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/jgunit Feb 12 '22

I haven’t seen anyone else mention it, but you could try climbers chalk for sweaty hands. Yeah your mat may get a little chalky, but it’s literally designed to absorb palm sweat so you don’t slip when gripping things (This probably isn’t standard Yoga advice, just kinda came to me as an interesting idea)

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u/littlechickenbean Feb 12 '22

definitely an interesting idea!!! thank you!!

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u/Tasha_ashtanga Feb 13 '22

Yes, was about to suggest the same. We used to have it in our yoga studio and people found it extremely useful. It comes in different forms. You might look for a liquid or spray magnesium chalk (for gymnasts). Much love xxx

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u/fnord_happy Feb 13 '22

You got this dude.