Plus-Sized Yoga – Book Review

I personally love yoga. I’ve used it for exercise, as a relaxation technique, or simply just to stretch for a few minutes in some of my favorite positions. I’m not super fond of many other types of exercise, but yoga I like.

Plus Size Yoga for Beginners is a book for folks who may be new to yoga, but may not be comfortable with the completely bendy positions some yoga instructors throw in at beginning courses.

I’ve done yoga for a while, but what I love about Don Keith’s book is that it’s motivational. It’s easy to follow movements made it a breeze to have fun during a yoga set. He teaches some very basic but very ‘feel good’ movements. His encouraging words allow you to relax and have fun.

I was lucky enough to be able to interview the author, Don Keith. He’s such a motivational person. Here’s his thoughts on yoga, motivation and more:

Why did you write Plus Sized Yoga? Where was the motivation?

My motivation came from a rather frustrating series of yoga classes I was taking in 2005. The teacher was not taking into account the physical condition of his class. One class was particularly bad when I was unable to do any of the postures. My exasperation reached a point where I exclaimed, “Don’t they have yoga for fat people?” A millisecond later the idea for this book popped into my head. I knew there was yoga and meditation that the plus-sized could do if someone would just approach it from that perspective.

The book talks a lot about self acceptance and allowing a person to be happy now and as they are. Why do you feel this is important?

I believe that a path of self-acceptance and self-love is easier and more productive over time than a path of self-judgment and self-recrimination to bring about positive change in one’s life. Feeling bad about oneself as a motivation to self-improve only brings temporary results. I feel that taking that approach will definitely get one started but what’s the motivation once you’ve accomplished your goal? Find something else to feel bad about? Do you want a life of feeling bad, accomplishing a goal, feeling bad, accomplishing a goal? Wouldn’t it be preferable (and certainly more peaceful) If you accept your worth and intrinsic value to the Universe while accomplishing whatever goal you set forth? And here’s the best part of this…it’s a choice.

When some people think of yoga, they think of complicated, bend positions. Your book focuses on relaxation and truly is a beginner’s guide to yoga. Is there a recommended next step for those wanting to take yoga to the next level?

I do plan to post intermediate times for the yoga and meditation on my website for those who are ready for it. However, I always recommend a class for any yoga student whenever available. Inquire at your local yoga studios whether or not they have classes for the plus-sized beginner or intermediate student. Ask them for some examples of what they teach. You don’t have to do all the postures but If you can do most of them the class will be of benefit.

If someone is feeling unmotivated to get up in the morning and do some yoga poses, what’s your tip on feeling energized and motivated?

Every so often I too feel resistance to starting my day. I indulge that feeling. I say to myself, “That’s it. I’m not doing anything today. I give up.” I know this sounds counter-productive but every time I have tried it the resistance passes in less than a minute. Now if it doesn’t pass, then for me, it’s that I’m tired and I need a day off. If I can’t take a day off then I’ll start my day with something easy. The low, hanging fruit as it were so I can build up some momentum. My energy and motivation return whenever I do any of these things.

Plus, in trying any of these approaches I always add gratitude. It can be as simple as being grateful for breathing, having shelter or having a job. Practicing gratitude always changes my mood for the better.

Visit Don at his Plus-Sized Yoga website. Read from his blog, learn about what he’ll be doing next and more about the book.