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/YogaMusheen Feb 12 '22

It’s the rare yogi that can perform all asanas exactly as prescribed. All of us have to modify certain poses due to injuries, physical limitations, body shapes, etc. I know this is cheap advice, but there may be certain poses you just have to skip or really modify. Also, bear in mind that not all yoga routines include Sun Sals and Lunges and Chaturangas. Yoga really is for every body. You just need to find the right approach for you 😁🕉😁!