Does anyone here do yoga? (Especially if you're overweight...)
 

I saw the great thread that somebody started about weight loss, and I've been wanting to ask this question for a while. I am overweight (by quite a bit...unfortunately when you're under 5' tall as I am, any little weight gain is a big problem). Does anyone here who is overweight take yoga classes? There's a place very close to me that offers beginner yoga, and I would love to try it. As I'm getting older, I can feel my muscles getting stiffer, and I thought yoga might really help. To be honest, I'd be so embarrassed if I showed up and was twice the size of anybody else in the room, and I don't know how the yoga teacher would feel about it....

Am I just being paranoid?!

I do not think you're being paranoid. I believe your concerns are valid. I have done yoga for several years and I am overweight with back and wrist issues. Yoga can be great for anyone even if you are overweight. The main thing is finding a teacher that is experienced and knowledgeable about modifications that you will need to make to do some of the positions. I would visit the studio and find some time to speak with the instructor. Let the instructor know what your concerns are, what your goals are and the general condition of your health. The answers will let you know if this is going to be an accepting and safe place for you to practice.

I believe that yoga is good for everyone but be sure to go into it with your eyes open. Just remember (and the instructor should emphasize this): Yoga should NEVER hurt. If you feel any pain during a position you must come out of it and modify it. You might feel sore after your first few sessions but you should not feel any pain during. Definitely try it out and see how you like it. It is very addicting. :)

My DH and I actually enjoy the many yoga programs that are available both on the internet and cable TV....that way no one has to see. I'm not that overweight, but I too am embarrassed.

Like you, I am overweight and very inflexible. A couple of years ago I was at a conference for people with weight/health issues and took a chair yoga class. There were people doing it who were in wheelchairs! This year, during physical therapy for a hip/back problem, I discovered yin yoga. It is a method of yoga where you go into a position and hold it for 3-5 minutes. It really works on letting go of the tightness in your joints and tissues. It has really helped me. I live in a rural area and going to classes would mean a lot of driving, so I'm using the internet. Check out Ester Eckhart on YouTube, Sarah Power's book "Insight Yoga", and Bernie Clark's website yinyoga.com. (I'm also fortunate that my massage therapist teaches yoga, including yin, so I do have a professional to ask questions about what I'm doing.) I agree with the suggestion above that you talk with any teacher before you sign up for a class and make sure it is someone who understands your situation and will work to make you comfortable in class.

Thank you, ladies. All of this information is very helpful !

Thanks for posting this - I am in similar situation and want to try yoga - thanks also to those who responded!!

MORE good information on the Quilting Board. I found yin yoga on youtube and will be starting a regimen tomorrow. I've been going to the gym since May and not lost any weight...but continuing to eat donuts might be the cause for that. (ya think?) I've been wanting to do more stretching and this is perfect...post 60 you need to be slow and easy.

I'd even stay with beginner classes. I try to do some moves here at home and goodness, you should have seen me with my hips and legs up in the air!! I used to be able to place my knees on the floor on either side of my head and touch the floor with my toes! not any more! but then, i was happy enough just to be able to try that pose again. my muscles are always tight. stretching is good, so yes, go for it.