Can people who are overweight do yoga?

Question

I've heard from many people yoga is good for losing weight and also just good for the body as well. Now, i am overweight and would like to give it a try but is all yoga intense or is there a good way to start and I dont want to go to a class just yet. Any info greatly appreciated. thanks.

Answer 1

Oh yeah! Yoga works even for people who are overweight like me. I lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks doing yoga 3 x week and eating sensibly. You can modify every yoga pose to what your body can do. If a yoga pose it too challenging, just do what you can and you will really see an improvement in your body, mind and in your poses! You don't have to do any of them perfectly to get the benefits. Here is a cool website to try. There are some poses to try at home to see how you feel.

You can start with this beginner's routine:
Sun salutation
remember, you don't have to do the forward bend perfectly, just do the best you can. It really feels great to get stretched out. Good luck!

Answer 2

Yes, you can "do" yoga from any weight, obviously some poses may be better than others (if all your weights in, say, your butt, a plow position may put too much strain on your back and should probably be worked into slowly - over a period of months).

If you're intent on the DIY approach, there are a number of books and dvds (beginners frequently find DVDs better because they can pace their activity by the presnter) Don't judge the DVD by the number of programs on it, fewer is fine if you'll do at least one series with regularity. Books have the benefit of letting you actually hold a pose longer if you like but you have to read some, practice some, read some more, etc, at least the first time through and that can be an impediment to more practice.

I would recommend classes though. A good yoga teacher is incredibly helpful and they know, well, they're not magic if you just show up for class a bit early and explain what your goals and issues are a good teacher will give you as personalized instruction as the class size will allow. I do not know how to find a good teacher, though, but if you feel like the class is just too big, the teacher's trying to go too fast, anything, just go find a different teacher.

One thing you'll get from a class that you can never get from either a book, the web or a DVD and that is some grasp of the range of *real* people. Instructors have, typically, really large range of motion and they make things look easy. Once you see somebody in your class that has the same difficulty you do you'll feel better about where you are (it's not supposed to be a competition but if all you have to go on is a dvd with a super-flexible instructor, how would you possibly know what is close enough for a first effort?). If you go the book or DVD route, just remember - stretching the muscles is ok, joint pain is bad.

Good luck.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

there is beginners level of yoga--you may not be able to do everything at first, but a good instructor will know that and take time with you. If you can tolerate it,also try walking, it is a good all around exercise--you probably won't be able to do a brisk walk at first, but as the weight comes off you'll find you are naturally walking faster anyway. When walking gradually increase the length you walk, not making it real long in the beginning, when I had to start walking my first 3 weeks were at 2 miles a day--1 mi. there and then back---but I started with a longer walk because I was use to being on my feet and walking around alot. Now I can walk 5 mi. without even thinking about it and am still not tired when I get home---I still have weight issues but it has to do with a messed up thyroid and nothing else. Good luck.

Answer 5

Genuine Yoga is good for all body types. I suggest you find a class that teaches the real thing. They say that a person who is not in shape will get the same benefits from yoga as the person who can twist into a pretzel Yoga is gentle, relaxing, and invigorating when done properly even if you are a beginner.

Answer 6

Yes you can do it. It might be difficult if you are not flexible, which a lot of average weight people are not. But, like with any activity you do it to the best of your ability.
There are great DVDs out there on yoga. Just look for beginners yoga tapes and google info about yoga techniques.

Answer 7

Yoga can be adapted to suit every body. There are many different styles and many different types of instructors. Read class descriptions and always ask for instructor approval before committing to a class. You go girl and good luck.

Answer 8

Yeah, Why not?? Yoga does not discriminate only ignorant people do. You'll lose plenty of weight, just keep it up.....
Light yoga at first, till your body gets used to it..
Good Luck!

Answer 9

Yoga is excellent exercise, try going to a yoga studio close to you and see if you can get some one on one instruction on some basics. It's really great exercise and it can be adapted to anyone of any size, age, fitness level. Good luck.

Answer 10

Stretching is great for anyone. You still need vigorous exercise and reduce calorie intake.

There are a few yoga 'moves' that aren't good for you. The headstand puts way too much pressure on your neck vertebrae and might injure your neck. Avoid things like that.