What’s the first thing that springs to mind when you think ’yoga’? I’m going to bet it’s a lithe, flexible, thin and sinewy human twisting themself into seemingly impossible eye-watering positions.
Enough to put you off going anywhere near a yoga studio, right? Well, the good news is it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yoga is a practice that welcomes everyone, regardless of body type, age, or fitness level. And would you believe its primary purpose isn’t actually about being bendy at all? Buckle up for a very quick history lesson….
A Brief History of Yoga Yoga is an ancient practice that dates back over 5,000 years. The earliest references to yoga are found in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts in Indian history.
Originally, yoga was not about achieving physical flexibility. Instead, it was a spiritual discipline focused on achieving mental clarity, self-awareness, and inner peace. The physical postures (asanas) we associate with yoga today were developed much later, primarily to prepare the body for prolonged meditation. Yep - that’s right. The primary focus of training the body was actually so that you could train the mind!
So when you see it from this historical context, we could consider that yoga is truly about harmonising the mind, body, and spirit, making it accessible and beneficial for everyone.
Yoga for All Body Types If you find the right class, yoga is incredibly adaptable. No matter your size or shape, there’s a yoga practice that can work for you:
Props and Modifications: Blocks, straps, and blankets can make poses accessible. Whether you’re a beginner or dealing with physical limitations, these tools help you find comfort and stability.
Chair Yoga: Perfect for those who have trouble getting down to the floor or standing for long periods. Chair yoga offers the benefits of traditional yoga while being gentle on the body.
Inclusive Classes: Look for classes that cater to all levels and abilities. One of my biggest motivations behind creating Real Life Yoga was to build a welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable and supported.
Classes just for Beginners: There are classes aimed specifically at those in the very early stages of their yoga journey; here you can focus completely on your own practice in a space where everyone is starting from the same point of un-bendyness!
Physical and Mental Health Benefits Yoga is not just about physical flexibility; yoga offers a whole heap of benefits for both body and mind:
Improved Flexibility and Strength: Regular practice helps increase flexibility and build muscle strength, which is beneficial for overall physical health.
Mental Clarity and Stress Relief: Yoga promotes mindfulness and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. The combination of breathwork and movement can be incredibly calming.
Better Balance and Coordination: Yoga improves proprioception (the sense of how your body moves in space), which can enhance balance and coordination.
Getting Started with Yoga Starting yoga doesn’t require any special skills or prior experience:
Start Slow: Begin with gentle classes and gradually work your way up. There’s no rush. It’s not about trying to achieve complex poses you see on Instagram; you start from where you are, and get to where YOU need to be.
Listen to Your Body: Yoga is a personal journey. Pay attention to how your body feels and modify poses as needed. Every day, every practice, every pose, dagnammit even every breath is different and that’s ok!
Community and Support: Joining a supportive community can make a big difference. Our classes in Stroud are designed to be inclusive and supportive, making it easier for beginners to feel at ease.
So have I convinced you yet? Yoga is truly for every body. It’s a versatile practice that can be adapted to meet your needs, regardless of your physical condition or experience level. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Find a teacher who knows where you’re starting from, a class where you’re part of a super supportive gang, and take the first step today and experience the transformative power of yoga for yourself.