Check this out; it’s been awhile since we spoke about health and wellness on this blog, yeah? I had some stuff to figure out for myself about how I felt about my body, the way it’s told to exist in the world and all that. I didn’t want to continue to burden anyone here with more unlearned lessons about health. But today, I’m back to share something that matters.
Fat Yoga by Sarah Harry.
I requested a copy of this book for review. Yoga has always been something that interested me, in Uni the girls and I used to meet in one of our lounge rooms and bend and stretch to Geri Yoga a few nights a week. Usually followed by dinner and drinks. Spice Girls fans might remember it, most people won’t. Anyway, for better or worse that was my entire experience with Yoga.
But thank goodness for this book. If you’re interested, curious, and want to start at home, this could be for you. If you’re all those things and fat too, well it’s definitely for you. You see, most videos, books and even the YouTube clips focus on small bodies. Knowing how to handle a large body in these positions safely is not only helpful but will go a long way to ensuring that you don’t hurt yourself.
Because yes, that matters.
Remember when I spoke about the pitfalls of plus size women starting out running? This book is like that. But with pictures to guide you through positioning your body in each pose and getting the most out of it. Because I don’t know about you, but even some of the most basic poses just don’t work with a serious amount of boob and belly in the way. Child’s pose? Ummm, yeah, right.
There are a few chapters, really easy reading, introducing you to ways to get in touch with your body, why body positivity matters and all that jazz we love to discuss here. Then, what Sarah does is give you the run down step by step to set up your practice and walk you through, in photos, all you could need to know.
The best part for me is that Sarah does this in Fat Yoga without judgment or an assumption that you’ll ever be smaller. It’s a refreshing change from all the conversation promising (demanding?) instant weight loss and lean muscle definition. Sarah just states it as it is, only referencing changes in your flexibility and competence with poses. As someone in the conversation for enjoying my body, using it as I will without an aim to force it to be anything, I enjoyed that. I think you will too.
And now, a giveaway.
Good news, team, I’ve put together a little prize bundle! Firstly, I have a copy of Fat Yoga by Sarah Harry (you can buy one online here) to give away. Along with that, thanks to the author, I have a set of body positive affirmation cards. You’re going to love these. For some of you having access to this deck of cards will be a game changer. Change your thoughts one card at a time. I believe that wholeheartedly.
Add to the book and the cards a few goodies from me! Undetermined yet, but well, I’ll make sure they’re something good. I just think wherever possible I’m going to stalk you a little and add something to the package. Like, if you were a new Yoga do’er, maybe I’ll grab you some tights or a top. Who knows, but you get the idea, yeah? Bonus prize! This was so vague, my bad. Haha. It’ll be good. Trust me.
Want to win??
Leave a comment below sharing how Yoga (or moving your body) has or could make a difference to you living your biggest, best life! Dig deep team, for this entry, what you say matters. There’s another chance to win over on Instagram (it’ll require a little less soul-searching), so make sure you check that out. Entries close this coming Friday, the 7th July at 10 am. I’ll announce the winners on the Facebook page and Instagram later that day.
Good luck!
Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
Tracey, I hear you, it’s hard when your body changes so dramatically and there’s nothing you can do about it but go along for the ride. I’m confident that you will find a way back to being comfortable in your skin and that your body, when it’s healed, will return to its happy place. Keep moving, keep loving and don’t give up. x
I have made it my mission to get fit before 40. That gives me 4 years to sort my self out good and proper.
I’ve spent the last 4 years in a post natal depression. In denial. Putting myself last more than a mum of three usually does. The scales climbed up. I soothed my woes with chocolate. I told myself it was ok.
It wasn’t ok. I wasn’t ok.
I found a glimmer of myself one day and grasped it with both hands. I’m determined to get back. I made huge changes to my way of eating and my mental health. Now I need to move my body.
It’s hard to admit that you aren’t/weren’t okay. Congratulations Elle. I really hope that you find a way back to being comfortable in your body. Really at home there. Fan that flame, lady. x
This is an easy one. I took up Yoga when I was working in a job I hated, with horribly abusive bosses and a long commute. I needed a break, mental and physical, and luckily with some good instructors (and a complete change in my job), yoga has become that for me. My Yogi, Roxanna, in particular was always respectful and in awe of my commitment to practice, despite being the only fat attendee in the room, and my commitment to making the moves work for my body. While I no longer practice in a formal setting, I continue to do yoga at home, at my own pace, and I was even recently asked by a fellow fat friend who was worried about her place in yoga, to help her learn to move her body in similar ways. I would love to have this book, particularly to share with her so that she can get the benefits out of Yoga that I have also.
This is the best. Send me your address (email is probably best, melissa@sugercoatit.com), I’m going to order you a copy of the book online and get it delivered so that you and Roxanna can continue to grow together. x
I’ve tried yoga a few times – I think that I could like it a lot and I could certainly use the help for flexibility – I just joined a slow-pitch (baseball) league and it’s really stretching my non-athleticism. So, a little extra would definitely help. I’ve tried a few studios nearby, but they’re just so damn intimidating not just because everyone else seems to be a lot more experienced, but because I always feel judged for not being able to bend in half because my boobs and other fat get in the way.
That has been my experience too. It’s a shame that it happens, but it’s such a common experience for women of all sizes. I hope you found the review helpful. Good luck with your Yoga practice. Don’t give up. x
“But with pictures to guide you through positioning your body in each pose and getting the most out of it. Because I don’t know about you, but even some of the most basic poses just don’t work with a serious amount of boob and belly in the way.”
This, I LOVE this. I desperately want to include yoga as part of my workout routine because AFTER working out and lifting heavy weights, I NEED to stretch my body out, plus with a stuffed back and neck, it could really help me BUT I’ve always struggled to do the poses and moves because of the whole boob and belly issue! It’s BEYOND frustrating, wanting to do something that will help your body but your body actually preventing you from doing it LOL
To know that there is guidance with helping you position your body to get the most out of the pose is BRILLIANT and would be a real game changer for me.
And as with the rest of my working out, I would prefer to do yoga at home, I’m just much more comfortable not doing it in front of others – for now. And it would help me kick off my 2 year journey to be ‘fucking fabulous at forty’….which is now, less than 2 years away *eeeeeeek* (I’m in denial about the whole 40 in less than 2 years thing!).
Thank you for reviewing x
You’re welcome. And Congratulations on being the blog winner! I hope it does all the things you need it to and more. Thanks for your ongoing support here. It’s so appreciated. x
I’ve recently gone back to yoga after injury and a lot of emotional upheaval and I find the lack of understanding from some instructors really disheartening 😔 I love yoga but I find myself stressed and fearful of asking for help in some classes due to the looks and lack of understanding they have about the fact that my body can move if I’m given the right guidance and positioning. I won’t give up on my fitness!! But I would love to be able to confidently adjust myself to get the best out of my body and my classes.
I think this is the hardest part of fat women attending a traditional yoga class. It’s sad. It needs to change. And sure, there would be instructors out there willing to expand their learning to incorporate all sorts of body shapes and sizes. Don’t give up! x
I’ve been curious about this yoga for a little while now. I didn’t realise there was a book, so thank you! I’ll be buying a copy if I don’t win. My aim is to gain some badly needed flexibility and improved posture!
You’re welcome! Make sure you do. It’s been a bit of a god send for those reasons over here.
I did yoga some time ago but found my body wasn’t as slender as others so felt embarrassed when I could only go half the way in some poses….however, it is a brilliant way to relax and bring calm into your life, even if its just for that 45min
It’s amazing how many women experience this, across the board, all sorts of exercise classes and spaces. I’m always surprised to hear how often it comes up. I hope you find a way that works for you to get back into it. x
What a coincedence! I was just looking at Fat Yoga last night. I have a lot of back issues and have been wanting to try yoga for quite some time, but I have been too scared to. I haven’t wanted to be the fat, unflexible, blob in the corner. This looks like a great starting point for so many of us! Thanks for reviewing and sharing with us xx
You’re welcome. As soon as I saw the book, I knew it would be of interest to ladies here. I think it’s such a great starting point for those feeling intimidated about going to yoga classes. Good luck with your Yoga practice. x
Thank you Suger xx I have not really exercised since having a DCIS and radiation last year. I’m all clear, thank goodness, but rib pain from radiation means no hanging the washing etc. I’m starting to feel better, with a new job, and different mindset, so I think Fat Yoga would help me get back to doing something.
I’m so glad to hear you’ve been given the all clear. All the best moving forward. x