I have a yoga DVD called "Megayoga" that's for fat people. It came with a book that's even more helpful because it has tips for how to modify poses if your belly is in the way (Child's Pose) or your boobs want to do their own thing (Downward Dog). Of course, my skinny, flat-chested mother stole* the book from me when she took a course to become certified to teach yoga.
*(I say "stole," but really I loaned it to her, because I figured she doesn't have the experience of trying to do yoga in a fat body, or even a medium body but with big boobs, and because of that, probably hadn't considered ways to modify poses for fat people. And she's used it quite a bit, so that makes me happy. But she hasn't returned it, which is why I stand by "stole.")
That's kind of awesome that she's using it, teppy! I can never figure out why I have the worst time moving from one particular position to another (don't remember the names) and have never determined if it's that my belly is too big or my arms are too short or I'm just moving slightly wrong of what.
Good for your mom, Steph. My last yoga class was taught by a small, slender person who led me into a position that took skin off my elbows. I asked for modifications to prevent that, and her response was, "Well, that never happens to me. So, I don't know what to tell you." Go yoga teachers looking beyond their own body types!
The yoga instructors I have had both when tiny and huge have always been very accommodating and encouraging. I went to a class a week or so ago, but there were so few positions I could do comfortably that I am going to be awhile before I go back. I KNOW I shouldn't be discouraged by the people around me 'flipping dogs' and standing on their heads, but it was just too much contrast.
Go yoga teachers looking beyond their own body types!
I did have to prod her on my own, though. I don't think her certification course (which took a year) covered that, which is sad.
May I contribute something cheerful? The National Zoo has a new baby seal.
Followed by a multi-zoo cuteness challenge.
I have some seated exercise DVDs that I should be doing. If I take yoga, it really needs to be private lessons because everything needs to be modified. I don't have the money or the childcare help right now to do that. Also I need to stop stress eating.
That zoo pile-on was amazing. Definitely one to keep for when the stress gets too much.
Calli, this woman (Jessamyn Stanley) teaches yoga for at the Durham Yoga Company. I think she's only subbing for other teachers at the moment. She also teaches private classes. My friend Rhonda also teaches a Gentle Yoga class there, and she is committed to making yoga welcoming for all body types as well.
For non-locals, Jessamyn also has YouTube videos (linked from her website above) of yoga classes for larger bodied people.
I just have to mention Curvy Yoga (http://www.curvyyoga.com/) - there are lots of online videos, many free, and with lots of modifications and options. She also does certifications for yoga teachers, if anyone felt like dropping it into the suggestion box at their yoga studio for the not-so-helpful teachers...
