Fat Yogis

Loafer · 10-05-2005, 12:42 PM

Hi Everyone,

Its my first time here, but i am not new to Yoga. I have been practicing for a long time, about 6 years now. I have achieved many great things with the help of yoga however i am still struggling with my weight.

In the peak of my training when i was very disciplined i managed to lose about 30 lbs and was in incredible shape. At the current moment I am about 215 lbs - 5'10" Male - kinda muscular-ish build. I have tried alot to lose the weight again, but its really tough. I do a fair amount excercise, like jump rope, jogging etc. I also practice hot yoga one day a week (yes, i know not enuf) but i am also very flexible and can do come crazy asanas like King Pigeon, Full Lotus etc.

I am wondering what you all think about over weight Yogis. I mean, I can kick but in most Yoga classes. Granted Ashtanga Vinyasa Yogi's put me to shame, but im no slouch either (and i realise its not a contest). Last summer I did a 500 hour Teacher Training progam but never followed through with teaching partly b.c most Yogis are paper thin and I always felt i would have no credibility as an overwieght yogi.

So with all that said, what do you think. Can yogis be faties also?

cannavaro · 10-08-2005, 05:44 AM

I suppose so.

Yoga doesnt burn a particularly big amount of calories so if you are eating too much and/or not being generally active enough to achieve a negative energy balance then you will not lose weight- fact.

There is no particular reason why yogis should be thin but im sure it cant be helpful for certain poses? The other thing is a lot of yogis probably eat a very good diet and are quite outdoorsy anyway so they are likely to be a good weight anyway.

New Yogi Girl · 10-25-2005, 12:44 PM

I'm pretty new to yoga (3 months); but isn't the theory behind yoga to be accepting of everyone and especially yourself?

I do love yoga but also know that I have miles to go to be able to do all the asanas but I keep going to practice....I'm up to 4 times a week and probably going to add more. There are times in class when I feel inferior, whether it be my age, my lack of ability, my body, etc. etc. (and yes I know that's really not the point) but I have to believe and tell myself that yoga is accepting of all and that is the point.

Chandra · 11-07-2005, 06:49 PM

Weight may be reflecting an increase in Kapha Dosha. Please do a search of this web site for more information. Recommened practice is to build up to 20 minutes of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) done continuously. Gradually you can increase your speed and endurance. Mukunda has recommended a book written by one of his students. You can find info at:
http://www.peacefulweightloss.com/index.php/home/

Accepting who we are is not complacency, but is embodiment of our highest potential through choices which lead us in the direction we wish to go.

Namaste,
Chandra

10-05-2005, 12:42 PM	#1
Loafer Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 4	Fat Yogis Hi Everyone, Its my first time here, but i am not new to Yoga. I have been practicing for a long time, about 6 years now. I have achieved many great things with the help of yoga however i am still struggling with my weight. In the peak of my training when i was very disciplined i managed to lose about 30 lbs and was in incredible shape. At the current moment I am about 215 lbs - 5'10" Male - kinda muscular-ish build. I have tried alot to lose the weight again, but its really tough. I do a fair amount excercise, like jump rope, jogging etc. I also practice hot yoga one day a week (yes, i know not enuf) but i am also very flexible and can do come crazy asanas like King Pigeon, Full Lotus etc. I am wondering what you all think about over weight Yogis. I mean, I can kick but in most Yoga classes. Granted Ashtanga Vinyasa Yogi's put me to shame, but im no slouch either (and i realise its not a contest). Last summer I did a 500 hour Teacher Training progam but never followed through with teaching partly b.c most Yogis are paper thin and I always felt i would have no credibility as an overwieght yogi. So with all that said, what do you think. Can yogis be faties also?

10-25-2005, 12:44 PM	#3
New Yogi Girl Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1	Yoga Culture I'm pretty new to yoga (3 months); but isn't the theory behind yoga to be accepting of everyone and especially yourself? I do love yoga but also know that I have miles to go to be able to do all the asanas but I keep going to practice....I'm up to 4 times a week and probably going to add more. There are times in class when I feel inferior, whether it be my age, my lack of ability, my body, etc. etc. (and yes I know that's really not the point) but I have to believe and tell myself that yoga is accepting of all and that is the point.

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10-08-2005, 05:44 AM	#2
cannavaro Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3	I suppose so. Yoga doesnt burn a particularly big amount of calories so if you are eating too much and/or not being generally active enough to achieve a negative energy balance then you will not lose weight- fact. There is no particular reason why yogis should be thin but im sure it cant be helpful for certain poses? The other thing is a lot of yogis probably eat a very good diet and are quite outdoorsy anyway so they are likely to be a good weight anyway.

11-07-2005, 06:49 PM	#4
Chandra Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 243	Weight may be reflecting an increase in Kapha Dosha. Please do a search of this web site for more information. Recommened practice is to build up to 20 minutes of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) done continuously. Gradually you can increase your speed and endurance. Mukunda has recommended a book written by one of his students. You can find info at: http://www.peacefulweightloss.com/index.php/home/ Accepting who we are is not complacency, but is embodiment of our highest potential through choices which lead us in the direction we wish to go. Namaste, Chandra