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.

• delurk*

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...

Calli, this woman (Jessamyn Stanley) teaches yoga for at the Durham Yoga Company.

Oooh, cool! When I get some wriggle room in my budget I'll have to see what her schedule's like. Thanks!

Thanks, Sophie Max, and welcome! I have one of the Curvy Yoga dvds. It's nice, and it shows people with a variety of body types practicing with different sorts of adjustments. I'm just better about practicing when I'm in a Yoga class where I feel obligated to show up. Assuming I can keep my elbows whole throughout the process.

Hi, Sophie Max!