People with bigger bodies are discovering comfort and empowerment within yoga. You may think yoga class has skinny girls in spandex in all its classes. This is simply not the case anymore. Yoga is becoming more mainstream for all body types. Yes, it is important to pick the right studio, hard to make the first move to join a class, but once you do you won’t regret it. Any physical activity will improve your mobility, encourage weight loss and general health. Doing yoga decreases stress, improves flexibility and increases muscle tone and strength. People with larger bodies often have trouble with joint pain. Yoga can help by improving the body’s alignment to reduce strain on your joints. Yoga also improves your balance, which helps you feel grounded and increases longevity. It helps to bring the mind-body connection to the fore, which can improve self-image and acceptance of your body. Most importantly, yoga can help you feel better by both improving your physical fitness and elevating your mood, and helping you make that transition to an overall healthier lifestyle. If you do not feel ready for a group class, consider booking a few private yoga sessions. This can be a great way to learn basic poses and gain the confidence to use props in an effective way before joining a group practice. Props are going to be your best yoga friend. Using them doesn’t mean you are inferior. It means you are smart.