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too fat to do yoga?

17 replies

feelingmellow · 22/10/2014 16:54

I'm obese and go to the gym a few times a week. I mainly use the treadmill, rowing machine and stationary cycle. I have a chronic shoulder injury so can't use weights.

I'm not very supple and tempted to join a class like yoga or pilates but think I'm too overweight to be able to join in successfully. Any advice?

OP posts:
Mitchy1nge · 22/10/2014 16:58

tell the yoga instructor about your shoulder and they will help you modify the poses accordingly

batman knows what he's talking about . . .

too fat to do yoga?
feelingmellow · 22/10/2014 17:06

Thanks mitchy
But what about being overweight? I don't think I'd be able to contort my body into the positions very easily

OP posts:
CoteDAzur · 22/10/2014 17:11

Watch this video. Guaranteed to inspire Smile

Mitchy1nge · 22/10/2014 17:15

honestly, anyone can do yoga, you will (hopefully) be pleasantly surprised!

there are some super lean and fit people at my yoga studio who are terribly inflexible for various reasons and they work up to their own 'edge', everyone does things slightly differently in a class, there will be some positions you find easier than others

yoga has a weird way of helping people lose weight longer term, something (allegedly) to do with eating more mindfully once you do it regularly (because it's not really a calorie torcher even the power stuff, even hot yoga) for example

let us know how it goes, you might prefer pilates which can be a lot of mat work lying down but tougher in its way I think

maybemyrtle · 22/10/2014 17:18

Give it a go. The whole point of yoga (for me anyway) is that it's non-competitive. Do what you can, and that would apply whatever your experience level/age/size - nobody in my class, including the teacher, can do everything.

I read [http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/oct/11/fat-girls-do-yoga-too this article]] a few weeks ago which may be of interest.

CoteDAzur · 22/10/2014 17:19

Yoga does help you lose weight. It may look like it's not cardio, but it is - keeps heart rate at the fat burning zone (~ 120 or so for me). Also, it definitely builds muscle which increases your metabolic rate.

maybemyrtle · 22/10/2014 17:19

link fail! www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/oct/11/fat-girls-do-yoga-too

Mitchy1nge · 22/10/2014 17:22

fucking hell

I CRIED along to fucking COLDPLAY thanks for that

Scarletohello · 22/10/2014 17:29

It depends on what you want to achieve. I find pilates easier as it I'd lying down mainly, v effective for core strength . I have a big bust and struggle with some of the yoga positions. You could try a gentle or beginners yoga class and def tell the teacher who should be able to accommodate your restrictions.

Patienceisapparentlyavirtue · 22/10/2014 17:29

You absolutely can do it! It may well be that you surprise yourself.

I'm training to be a yoga teacher and hoping to specialise in non-traditional groups - so often yoga doesn't reach the people who it could benefit the most, because it seems like it's 'not for people like me' or simply because of cost.

If you do a google search for 'fat yoga' (that's the phrase chosen by the people leading it!), you'll find a ton of inspirational material and images to show people likely to be much bigger or less fit than you, just rocking a crane pose Smile

However - I'd also be honest and say that you ARE likely to encounter some different challenges than, for example, a skinny ex-dancer. Your injury as well as your body shape will make some poses harder work than for others in the class (but don't worry, everyone has something they find tricky - and what you might lose in the bends, you could gain in the balances). Your existing fitness will certainly help, but do be aware that it can make for really tight muscles in some people, especially if you've never done much flexibility-related exercise, so don't expect to bend like a pretzel in the first month (or 5)! The final challenge is sometimes just in showing up and feeling comfortable when classes often are full of the lululemon stereotype. I'd suggest working out a yoga outfit you really like so you can feel comfortable - whatever you wear for the gym is probably great, but if you do choose leggings make sure they have decent coverage, as some brands go see through during downward dog Confused, and if you are at all self conscious about your stomach, a top that won't fall down to your ears when you bend forward for a sun salute, plenty of us have felt that awkwardness in the early days!

Lastly, for anyone with any health issues, I'd always suggest trying to find the right teacher. A good teacher will be able to tailor classes to suggest alternatives when the overall routine won't suit your shoulder injury or your physique (and not just for you, but for anyone who has a sore hand, or tight hamstrings etc), and will make you feel welcomed at the start of the class, supported throughout and renewed at the end. It may take trying out a few teachers and/or styles before you find the right one for you. It is worth it though, I spent many years thinking yoga wasn't for me, just because I hadn't found the right place. Hope you can find your place!

feelingmellow · 22/10/2014 17:36

Thanks for all your advice everyone. I'll have to get up some courage to give it go. I pay for all the classes in with my membership fee so I can always go for a session or two to see if I like it. It took me several years before I dared go to the gym because I thought I was too fat and unfit-but now I don't give a toss and nobody looks at me anyway.

OP posts:
Scarletohello · 22/10/2014 17:51

Good for you! Onwards and upwards...Smile

Mitchy1nge · 22/10/2014 18:17

I hope you like it, let us know how you get on?

OhMrGove · 22/10/2014 20:16

If you can, try bikram yoga.

It is the most brilliant thing in the world; very hot (around 40 degrees) and 90 minutes per class but the results are incredible if you go a couple of times a week. It's improved my figure, mind, general well-being.

Plus, although it is intense, the instructor makes it quite clear that you can sit down through a class if it becomes too much, while you get used to the heat. There are quite a few larger ladies/men who come to the studio I use; it's very welcoming for all sizes and you burn a lot more calories and see far greater effects than other types of yoga.

CoteDAzur · 22/10/2014 20:27

I've never understood why exercising in hellish heat is supposed to be a good thing.

Sure, you will lose a lot of water. And you will suffer. Not sure why it would be healthy or good for the body.

Mitchy1nge · 22/10/2014 20:41

it helps me yield into the postures better, and I enjoy the heat, but in terms of calories burned (as far as I can guesstimate using Garmin hrm) it's no better than vinyasa yoga at a cooler temperature

I still love it though

Patienceisapparentlyavirtue · 22/10/2014 21:55

Just another thought - I really wouldn't recommend bikram to someone new to yoga and on the heavier side, unless they are extremely fit already and/or until they've checked in with their doctor.

Heart that is already working harder than average + exertion of a new activity (plus the fairly aggressive sequences vs say a beginners iyengar class) + sweltering heat = recipe for problems, to me.

I'd start relaxed and then take your pick!

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