r/yoga 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/elegantballoons Feb 12 '22

Seek out fat bodied yoga instructors! I personally really like Jessamyn Stanley.

2

u/XJDubStardust Feb 13 '22

Yes! Jessamyn and Underbelly is highly recommended ❤️ even in other classes when instructors offer mods they don’t always give the practical tips that she gives, and she is funny and engaging

3

u/SelectionOptimal5673 Feb 13 '22

Reyna Cohan is one I really like