Big Bodied, Fearless, Fabulous: Anyone Can Do Yoga!

February 3, 2014

This blog post is an oldie but a goody! I originally posted it on Do You Yoga. It is one of my faves. Enjoy!

Are you afraid to be the fat yogi in class? You are totally not! Yoga is for everyone. Yes you can do yoga.

Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Here are 5 ways to overcome your fear and get on your mat.

Just because they make yoga pants in your size means you should wear them!
That’s right I said it. Black yoga pants can be forgiving and even flattering. Yoga pants come in all sizes so you should try a pair on. Better or better yet wear bright colored yoga pants (I am working on this one) show the world you love yourself and you are comfortable in your own skin. Yoga will teach you to love yourself as you are.
Just give it a try I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!
You are not alone.
I am here with you! We are all in this together. There is lots of diversity in yoga. Yoga can be as diverse as the population around us. We just have to open our eyes to the possibility that there are lots of people of different backgrounds who want to get on the mat. I see lots of bigger bodies coming to classes. You can do it. There is strength in numbers. We need to get out there and show the world we are fearless and fabulous. You don’t need to be a size 0 to be a yogi. You just need a heart full of love and a desire to take care of yourself and in turn the world. Remember we are all in this together!
Start in a beginner series.
It is great to start at the beginning! Everyone starts out at the same place. Learn the ropes and get to know your body my stretching your mind. I know as bigger bodied people we are very hard on ourselves. It is time to set that negative chat aside and become body positive. It is time to love yourself exactly as you are- no exceptions. Don’t wait around to lose weight to start your life. Start your life now and the rest will come I promise. Starting a yoga practice is the best way to come more comfortable in your own skin.
Find a compassionate yoga teacher!
One of the first tenants of yoga is do no harm! Start by loving yourself and finding a space where you can be comfortable. They are lots of great accepting and loving studios and teachers out there. All you have to do is find them. Check out curvy yoga for a teacher near you!
Remember you are fearless so be Be fearless! Be the change you want to see on the mat!
You are just as entitled as anyone else to do yoga! You deserve yoga. You can do yoga. Yoga is for everyone not just flexible, thin athletic people. Go out there and share your practice with the world. It takes a lot of courage to put on a pair of spandex yoga pants and turn upside to see your world in a who new light. You can do it!