One of the most harmful yoga stereotypes that continues to circulate is that overweight people shouldn’t or can’t do it. We’re here to tell you that is 100 percent false. Anyone, regardless of how much they weigh, can take part in yoga if they choose to. You have probably heard many of the myths about why plus-sized people shouldn’t try yoga, but today we will debunk those once and for all because we believe and we know that yoga is for everyone.

For overweight people, getting into yoga has been one of the most intimidating experiences around. It has been a skinny-person’s pastime for years now and there have been reports of students and even teachers at certain yoga studios fat-shaming overweight people who wanted to even give it a try.

One way this has been done is by the spreading of myths about overweight people in regards to yoga. It is likely that you have heard at least a few of these and they all have one thing in common – they’re completely and utterly false. That’s right, you don’t have to be skinny to do yoga. In fact, body size doesn’t matter at all. Let’s take a look at some of the common myths floating around and prove why they are wrong.

Overweight people can’t perform the poses

The myth here is that overweight people can’t do certain poses because they weigh too much. This is just silly. At the end of the day, the only reason a person can or cannot perform certain poses is based on training and experience, not weight. With enough practice, anyone can do any pose. That is because a person’s body will build flexibility, stamina and strength over time when they perform yoga.

Let’s think about it another way. If a skinny person who doesn’t exercise and an overweight person who doesn’t exercise start doing yoga at the same time, they will be at the same skill level and require the same amount of time to do certain poses as they build up their flexibility, stamina and strength. If anyone tells you otherwise, they don’t know what they are talking about.

Overweight people aren’t elegant when doing yoga

This has to be one of the most ridiculous myths out there for the simple fact that at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. Doing yoga has nothing to do with how you look. And if other people are looking at other students during a yoga class, they are doing it wrong anyway. Yoga isn’t about elegance, it’s about self realization and finding tranquility. Anyone worried about the other stuff isn’t practicing yoga for the right reasons anyway.

Yoga won’t help you lose weight

There is more to life than what the scale says. While yoga won’t help you shed pounds, it can improve your health and fitness in other ways. Through proper breathing and stretching, you can help reduce your stress and obtain a general feeling of wellbeing. You will also notice physical improvements when you practice yoga including greater strength and improved flexibility which can help, should you wish to try another form of exercise.

You’ll make other people feel uncomfortable when you do yoga

If this is something you believe or something you have heard other people say at your yoga studio, then you have been misinformed. Yoga is a welcoming practice that does not discriminate. Because yoga is an inward-facing practice, you should not be worried about the people around you nor should they be concerned about you. The focus should always be on what you’re doing.

People who believe this myth tend to be superficial and are practicing yoga more to be seen and not for a love of the art. Everyone at a yoga studio should feel comfortable and when people utter hurtful words like these, they are making those who are overweight feel uncomfortable. You should find a place where you feel welcome and comfortable because it is at these studios where superficial issues like weight don’t matter.

We welcome all body types here and would love a chance to show you the benefits of yoga. Get in touch or stop by today and see how yoga can change your life for the better.