I know, that sounds really silly huh. But I really want to get into yoga and have a sustained practice. I tried one class and really hurt my shoulder and it took a good two months for the pain to go away. It's hard when you're carrying too much weight on your frame and the muscles aren't strong enough.
When that injury happened, I told my friends- fat girls need to stay in water aerobics class! and I am diligently going to aqua fitness and can tell that my muscles are getting stronger. slowly.. I'm also suffering my way through pilates and gentle weight training. I gotta start somewhere.
I googled yoga for obese people in my area, but it's for people way worse off than me. Like they just sit in a chair.
I want to keep at it and be a success story down the road. but for now it's really, really hard being the biggest person in the room and not being able to get into many of the positions and being extremely cautious of injuries. I wish I had the budget for one-on-one instruction, but I truly do not as of yet.
Just thought I'd stick my neck out there and share. thanks
Replies
Do your practise Dovima and all is coming :0)
Hi Dovima,
Thank you for sharing. Just keep going but always, always listen to your body. Yoga is not meant to be painful and if a pose is not for you then just slowly come out of it. I lost a lot of weight on 80/10/10 and believe me skinny people can hurt themselves too if they push too hard. I have a slipped disc and am always wary of foreward bends, my arms are pretty weak, my sister is otherwise very fit but finds hip-opening moves painful. Every person's body is different. Just go to the class and enjoy the peace and enjoy feeling as though your body is slowly getting more supple but be aware at all times how your body feels. I am sure you are not constantly conscious of every other person in the room, just as they will be concentrating on their own bodies and not on yours. Yoga is definitely not competitive.
You really will be a success story - depending on your view of "success" - but my view would be someone who is at peace with themselves and the world and who is making a conscious effort every day to improve their health and well-being. You sound like you are already a success!
I've taught many heavy yoga students. I know that they all had to deal with their egos a lot. Everyone has some area of self consciousness. I know you are probably super conscious of your weight. But if everyone is really practicing with full focus, they won't even notice you.
Please keep going. Consider this just one more challenging part of yoga. Things will change. You will begin to accept yourself. Namaste!