Yoga for big girls like me~

Jellyphant

SO i tried yoga for the first time this weekend, and I'm no small chick, I'm 200+ pounds. So when I did a 10 minute beginner video on netflix, I managed to get into each position and hold it, but afterwards, the heels of my hands were KILLING me. Is this normal, or is it due to my size, and if it IS normal, does it get better? I'd really like to continue yoga to manage stress levels, but dang. my hands and wrists were yelping.

Thoughts?
-Angie

AEROBICVIC

hello! yes is it normal for this to happen if you are new to yoga or any type of exercise. you are putting your body in new positions using body weight so do what you can. start off, hold the position as long as you can and then take a rest. listen to your body, and try do a little more each time. your strength and agility will increase with all movements the more you do. hang in there, keep trying and make small changes everyday. you're doing a wonderful job!

usedasbrandnew

If it's more than uncomfortable, and actually Hurting, find a video with modified positions, or use a cork block or some other cushy modified surface.

BrunetteRunner87

I'm average size and I'm in pain after yoga!

fiberartist219

Yoga should not be painful, but it has nothing to do with your size. If you are hurt after a DVD, you should probably attend a real class with a live instructor at least once or twice, because there might be an issue with your form. It's not always easy to tell from a DVD what position you are supposed to be in, especially if the camera crew and production team are feeling creative that day. (Sometimes they like to zoom in on weird body parts, and play hippie music, which does not always help you with the workout.) An instructor will usually walk around the class and adjust your stance if you are off a bit, and they can modify the poses if you are not flexible yet.