If you’re new to yoga and self-identify as plus–size, starting a yoga practice can be intimidating. There’s the fear of not being able to ‘measure up’ to the more experienced yogis in class, or simply not knowing where to begin.
If this sounds like you, then Alaya Yoga is here to tell you that you’re not alone and that yoga for plus–size beginners is a great way to improve your health and well-being!

In this guide, we’ll explore why yoga is an excellent option for anyone looking to improve their fitness level, reduce stress, and increase overall flexibility. Additionally, we’ll also provide some tips on how to get started, find the right class, and choose the best yoga gear for plus–size beginners.

Why Yoga is Perfect for Plus–Size Beginners
When it comes to wellness options for plus–size individuals, yoga stands out for a number of reasons. Here are just a few:

1. It’s Low Impact
As a beginner, you want to avoid anything too intense that might lead to injury. Compared to other workouts such as running or high-impact aerobics, yoga is low-impact and therefore gentler on your joints.

2. It Builds Strength and Flexibility
One of the most significant benefits of adding yoga to your wellness routine is the way it builds strength and flexibility. Because yoga involves holding challenging poses, even the ones who are new to yoga will feel the burn and begin to tone their muscles over time.

3. It Enhances Mental Well-being
In addition to its physical benefits, yoga is also known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on your breath and taking time to connect with yourself, you’ll develop a stronger mind-body connection that will help you feel more centered and calm throughout the day.

4. It’s Accessible
Finally, the beauty of yoga is that it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of age, size, or fitness level. With so many different types of yoga available on our platform, there’s truly something for everyone, and you’ll find that the Alaya yoga community is incredibly welcoming and supportive.

Tips for Getting Started with Yoga

If you’re new to yoga, it’s essential to take some time to prepare yourself for your first class. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Invest in the Right Gear
One of the most important things you can do to make your yoga practice more comfortable and effective is to invest in the right gear. For plus–size beginners, this means finding a mat that’s thick enough to provide ample cushioning for your joints and choosing comfortable workout clothes that allow for ease of movement.

2. Start Slowly
Yoga is not a competition, and it’s crucial to remember that as you begin your practice. Start slowly and focus on mastering the basics before moving on to more advanced poses. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not able to do everything at once!

3. Find the Right Class
With so many different types of yoga out there, it’s important to find the right class for your needs. For beginners, a gentle or restorative yoga class might be the best option, as they tend to move at a slower pace and offer modifications for those who need them. At the end of this article, we suggest Alaya classes to get you started on the right foot!

4. Focus on Your Breath
Throughout your yoga practice, your breath will be your guide. It’s essential to focus on slow, even breathing and to use your inhales and exhales to help you move deeper into each pose. By doing so, you’ll develop a stronger mind-body connection and fully experience the benefits of your yoga practice. Our teachers will guide you on your breath and movement during each class.

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking to improve their health and well-being, yoga is an excellent option – especially for plus–size beginners. With its low-impact nature, ability to build strength and flexibility, and focus on mental well-being, yoga truly is an accessible workout for everyone no matter the size!

So if you’re ready to take the next step on your fitness journey, consider adding Alaya yoga classes to your routine. With a little bit of preparation and the right mindset, you’ll find that yoga can help you achieve greater physical and mental health and become the best version of yourself!

Our Alaya Yoga suggested classes on our weekly schedule:

• Monday 10 am Yin Yoga 

• Monday 8 pm Restore and Revive

• Tuesday 7:15 pm Beginners Yoga

• Wednesday 7:45 pm Gentle Evening Flow

• Thursday 6:15 pm Core Strengthening Mixed Level Flow

• Friday 6:55 am Morning Boost 

• Saturday 11:30 am Let’s Get Started

• Saturday 12:05 Beginners Express

• Sunday 11:15 am Gentle Glow 

Yoga has been gaining popularity in recent years as people look for ways to de-stress and improve their overall well-being. It’s a form of exercise that can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels, and the best part is that it’s accessible to everyone! If you’re new to yoga, it’s natural to feel a bit intimidated or overwhelmed by the sheer number of poses and styles out there. That’s where our “Let’s Get Started Class” comes in!

Our beginner-friendly class is designed to help you get started with yoga in a safe, relaxed, light-hearted, and supportive environment. You don’t have to worry about keeping up with more experienced practitioners or feeling self-conscious about your level of flexibility or fitness. This class is specially tailored to people who are just starting on their yoga journey, so you can rest assured that you won’t get left behind or lost.

The Let’s Get Started Class focuses on proper alignment, breathing techniques, and variations of each pose to help you build a strong foundation and prevent injuries as you progress in your yoga practice. Our expert teachers will guide you through each pose, breaking down the steps and providing modifications for any physical limitations or injuries you may have. This class is also a great space to awaken your understanding that yoga is for absolutely everybody! Whether you’re young or old, fit or not, you can benefit from this practice.

During this 30-minute class, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the theory and practicalities around areas like Surya Namaskar (the sun salutations that we do before each class), props, how to modify the asana for maximum inclusion, and even what the names mean. With your foundations in place, this class aims to prepare individuals for a more flowy beginner’s class, so they can feel confident and comfortable moving through a yoga sequence without distractions.

We created this class with those beginning their yoga journey in mind and heart. This is a truly supportive setting, giving the absolute beginner all of the close attention to detail they deserve from our expert team so they can build a lasting and sustainable relationship with yoga. The Let’s Get Started Class is an excellent opportunity to start your journey toward better health and well-being. So why not take that first step and join us for this class?

If you’re ready to get started with yoga, we encourage you to check out our website for more information on our beginner classes and other offerings. Don’t be shy – take that first step and discover the many benefits of yoga today!

Let’s Get Started Yoga Class every Saturday at 11:30 am

The term ‘Vinyasa’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘nyasa’ meaning ‘to place’ and ‘vi’ meaning ‘in a special way’. Vinyasa Yoga refers to the synchronization of breath with movement, where every movement is accompanied by an inhale or exhale, and each pose flows seamlessly into the next. This style of yoga is also known as Vinyasa Flow, as it creates a continuous flow of movement, making it a dynamic and challenging practice.