Has your weight or body image ever stopped you from trying yoga? The thought of a yoga class often brings about images of slender bodies bending with ease and with great flexibility into pretzel-like positions leaving some people thinking…I can’t do that! What many people don’t know is that yoga can be beneficial for people of any size and level of flexibility. In fact, there are classes, DVD’s and instructors that focus specifically on the practice of yoga to enhance physical health and emotional well-being for those who are full figured or less flexible and who would like to try yoga, but may be intimidated by the routine yoga class.
Yoga has many well-known physical benefits such as increasing strength, flexibility, range of motion of joints and decreasing stress and tension in the body. But what some might not know is that yoga also offers an opportunity for deep connection and acceptance of one’s body, through self-awareness and the practice of letting go of self-judgment and harsh inner criticisms. When provided with a safe environment, one can explore the body through yoga postures, the breath and mindfulness, which can lead to a transformative experience for anyone of any size and level. By reconnecting with the body in this authentic way, yoga may offer a new relationship with ourselves that can lead to a path of self-empowerment and a sense of control over our health and our choices for better well-being.
Whether your goal is greater flexibility, weight loss, or to simply engage in a mind-body-spiritual practice for self-care, yoga offers many styles and modifications depending on your level of readiness, physical ability and wellness goals. If you are struggling with your weight or body image and would like to try yoga, read on and explore the following resources to learn how yoga may help you form a healthier self-image and get you back into a more active lifestyle:
Articles:
From About.com: Will Doing Yoga Help Me Lose Weight?
http://yoga.about.com/od/yogafa1/f/loseweight.htm
From USAToday.com: Overweight Embrace Yoga to Lose Weight, Stay in Shape
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-05-24-plus-size-yoga_x.htm
Local Bay Area Resource:
Sally Pugh, owner of Grateful Spirit Yoga, offers yoga services in the San Francisco bay area designed especially for large women. Go to http://www.gratefulspirityoga.net/ to learn more about Sally’s professional experience as a yoga instructor, her yoga classes and retreats.
Sally also offers a DVD, Expanding into Fullness, for home yoga practice. The DVD is geared for large women, but is appropriate for all levels of fitness and yoga experience and offers practices to strengthen your body, your mind, and to open your heart. You can preview and order this DVD here: http://www.gratefulspirityoga.net/store.html
