Yoga is for every body, but if you’re plus size and just starting out, you may have questions like:
Will I be able to do the poses?
Do I need to lose weight first?
What if I don’t look like other people in the class?
Let’s be clear from the start:
👉 You do not need to change your body to do yoga.
Yoga is not about aesthetics — it’s about awareness, breath, and inner strength. And yes, plus size yoga is not only possible — it can be deeply empowering.
Whether you’re stepping into a studio or rolling out your mat at home, these 7 beginner tips will help you feel confident, supported, and successful as you start your yoga journey.
🧘♀️ 1. Choose the Right Style of Yoga to Start With
Not all yoga classes are the same — some are fast-paced, while others are more gentle and welcoming for beginners.
Best yoga styles for plus size beginners:
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Hatha Yoga – slow, beginner-friendly, with basic poses
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Yin Yoga – long-held, floor-based stretches (great for flexibility)
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Restorative Yoga – uses props to fully relax in supported poses
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Chair Yoga – seated or supported, ideal for limited mobility
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Body Positive or Curvy Yoga – specifically inclusive of all body types
💡 Tip: Avoid jumping into advanced vinyasa or hot yoga until you’re more familiar with foundational poses and your body’s rhythm.
👚 2. Wear Comfortable and Supportive Clothing
Forget about squeezing into ultra-tight leggings or crop tops (unless you want to!). The best yoga clothes are ones that:
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Stretch with you
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Don’t dig in or roll down
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Stay in place during movement
Look for moisture-wicking, high-waisted leggings, a well-fitted sports bra, and a longer top that makes you feel secure.
Some brands even make yoga gear specifically designed for plus-size bodies, like:
| Brand | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Girlfriend Collective | Inclusive sizing, sustainable fabrics |
| Superfit Hero | Designed for curvy and plus-size athletes |
| Old Navy Activewear | Affordable and size-inclusive up to 4X |
🪑 3. Use Props — They’re Not Just for Beginners
Props are your best friends — not a sign of weakness.
Try these to enhance comfort and alignment:
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Blocks (to bring the floor closer)
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Straps (to extend reach for hamstring or shoulder stretches)
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Bolsters (for back support in reclining poses)
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Chairs (for balance or seated modifications)
💡 Example: In seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana), use a strap around your feet and a bolster under your knees to reduce strain.
🧠 4. Let Go of Comparison — Yoga Isn’t About Shape
If you’re new to yoga, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others — especially if your body moves or looks different.
But yoga isn’t about achieving “Instagram-worthy” poses.
It’s about:
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Breathing fully
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Feeling grounded in your body
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Reconnecting with yourself without judgment
✨ Your body is not a problem to be fixed. It is a place to come home to.
📺 5. Practice at Home If You’re Shy or Nervous
If stepping into a studio feels intimidating, start in your living room!
Here are some amazing YouTube channels and programs for plus size beginners:
| Resource | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Yoga with Jessamyn | Body-positive yoga teacher, inclusive cues |
| Body Positive Yoga (Amber Karnes) | Gentle, supportive, and size-aware instruction |
| Dianne Bondy Yoga | Diversity-focused, encouraging, and empowering |
Practicing at home builds confidence — and lets you go at your own pace.
⏸️ 6. Modify, Adapt, and Rest Without Shame
Every yoga pose can be modified to suit your body. Whether you use a wall for support, keep your knees bent, or take a child’s pose halfway through — it’s all part of the practice.
Don’t push through pain or discomfort to “keep up.”
💡 There’s power in listening to your body and taking rest when needed.
💬 7. Find a Body-Positive Community or Teacher
Not all yoga spaces are created equal. Seek out teachers and studios that:
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Use inclusive language (no diet talk or body shaming)
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Offer props and modifications without stigma
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Celebrate all bodies and movement levels
Many studios now advertise “all-levels” or “body-positive” classes — or you can explore virtual communities where plus size yogis share inspiration and real talk.
🌟 Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Be on the Mat
Yoga is not about how far you can bend — it’s about how deeply you can connect.
Whether you’re curvy, plus size, or just new to movement altogether, yoga offers a space for you to:
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Reclaim your body
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Build strength on your terms
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Experience peace, confidence, and empowerment
“Yoga isn’t about changing your body. It’s about coming back to yourself — just as you are.”
So take a deep breath. Roll out your mat. And remember: this space is yours, too.
