Yoga is the practice of bringing the mind and body together through exercise, breath and meditation. Yoga can trace its roots back over 500 years, making it one of the oldest fitness practices in the world. Yoga can help improve the fitness of all people, including those who have a BMI over 30 and are considered obese.
Benefits
Yoga can benefit the obese in many ways, including building strength, flexibility and balance. In addition, yoga positions are designed in a way that stimulates the glandular system, which invigorates and energizes the body. Yoga also revitalizes the nervous system and improves your cardio-respiratory health. Stress can be a factor contributing to weight gain, and you can lower your stress level by practicing yoga.
Misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions about yoga is that you need to be slim, fit and flexible to participate. The truth is everyone can take part in yoga. The type of yoga, degree of difficulty of poses, and the focus of each session can be adjusted to meet your individual needs and capabilities.
Adaptations
There are several areas of yoga that can be adapted to meet your needs. You may not have the focus or stamina to endure a long class, but even a 15-minute session in which you practice just a few poses can help improve your overall health. In addition, most poses can be adjusted to allow for level of strength, flexibility and balance. You can stretch only as far and hold each pose only as long as is comfortable for you. You can begin with simple poses for several weeks and work your way gradually up to more challenging ones.
Considerations
Before participating in any yoga session, ask your doctor if it's all right to try yoga, especially if you suffer from a heart condition, major joint injury or disability, neuromuscular disorder or any other serious medical condition. You should also be aware that, although it is uncommon, "hot yoga" is practiced in high temperatures and you should probably avoid that.
Precautions
Before you begin your yoga practice, take a few precautions. Make sure you are properly hydrated before beginning a session, and keep a water bottle handy. Wear loose-fitting or stretchy attire to make it easy to move into the various stretches and positions. Be sure you have an experienced, knowledgeable instructor who knows how to adapt poses for overweight students or students with medical limitations.
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