Are you creating space for your curvy students?
Regular yoga practice has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and increased body satisfaction. Embracing one’s body in a yoga practice can extend beyond the mat and positively impact various aspects of life. Read on for ways for to create space for curvy yogis.
1. Create Space
We all know that yoga is meant to be practice that promotes physical and mental well-being, fostering a sense of peace and self-awareness. However, for someone in a larger body, entering a traditional yoga space can often feel intimidating; resulting in many curvy individuals feeling uncomfortable and judged in mainstream yoga classes. The practice of yoga has long been associated with straight size and flexible bodies, excluding individuals who do not fit into that mold. Recently we have seen a movement towards body acceptance challenging traditional standards regarding the perception of health and leading to the creation of spaces that cater specifically to curvy yogis.
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2. Provide Education
Educating teachers about body diversity ensures that the studio becomes a welcoming and inclusive space for all who enter to feel safe and comfortable. By training instructors to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment, curvy yogis can feel accepted and encouraged to explore their practice without fear of prejudice. Teachers can learn to use language that avoids unintentional body shaming or assumptions about a person’s abilities based on appearance. Understanding body diversity enables teachers to offer more personalized variations and adjustments to plus-sized students, making yoga more accessible. Addressing body diversity challenges stereotypes and biases associated with certain body types, promoting a more inclusive and accepting community.
3. Offer Curvy Classes
It’s not enough to describe a class as “all levels”. Dedicated plus-size yoga classes provide a safe space where individuals can practice alongside peers and share similar experiences. These classes often focus on adapting poses to accommodate larger bodies, promoting variations that suit diverse abilities. By tailoring classes to meet the needs of plus-size yogis, confidence and comfort can be fostered, allowing them to reap the benefits of yoga without feeling self-conscious. This also helps to break down barriers that still exist, and even persist, in our community today.
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4. Provide Props
Offering a wide range of props that cater to different body sizes is essential in creating an inclusive space. Larger yoga mats, sturdy blocks, and supportive bolsters can help plus-size yogis feel physically supported and at ease during their practice. Props contribute to building body-affirming narratives by showing that everyone deserves equal access to resources. They also assist in deepening stretches and maintaining poses for longer periods, allowing students to experience the benefits of each posture safely and comfortably.
5. Sell Merch That Fits
Find a vendor that sells true to size products. It is important for yoga studios to offer plus size clothing not only to promote a welcoming environment but a sense of community as well. Offering options reflects a commitment to body acceptance and encourages individuals of all sizes to engage without feeling excluded or self-conscious.
6. Promote Body Affirmation
Creating an atmosphere that promotes body affirmation is crucial for fostering inclusivity. By reframing the narrative around yoga and body image, we can celebrate the diversity of bodies and challenge societal standards. Encouraging positive language, mindfulness, and self-acceptance within the yoga community can empower curvy yogis to embrace their bodies and feel confident, validated, and empowered. A positive body image reduces the anxiety and pressure associated with body image concerns, allowing for a more mindful and fulfilling practice. Additionally, a positive environment encourages students to stick with their practice, leading to long term physical and mental health benefits. It is time to normalize all body types.
Improve, Embrace, Evolve
By actively promoting inclusivity within the yoga community, several positive outcomes can be achieved. Inclusive yoga spaces provide opportunities for curvy individuals to gain flexibility and build strength. As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to create environments that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their body size, and empower them to embark on their yoga journey with confidence, self-love, and authenticity. Incorporating body affirming practices into the yoga studio culture not only enhances the students’ experience but also aligns with the core principles of yoga.
Thoughts?
I hope this has given you some food for thought. What are your thoughts on ways to create space for curvy yogis? Let me know on Instagram!