Big Yoga: A Simple Guide for Bigger Bodies

by Meera Patricia Kerr, Dean Ornish (Foreword)

Winner of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Health Title If you think yoga is only for skinny young things, you need to think again. To expert Meera Patricia Kerr, yoga can and should be used by everyone― especially plus-size individuals. In her new book, Big Yoga , Meera shares the unique yoga program she developed for all those who think that yoga is not for them.

Part One of Big Yoga begins with a clear explanation of what yoga is, what benefits it offers, and how it can fit into anyone’s life. Included is an important discussion of selfimage. The book goes on to provide practical information regarding clothing, mats, and suitable environments, and to emphasize the need to begin with care.

Part Two offers over forty different exercises specifically designed to work with bigger bodies. In each case, the author explains the technique, details its advantages, and offers step-by-step instructions along with easy-to-follow photographs. If you have thought that yoga is not for you, pick up Big Yoga and let Meera Patricia Kerr help you become more confident and relaxed than you may have ever thought possible.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2009

About the author

Yoga expert, Meera Patricia Kerr, began adapting Yoga for plus-size people over a decade ago, to make the traditional Yoga poses more accessible for different body types. Her new book offers over 40 pictures of poses, and their adaptations, as well as valuable information about a variety of Yoga practices. "

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've gone through most of the exercises once and already feel less stiff and achy.

[savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book easy to follow and it helps feel much better

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is possibly the best intro to yoga I've ever read. Not only does she give detailed pictures and descriptions of the poses, their benefits, duration, and modifications, she also gives a very good overview of exactly what yoga is. I've never read such an easy to understand explanation. I checked this book out because I wanted modifications for yoga poses. I'm not incredibly "big," but am inflexible and haven't been doing yoga very long. An experienced yogi will already know most of the poses and all of the general overview information, but this book isn't for them. This book is for beginners in the first few years of practice. The poses are organized in a way that makes them easy to understand and create your own series. While it doesn't have an incredible amount of theory, it does have enough information to become familiar with the eight limbs and learn a little about the yogic path.

[charith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 45 pages have so much good information. She lays out a brief history of yoga, benefits of practicing, and getting started. Part two focuses on the actual hatha yoga poses, many including modifications with the bigger body in mind. I also liked her presentation of breathing practices and meditation. It's a good book for any beginner, big or small. Also a good book for yoga teachers who want a greater awareness for all the body types who practice in the studio.

The author has a really encouraging, upbeat writing voice. She makes me believe that incorporating a daily, or almost-daily, yoga practice in my life is achievable.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

G also got this book from the Murray library (if you live in SL County you can get a Murray card) for me as I was struggling with practice but going every week. Of course as soon as I bought a 3 month membership I injured my knee. I still went for a couple weeks before going to the Dr.

This is more of a in depth look at yoga, spiritual practices & heath benefits. This is a yoga practitioner from the 1970s on & so even though the info was interesting it wasn't what I needed. The author has some photos but they aren't helpful to a beginner imo.

[Becky Carleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let anyone shame you into thinking you're too fat to do yoga. Yoga helps relieve stress, improve flexibility, and reduce aches and pains. If you're too shy to try a yoga class, check out this book and try some poses in the comfort of your own home. Health at Every Size® advocate Dr. Linda Bacon says that one of the healthiest things we can do is to move our bodies "in pleasurable ways". Yoga brings my big body pleasure. If you've got a big body and you want to try yoga, this is the book for you.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

While in general exercise videos work better for me than exercise books, this one has two strong appeals. It is designed for large people and there are many, many pictures showing the author in all kinds of positions which should have the effect on most large people of feeling a bit more comfortable taking on these exercises. The second appeal is the long introduction to yoga, its benefits, origins, etc. and the authors' commitment to it. A basic, friendly, guide.

[Stephanie Pifer-Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a gift and I found it very encouraging for me as a big woman who practices yoga. The simple adjustments to the poses made it possible for me to get the benefit of the stretches in spite of my size. I liked it so much I gifted another copy to a friend of mine who was having the same issues and she said she loved it. I would like to thank the author for understanding that not all yogis are slender and petite. Very helpful resource!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about adapting yoga to work for YOU - and where you are at this present moment. Kerr has a great writing style and I really liked the intro chapters as well as her modifications for poses. I also appreciated the pranayama portion at the end of the book. I came across this book months ago and have referenced it a number of times in workshops and classes.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great reference book, particularly for those new to yoga. Very easy to follow illustrations. Like the section on the assorted breathing techniques.

[Angel Burleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have for anyone beginning yoga who has weight issues.

[Denicemarcell]

don't see this a cover to cover read but am dipping in and out to see if it's something i should own or just take the principles and go on.

[Topaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book and excellent pictures !

[Hillary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for something different in terms of sequencing and creating classes for a more diverse and curvier population.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have to get a copy of this or the DVD.

[Felita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes away our excuses. I enjoyed yoga when I attended sessions two years ago.

[Angela Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Helpful illustrations. The book and DVD would make a great set.