Too fat for yoga?

[Pompelly]

I'm very overweight - have just started to follow a structured exercise routine and decided to try yoga in addition to help improve my strength and balance.

Went to my first class tonight - it was advertised as beginner friendly and suitable for all abilities. I had to pretend I needed the loo about 3/4s of the way through just so I could have a quick rest because my feet were cramping, knees killing me and I was sweating buckets.

Everyone else in the class was "normal" sized - most were slim and petite, some taller stronger builds but nobody visibly fat like me.

I really thought this would be something enjoyable and a more gentle way to be active on a rest day but I just felt embarrassed and gross like I do after my intense cardio classes.

Is it worth perservering?

I don't want to go down the route of chair based etc - I'm young and whilst this was tough I do feel physically better afterwards even if my dignity has taken a beating. Online just isn't for me.

I already know that I need a thicker mat, any other tips for a fatty?

Every yoga class I’ve been to, the teacher has been clear to listen to your body and do what you can. Even beginner friendly cater to more experienced people and so sometimes it’s about doing your best comfortably, not perfectly achieving the position.

I’m slim but not very flexible so often modify or sit out some poses, it’s fine to do!

Some tips:

Keep going, you'll soon find it easier.

Nobody takes any notice of how other people in the class are doing.

Don't be embarassed if you fart. We all do it at some point.

Remember to enjoy it - it's not religion.

Leave online stuff until you know what you are doing.

Namaste!!

3/4 of a class issue really good on your first go. Check you're not going to a Vinyasa or fitness type yoga, as those are quite fast-paced.
Keep going, as it's so good for posture, flexibility, aches and pain.

Sorry to jump on, but just wondering how different Yoga is to Pilates? I do Pilates and am too scared to try Yoga (I'm also fat), but getting fitter and stronger every day. There are loads of Yoga classes at my gym (lots of different styles too), and would like to try them at some point, if I can muster the courage.

I quit golf as I didn't get a hole in one on my first shot

Exercise by definition is hard. More you do it, the easier it gets

I was size 22 when I started yoga around a decade ago. I'm now size 18. I went back to a class this week for the first time in a few weeks after an injury (not a yoga one) - I found it harder than usual even with modifications as I'm still healing, and i have lost a bit of strength and flexibility. It takes time to build up.

Definitely worth persevering. Listen to to your body. You won't be able to do everything- there are some poses where your stomach will get in the way, and there are others you will need to build flexibility for. My yoga teacher once showed us x-rays of different pelvises to point out that some people would be limited in how far they might stretch out a leg, because bones will get in the way.

We're often asked to set an intention at the start of class. Mine has been "survive to the end" more than once...

Also look up Jessamyn Stanley, who does yoga for every body.

No one is too big for yoga. Persevere. Enjoy your journey.

Have a look on Instagram at Wonkee club. Yoga for Every size shape ability etc. Run by a big lad whose insta is 'scottee is fat'. Its online, monthly sub and has a ton of content plus live classes. It may get you in the swing of practising without the pressure of a class. Good luck stick with it!

Where was the yoga class?
Where I go it's very about listening to your body, being aware of what you are capable of, being aware of where your energy levels are etc. She shows variations and provides cushions and bolsters for extra support. It's all very caring and gentle.
There would be no judgment if anyone stopped and had a rest, which I have done. Most of us wouldn't even notice because we are often encouraged to close our eyes and focus on our own experience. Learning to be comfortable and relax in your body is a big part of it.

Gym yoga is very different and that sounds more like you're describing.

i'm not overweight but my first class was exactly like this. but you might want to try other instructors. mine is always very clear at the start and throughout that this is your practice and your time, whatever that needs to look like for you. she gives lots of variations. i've had a few times when I've gone and after the first 20 minutes, I've just done childs pose for the rest of the class or very simple poses due to injury or just mental issues.

I’m not a yoga person but another vote for looking up Jessamyn Stanley, she’s an inspiration

I'm going to take a slightly different view to lots of people here. When my fitness was through the floor I tried a "yoga for chronic fatigue" video. It was awful for me. Turns out I had medical conditions that made kneeling down agony and no amount of repetition was going to change that. Also my body is fat and whilst the amazing Tiffany Crow on Instagram shows how yoga can be for everyone with lots of modifications using blocks and other equipment, I've never met a yoga teacher in real life who offered anything like that, not at hot yoga or Vinyasa classes even when it would be most helpful. So it is not that yoga isn't for you. It's more than you might need a level of instruction and modification that you aren't getting. In the end I started with Tai Chi Chuan, which requires no fitness, and built up from there. I also love Pilates.
Of course yes, new things can feel hard, keep going and it will get easier. All you have to do is turn up, anything else is extra.

I sweat loads in some yoga classes! Don't worry about that at all.

Like others, I think that the difficulties you had were all to do with being a first-timer, not weight.

A few things might have made your difficulties worse. Firstly the instructor - was s/he pitching it too hard for a beginner-friendly class? Did he/she make it absolutely plain that every one should work with self-compassion, at the level they happen to be, and listen to their body if some things were too hard?

Often they say something like "Anytime you need a rest, go into child's pose." You should feel confident in asking for advice about these sorts of options.

Also, you may have made things too hard on yourself. Perhaps you were pushing yourself too hard, or perhaps your nerves tightened and stressed your body. They often say to use your breath as a guide: If you are holding yyour breathe at any point, or your breathing is stressed, it's time to scale back your effort a bit.

Yoga isn't about a destination (getting into the correct positions). It's about the journey -- learning to introspect your body and take it to the comfortable edges of its accustomed movements (or, rather, a teensy tiny shade beyond that point).

I think of you are used to cardio, yoga can be a shock. Especially as it is often characterises as "easy" and it defintiely isn't. You will be accessing and using muscles you haven't used and thought about. Also it can be vert humbling, most exercose classes are all about how you will get there if you try harder - with yoga you will get to know your body, all bodies are different and some poses are not available to you no matter how slim and fit you are, but only practice will allow you to learn that.

Your instructor should have made it clear that child's pose is always available to you through out the class, no need to be embarrassed if yiu need a rest. I have been in classes where people have spent a lot of the class just in child's pose.

I have been practicing yoga for years and there are atill classes where I sweat buckets or wake up thw next day aching all over.

Finally as others have said try a few classes as there are different styles of yoga and you need to find the right one for you. Vinyasa is popular as it is more dynamic but it may be too much for you right now something like Yin yoga might be better to start with.

But do persevere, no one is too fat for yoga and it should not be the preserve of the very skinny and very fit. The benefits for your physical and mental health are amazing.

Some beginners classes are not for beginners and that's on the teacher. Maybe try another class as yoga is suited for everyone. Hatha will be slower, yin very chilled. if you go to vinyasa or ashtanga then it's a workout and fast.
to help your body I'd suggest double matting, lay one mat on top of another. If that's not possible with the amount of mats at the studio. Take a blanket. Fold it up and place under the knees for any kneeling/on all fours variations. Have a yoga brick to sit on for seated postures as that will be kinder to hips and knees. You need your knees below your hips for comfort when seated. A good hatha/scravelli/iyengar yoga class will have lots of props to help aid you and teach you how to use them properly.

Similar OP, and I started at home using YT videos. Yoga with Adrienne is fab, free and she does bite size guides on how to get into some of the most used positions. There are others as well on YT, just have a scroll. By the time I then paid for a class I felt a bit more confident.

Yes, persevere and well done you for going. It will get easier and do you good.

I have done yoga for almost 30 years now (yikes!) in my twenties i was thin as a stick and i was able to do all the tricky poses. Then i had kids, life overwhelmed me, i stopped yoga and became obese (bmi 34)… when i decided to return to yoga i really struggled with my body shape: my belly was getting in the way of my bending poses, i couldnt twist as well and i just couldn’t do inversions any more: i was too heavy and had lost all my muscles… i persevered with “soft” and relaxing yoga classes which were good for keeping me moving (better than staying on sofa) and good for mobility and balance. People in these classes were perhaps slimmer than me but had various pains etc that prevented them to do a more challenging type of yoga. Then thru diet, exercise and i’ll admit WLI, i lost 3.5 stones. But i did not lose it straight away. After losing my first stome i joined a hot yoga and pilate studio. The classes were super challenging, i felt i was the only fatty one. And i was dying after each class. My first class i had to get out because i thought i was going to puke, it was so hard… but I kept at it. I soon realised i wasnt the only obese one and that little by little i was getting better at it. It is really motivating to witness progress week after week. Of course i lost lots of weight over the course of one year. I am still overweight and one of the “cuddly” ones at this particular studio! But i dont care. Like the others, i only wear a bra and my 3/4 leggings now and let my rolls breathe during class! The other cuddly ones have long tshirts. I am older as well (50yo) and actually i hope that by being at ease with my “cuddliness” and belly rolls, i am showing younger women that they dont have to feel pressured into thinness. With every class i am gaining strength and doing good to my body. I am no longer trying to lose weight. I feel great and “i” think i look great! I am working on being able to do press-ups and i also want to be able to do a head stand at some point, like when i was in my 20s! If you like yoga, just go for it. Everyone is focused on themselves in the class anyway. You are only competing with yourself, and you dont have to do that. You can just enjoy caring for your body through movement. Have fun!

My friends and amazing yoga teacher. Older lady who's probably an 18.
Try a different class or book some 1:1 classes. Iv found leisure centre classes can have more of a mixed vibe.

I let one yoga class put me off for life qnd I wish I hadnt. Iv a friend who's older lady and size 18 and she is anazing yoga teaxher. She has really helped me

Go for it, this is about you and your process and I admire anyone trying to improve themselves and their wellbeing especially when you can feel judged and self conscious- you are brilliant to have gone. I'd bet that the other people in the class feel similar to me and think good for you, but if they don't, what do they want, bigger less fit people to lock themselves away and do nothing about it - that's ridiculous, judgey and cold so anyone thinking like that deserves to be ignored!!! I am a sweaty person when exercising, I swear it's because I have super thick hair 😂 not because I am 2 stone overweight!!! sometimes I spiral about it like if I'm at line dancing or something that other people don't appear to be sweating but then the anxiety just makes it worse for me and I get in a state so this year I am just letting it go and focusing on my own needs and my own process and getting fitter. I do a lot at home though just because it suits me, would doing the odd YouTube yoga be an option for you to build up quickly?

@ReadingSoManyThreads
I do Pilates and Yoga and, in my experience, Pilates is a little bit tougher on the body.
I do Fitness Pilates and Fitness Yoga so both are definitely a workout!
When I was phasing myself back into exercise after a short illness, my instructor recommended starting back with Yoga.

Another voice to say stick with it!

Yoga is hard! I often come away a little bit achey and tired - my god do I sleep well that night! There are basic that I still can’t do despite doing it for a year. I also get sweaty but then, I’m also menopausal so anything makes me sweat!

Go back, focus on your mat and your movement.

if you have to provide your own equipment, I say get some yoga blocks and then ask your yogi how to use them to support your movements.

I’m a big lass too - my belly and boobs prevent me doing some poses the same as others but your poses are yours! Enjoy them and watch yourself get fitter and stronger.

I think yoga has this reputation of being relaxing and gentle but it's hard! Holding your body weight in different moves is tough and it requires a lot of coordination. I know I can't do some moves (hi crow pose) so I take the opportunity to rest in child's pose and join back in.

You've had a couple of great accounts recommended, I'd add "Lucy b yoga" on Instagram too. She's got a great attitude to fitness.

Don't stop! Yoga will make you strong and flexible but most of all help you work on your self acceptance. Weight is irrelevant in yoga, it's your time for you - try to let the negative thoughts pass you by. I second the suggestions to tell the teacher you might need to lie on the mat but you don't even need to tell her. Lots of people do this, me included. When I met my partner we were both very fit and I took him to a yoga class. He thought it would be some nice easy stretching and we would go to do some 'real exercise' later. I rolled my eyes inwardly as I'd been to that class before. Ten minutes later he was drenched in sweat whimpering like a puppy on the mat. Keep going at your own pace, enjoy it - you are doing fantastic things for yourself.

Keep going! The teacher should offer rests if people are struggling. You can always sit it out for a bit... just take Savasana on the floor until you feel able to join in.

WELL DONE YOU!!!!