Big & Bold: Yoga for the Plus-Size Woman

Despite what you may think, yoga is for every body! Larger women can experience freedom, comfort, strength, and mobility in their bodies through the practice of yoga, and Big & Bold: Yoga for the Plus-Size Woman shows you how.

This book provides clear instructions for safely performing 43 poses (asanas) in a variety of seated, kneeling, standing, reclined, and restorative positions. Poses feature multiple options for body positioning and prop usage, so you can choose the variations and make the adjustments that work best for your body, without forcing it into a potentially dangerous position.

Whether you are new to the world of yoga or simply seeking guidance on practicing in the comfort of your own home, the sample sequences—including clear examples on how to assemble the poses and breathing exercises for maximum benefits—are invaluable. Sequences targeting specific objectives are also provided, with four energizing practices and four relaxing practices organized as 10-, 30-, and 60-minute practices. You’ll also find recommendations for comfortable clothing and learn how to get creative with yoga props to add some fun to your practice and make poses more comfortable.

Throughout the book, author Laura Burns shares her story of how she developed a love of yoga, discovering how it can be an empowering and wonderful way to move your body and celebrate what it can do at any size. With Big & Bold: Yoga for the Plus-Size Woman, you will find the guidance, motivation, and inspiration to experience all the physical and mental benefits yoga has to offer. Yoga is meant for every body.

Audience

Plus-size women who want to enjoy yoga tailored to their body; also for yoga teachers or other fitness professionals who work with bigger women.

Part I. Set for Success
Chapter 1. Start With Confidence!
Chapter 2. Get Your Gear

Part II. Get Moving
Chapter 3. Warming Up and Breathing Exercises
Chapter 4. Seated and Kneeling Poses
Chapter 5. Standing Poses
Chapter 6. Reclined Poses
Chapter 7. Restorative Poses

Part III. Make a Plan
Chapter 8. Creating a Home Practice Plan
Chapter 9. Energizing Practices
Chapter 10. Relaxing Practices

Laura Burns is a Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200) and a certified provider of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education hours. She holds a certification with Curvy Yoga and is a certified instructor with Accessible Yoga and Punk Rock Hoops. She is a community partner with the Yoga and Body Image Coalition and the creator of the HoopAsana and Radical Body Love yoga philosophies and practices.

Burns is a leader in the world of plus-size yoga and has studied with a number of recognized experts in the field of size-inclusive yoga, including Anna Guest-Jelley (Curvy Yoga) and Abby Lentz (HeavyWeight Yoga). In addition to training with these mentors, she continues to attend workshops and trainings on a variety of yoga disciplines, teaching techniques, and innovations in props and support. She has been interviewed for or authored a number of magazine articles, blog posts, podcasts, and television spots.

Burns believes that every woman deserves to respect and honor the body she has today. Her personal mission is to help people be more present in their bodies and more loving toward themselves, moving forward toward advocating for themselves and living the life they deserve.

"Laura Burns is the kind of inspiration and role model we need more than ever! Bold and bright, Laura is unapologetic about taking up space and encourages plus-size women to do the same. Big & Bold: Yoga for the Plus-Size Woman is a clarion call for confidence building through yoga for EVERY body. No exceptions. No bars to entry."
—Melanie Klein, MA, Professor of Sociology and Gender/Women's Studies, Coeditor of Yoga and Body Image, Cofounder of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition

“As a fat woman, I have often felt like certain spaces don’t or won’t accommodate the needs of my body. Movement activities can often be rife with anxiety and uncertainty. When I look around mainstream yoga media and spaces, it is clear that they are created for thin, able-bodied people. Laura’s book recognized all my fears and offered useful information to move forward with a yoga practice that works for me. As a person with chronic pain, I know the benefits of yoga are immense—not only for my body but for my mental well-being as well. Thank you, Laura, for creating a space that centers on the experiences and abilities of folks in larger bodies; it is truly a blessing to have this book in the world.”
—Summer Michaud-Skog, Author and Founder of Fat Girls Hiking

Camel pose (Ustrasana)
Deep-relaxation pose (Savasana)
Explore common myths of yoga practice
You are the boss of your body