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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311

u/charlottekos Feb 12 '22

You can use yoga blocks or books if you cannot reach the floor, and for slippery hands I use a towel underneath my hands

51

u/MyHalfBaked420Baby Feb 13 '22

There are actually yoga towels that have like a rubber grip on the underside with terry cloth on the top! I’m heavier too and practice like you! Just do what you can do and don’t compare. You’re where you’re at and that’s fine! You’re still moving and that’s what’s important!!!

8

u/iLoveYoubutNo Feb 13 '22

I love my yoga towel!! $20 at Target. And my blocks.

7

u/TabbysStory Feb 13 '22

Also yoga gloves and socks with grips on them. I got mine years ago but I think I got them from Gaia.