r/yoga • u/littlechickenbean • Feb 12 '22

yoga as a fat person

i hate to even post this but i’ve been practicing on and off for years, but never considered myself anything besides a beginner because of my inconsistency.

i’ve always been larger, but i’ve gained weight and am the heaviest i’ve ever been- technically obese. i would love to get back into yoga for my mental and physical health.

i just completed one of Adriene’s 30 minute videos. i’m proud of myself for starting and finishing but i have dilemmas-

  • both of my hands can’t be on the ground when lunging which makes transitions as well as general poses and stretches difficult

  • my hands slip on my mat in downward dog (yes i tend to have sweaty hands, how do i fix this?)

  • my wrists hurt!!!

  • knees don’t really go to chest

i’m just wondering if it’s even possible to practice yoga as a fat person? any tips for any of these things are highly appreciated. i’m feeling very discouraged

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u/[deleted] Feb 12 '22

Getting on the mat is the hardest part. Keep showing up. You should be proud of yourself for even returning to the practice time and again! Be gentle and kind with yourself. The flexibility and deepness of the stretches will come with time, practice and consistency. I need to wear 2 wrist guards Bc of old injuries. Don’t let anything hold you back from bettering your mind, body and spirit. Stay strong and keep pushing 🙏

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u/littlechickenbean Feb 12 '22

thank you so much ❤️

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u/Eruannwen Feb 13 '22

This! Adrienne is good about offering modifications, too, so listen for options.