, most yoga classes, even beginner courses, don’t address the needs of big bodies, says Michael Hayes, the owner of Buddha Body Yoga in New York. Poses considered standard for those who are fit or slim are often difficult or even impossible for heavier students.
So, if your body weight has been holding you back, and if you’ve been waiting for just the right moment to start getting healthy and fit, it looks like that moment has arrived. Check to see if there’s a yoga class for plus-size people in town. If not, maybe you can start one!
For the complete article go to http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/health/nutrition/14fitness.html?_r=1&em
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I’ve always been flexible but I guess i was under the false assumption that in order to do yoga i need a flat stomach some decent muscle tone – i’ve been working up to that but now i think i might dive right in. Thanks for this!
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 am
I’ve been teaching Big Yoga for over 7 years, and I agree that bigger bodies don’t have to wait to get thin to do yoga! Check out my DVD, Big Yoga Hatha 1, an adapted version of Integral Yoga that is “challenging and restorative” according to Dr. Dean Ornish. The book, Big Yoga, A Simple Guide for Bigger Bodies is due out soon. You don’t have to be thin to enjoy the benefits of yoga!