Being Fat and Doing Yoga

I'm not really overweight, but I just wanted to chime in and let you know that I suck at yoga. Like embarrass myself because I am falling over due to my horrible balance and lack of coordination. I try it to get in more stretching. That being said, no one has ever mocked me. I just set up a mat in the back of the room and follow as best as I can. Sometimes I make eye contact with people and just smile; they smile back because they know it's difficult for some. Go and have fun.

My mom is a yoga teacher so I go to class a lot. There are women and men there of all shapes and sizes. No one is there to mock you, judge you, or make fun of you. No one will even be paying attention to you, because yoga is all about looking inward and finding balance. Just go do it, you won't be sorry.

I did yoga at home for months with DVDs and books before I got up the nerve to try a class. It turns out, there was NOTHING to be nervous about! Like someone else said, no one is paying attention. And, I bet you will not be the only overweight person in the class! Give it a try!

I did yoga...and loved it! the first class i was the largest person in there so i did feel uncomfortable but because i liked it i decided to go back and since then i have noticed there are lots of overwieght people joining the class

OMG...if you're being mocked in a yoga class for not being fit, you're in the wrong class. I've *never* been a skinny girl and yoga, for a long time, was the only exercise I could do. I'm still not small, but I adore yoga. It's actually pretty ideal for curvy girls as you can alter the poses to suit your needs.

Something to keep in mind when you start is that you need to adapt--just because my teeny-tiny yoga instructor can hold a perfect warrior pose for 14 breaths, doesn't mean I have to hold it to the same depth. You want to work to where it's comfortable, and maybe just a tiny bit beyond. You'll notice, over time, that you're able to work and stretch deeper. It's an amazing feeling!

I would suggest looking into classes in your area--are there any where you can pay per class? That way you can check into it and see if it's right for you before signing up for a whole session. Make sure you're comfortable with the teacher and the pace. Oh, and start with a beginner's class--don't try to jump into hot yoga, aerial yoga, or other super difficult kinds--it's too discouraging to begin with.

Best of luck--I'm sure you'll really enjoy yourself!

You WILL NOT be mocked in class. Yoga is not about who is stronger, who is better. It is not a 'No pain, No gain' sport. Everyone practices at their own level. That is why Yoga provides modifications.

On another note, there is no "size" requirement for Yoga. I have been to classes and have instructor friends that are in the "plus size" category that are outstanding Yoga teachers.

Go! You will not regret it!

I love yoga and pilates. I took a pilates class when I was 280 pounds, and it was part of my plan. I lost 30 pounds in three months thanks in part to it.

Nobody is going to mock or judge, and more than likely everyone will encourage and help you out!

I did yoga at 291 -- I doubt you'll get mocked at all; I've never seen a more laidback group of people than my yoga classes! I'm fairly flexible - the only thing that seems to get in my way is my own bulk. Heh. I learned early on to not berate myself or worry about it -- just adapt and go as far as you can. Some things just won't work because of being fat, inflexible, uncoordinated, or all of the above! A good teacher will also quietly explain some good modifications you can do based on abilities. The best one at the Y I go to walks around a lot offering help to everyone and always makes me feel great even if I can't do something. It was nice because it was easier that way for me to open up and explain the one thing that actually hurt to do so she could help me with some ideas to work around it. So go for it. Do yoga! I miss it - I just tend to be on the road so much that I don't make classes. I've dropped 40 pounds at least since the last class I was in, and my pain issue is way better (lying on my back and doing some of the movements hurt significantly on my lower back area that I dubbed my 'shelf' -- too much fat and such on a delicate area. Even massages hurt if not done right. Just had a full body massage last weekend and only a few twinges sometimes versus 65 pounds ago when it hurt to touch!).

tl;dr -- doing yoga while fat is a-okay!

I started doing yoga at 300lbs. I have never felt self conscious about my body while doing it. Its usually kind of dim and relaxing in the studio anyway. Yoga is supposed to be a internal practice, they encourage you not to pay attention or compare yourself to others in the class.

The instructors I have were always super supportive. Along the way, I learned modifications that helped me in certain poses. Let's face it, its harder to touch your toes when your belly is in the way.

I think the key is to find a good yoga studio. I didn't care for the yoga classes at the gym, I felt the instructor was just going through a routine with no thought about who could keep up or not and no help for anyone struggling with positions. A yoga studio should have instructors trained on how to help all body types. I had an instructor that taught throughout her pregnancy and some of the modifications she used to accommodate the baby were ones I used to accommodate my larger body.

That being said, I do find that yoga positions are easier to do now that I've lost some weight. I have better balance and stability, I'm stronger and more flexible. I truly enjoy it and find it helps me relax and unwind, in addition to helping me stretch and become more flexible.

Good luck to you!

You need to ignore the little voice in your head that is trying to make you fail. No one will ever mock a beginner for being big in a yoga class. From my experience I have only met like minded, happy, positive people that will want to see you succeed. Yoga is a lifestyle with its own set of values. It would be a rare sight to see someone mocking another at a yoga class.

And if it does happen they are weak willed, pathetic bullies with self esteem issues.

Yoga is for all body types. You work as hard as you want and you will notice a difference quickly if you maintain yoga. It helps the body, mind and soul.

I hope you ignore that little voice in your head and go to a yoga class because you will be surprised at all the different types of people that go; from oap's to teenagers, overweight or anorexic. People go for their own reasons. Go join a class and see your life change for the better.

I wish you to succeed in your goals

What I've learned about yoga is there are a million different types of classes. I agree with most others that you will likely be surprised at how comfortable you feel and how you will see people moving at their own pace. If you don't feel comfortable, try another class.

The one piece of advice I have is to avoid is a class with a teacher who 'pushes' you into position. A good yoga teacher will be able to demonstrate and discuss with you what your body can and cant do in different poses. Bad yoga instructors will just push your hips or arms into what they think is the right place (without your agreement).

Oh, no, no, no. No mocking in yoga class. I've never seen that, never heard of it, never want to (although I'm sure there are some horrible teachers and classes out there, but honestly, just meet the teacher first -- if s/he immediately makes you feel warm and relaxed and reliant on yourself, then you'll have a good class).

Yoga is really good for you and it can be as difficult as you want it to be. My belly and boobs get in the way in yoga a lot, but the instructor is always urging us to listen to our bodies, work to our level, and treat ourselves well. Sometimes that means pushing myself; other days, like today, it means being gentle with myself. It's a very "Be where you are" practice.

And yes, it's called a "practice" for a reason. The further you get, the humbler you feel! There's never perfection; there's only trying.

I look to other students for inspiration because, you're right, it can be really scary putting on stretchy clothes and bending over in front of people! The way I see it, if they were scared the first day and did it anyway, they inspire me; if they weren't scared the first day, they REALLY inspire me.

Tl;dr. You'll do fine. Better than fine.

I think the pushing of hips and arms is called "adjustments". They are totally freakin awesome but the instructor is supposed to ask if they can touch you before doing it. And as another poster said, most of my classes have been in the dark (dim, just little Christmas lights at the front of class). I believe it does help the self consciousness issue for _everyone_.

Just wanted to chip in and say DO IT, but I've seen that you absolutely are going to! I've done a little bit of yoga in the past and went to a beginners' refresher course last week, and I don't know why I ever stopped. LOVE IT and everyone is so accepting of you and your limitations.

In my experience, most classes have had mats you can borrow - as part of my course I was given one but probably a good idea to ring and ask