Teaching Body Positive Yoga

April 18, 2022
The “mainstream yoga industry” is kicked to the curb in this uplifting collection from Curvesomeyoga founder Noble. After becoming ill with Bell’s palsy, Noble was inspired to become a yoga instructor and make “yoga available for everybody, regardless of age, size, ethnicity, ability or gender.” She brings that passion to these practical tips for instructors and casual yogis alike. The book’s first part is something of a body positivity 101, with Noble defining the term and exploring its role in the industry: “Mainstream yoga has become a reflection of the fashion industry, where ‘thin’ is the ideal body type, and wearing on-trend clothes... has become a prerequisite.” Then come tricks for making classes “judgement-free”: teachers can avoid using the word “just” during class (as in “just go into splits”), use diverse marketing images, and check in with students to see if they’re comfortable with hands-on adjustments. Casual yogis, meanwhile, should rest assured that they are “their own best teachers.” Step-by-step yoga sequences with seated modifications add to the book’s utility. The result is a refreshing take on standard fitness fare.

August 1, 2022

Every body is a yoga body, writes Noble, a well-being coach and founder of Curvesomeyoga. Her book argues that yoga should be inclusive for all practitioners, and aims to increase yoga teachers' sensitivity and awareness of racism, homophobia, ageism, ableism, and body image phobias. There are suggestions on creating an inclusive yoga studio or classroom--things like eliminating discussions about dieting and actively avoiding unconscious bias. No body shaming is allowed either, of course. Noble writes that the time and location of classes matter, and yoga props (blocks, straps, bolsters, chairs) are recommended. She also makes the case that the future of body-positive yoga includes virtual classes, which can be more accessible and comfortable. In a chapter of case studies, yoga teachers and students recount positive and negative experiences in yoga instruction. The book also gives background on body positivity movements, including the Victorian dress reform movement that began in the 1850s. VERDICT Helpful for users and providers of yoga classes and other wellness activities.--Susan Belsky

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