Yoga is for every body (Part 1)
An Iyengar yoga class is for every body regardless of how flexible or stiff you are, how small or large your body, your fitness level, your previous/current injuries or your experience with yoga.
[One of my favorite tees for yoga practice, from AmeYoga.]
I am probably pretty close to the stereotype of a yoga teacher: white; female; cisgender; a mom; naturally somewhat flexible; not overweight. But the thing is, yoga isn’t just for me. Or primarily for me. I truly think that YOU should practice Iyengar yoga, no matter how many of the yoga stereotype boxes you check off.
In the title of this entry, I put a space between every and body – that was intentional. An asana class is very physical – we use, study, move, and align our physical bodies. Of course, yoga has effects well beyond the body – with time and focus, yoga practice integrates the body, mind, and breath. But most people, when approaching yoga for the first time, are initially interested in the physical part of the practice – the asana practice. And in that context, our bodies and our comfort with our bodies seem to take on central importance.
“I’m so out of shape; I could never do that.”
“People will laugh because I am so stiff.”
“I’m not comfortable wearing yoga leggings.”
Excuses? Legitimate concerns? Once you come to your first class, you’ll realize that Iyengar students comprise a healthy mix of people with different bodies, different attire, different interests, different backgrounds and different levels of experience; don’t worry – you’ll fit right in!
Many may think that yoga is for flexible people. And it is… but it’s also for stiff people. People who are flexible tend to rely on that flexibility as they move. It is easy for flexible people to hurt themselves because they tend to collapse in the joints. Flexible students can benefit from the strength and control they gain over their bodies through a yoga practice. Stiff people are luckier, in a way – they tend to be stronger. Stiff students increase their flexibility over time through a yoga practice. Most of us are not flexible or stiff everywhere – we have our stiffer and more flexible joints. Developing body intelligence through yoga allows one to build the right combination of strength and flexibility suited to individual needs.
Similarly, yoga isn’t just for thin, conventionally fit people or just for those who seek to lose a few pounds. It’s not just for the young or just for the old (both ideas are floating around out there). If you are lucky enough not to have any injuries or health issues, that’s great, but those with chronic or acute pains and illnesses also benefit from an Iyengar practice. One of the hallmarks of this method is the use of modifications and props to make alignment accessible to anyone.
I come to my mat when I’m feeling energetic and healthy. I come to my mat when I’m tired or when my back hurts. I practiced yoga when I was in my 20’s, I practiced while pregnant and when my children were little, and I still practice now that I’m in my 50’s and my kids are teenagers. Sometimes I practice asanas without the help of any props or variations. Sometimes my practice improves when I use bricks, blankets, bolsters, chairs, or the rope wall.
I hope you’ll join me, because Iyengar yoga is for every body, including yours!
