Starting to practice yoga can be a little intimidating for anyone, but if you’re bigger bodied it can be even more of a challenge. However, yoga offers some fantastic benefits, and here we’ll explore some pro tips to help get you started.
Understand the Benefits
The first pro tip is to understand what yoga has to offer. While any physical activity can help to improve your general health and mobility, yoga improves flexibility, decreases stress and can help to increase muscle strength and tone. Since overweight people often have difficulty with joint pain, yoga classes can help to improve your body alignment to reduce joint strain. Yoga can also help to develop your balance, improve your physical fitness and boost your mood.
Seek Out a Qualified Teacher
To avoid injury and obtain the most benefit from yoga in Melbourne residents should seek out a qualified teacher. Even if you can’t find a teacher trained in yoga adaptations for larger students, a beginner’s gentle level class will be a fantastic resource. Qualified teachers are trained to work with people with different body types and differing levels. If you have limited mobility, look for a teacher who can assist you with chair yoga.
Look For the Right Class
Specialist classes for the bigger bodied are becoming more popular, so try to look for a class that suits your requirements. You need to feel comfortable in your class, so check out the atmosphere, to get the best from the experience. If there is no specialist class available, consider Kripalu, Integral, Viniyoga or Hatha practices. Speak to your teacher before you contemplate a first class, so you can check that you feel comfortable and the teacher can offer modifications or props as needed.
Consider One to One Sessions
For many people, the prospect of even a small class can be daunting, so consider one to one sessions to get you familiar with the process. Private classes can be an excellent way to learn the basic poses to gain confidence with effectively using props before you join a group practice. Gaining knowledge about yoga will help you to feel more at ease and ready to tackle a larger class.
Think About Combining Yoga and Weight Loss Methods
If your main aim is to lose weight and feel more comfortable, you’ll need to think about combining yoga with weight loss methods. Although there are more effective forms of exercise to lose weight, yoga can help you feel better. Ideally, you should combine your yoga practices with restricting your caloric intake and taking regular exercise. Exercises that raise your heart rate will be most effective for weight loss, but practicing yoga regularly will help to improve your flexibility and help you to tackle more exercise. Regardless of other weight loss methods you choose, yoga should be an integral part of your overall wellness routine.
If you’re thinking about taking up yoga, Melbourne residents should speak to us. We specialize in yoga and pilates in Melbourne and bigger bodied people will find a class to suit them. You’ll also find the Kaya Health team ready to answer any queries to help you to choose the best class for you.