OK, we know, QG WD writers are kinda’ hooked yoga (we promise to post this month on running, cycling and other fitness stuff) but it’s so darn amazing for toning and stretching, and the statistics for stress reduction, blood pressure reduction, calming the mind and basically getting you a much happier zone, yoga is a great health alternative for curvy, and fuller figured gals who want to stay in shape but are not interested in beating up their bodies with more aggressive forms of exercise. Some plus size gals have injuries or health-related reasons a more high impact fitness choice is not good for them… in comes the Curvy Yoga! Co-founder Anna Guest-Jelley has taken the concept and practice of yoga and is sharing it in a brilliant way for all the women who want the benefits but not the pressure of the traditional yoga studio environment. Anna is based in Nashville, Tennessee and QG discovered her recently doing what she does best – empowering women to get on the mat and feel amazing about themselves. As quoted from Anna’s website, “Curvy Yoga is for those of us who are looking for a body lovin’ yoga practice, regardless of our shape, size or ability. It was born out of my personal practice but has spread far beyond.”
Queen Grace Weekly Dish is so pleased to share our exclusive Q&A with Anna – you can read all her insights and enjoy through the month of March, special incentives for all our QG fans and readers courtesy of Curvy Yoga (details at the close of the interview). Let’s begin…
QG) What is “plus size” or “curvy” yoga?
AGJ) Curvy Yoga is body positive yoga for people of all shapes and sizes.
QG) How is curvy yoga different from traditional yoga styles?
AGJ) Curvy Yoga utilizes many of the same poses from Hatha yoga (a common style you’re likely to run into at any local yoga class). The difference is that the poses and sequences are adapted specifically for people with bigger bodies. Unfortunately, yoga gets the reputation that only young, thin, highly flexible people can do it. Curvy Yoga is out to set the record straight about that – that yoga is actually accessible, enjoyable and beneficial for every body.
QG) What inspired you to start yoga and open Curvy Yoga?
AGJ) I started practicing yoga 13 years ago on my own at home. There was plenty I couldn’t do in the VHS tapes I’d gotten from the library, but there was something about yoga – connecting my breath and my movement – that I really loved. As I slowly ventured out to class, I kept having this feeling that I could never quite “get” yoga because I hadn’t yet lost x amount of weight. I figured that, when that happened, I would finally be able to enjoy yoga.
This was all happening concurrently to me beginning to recover from disordered eating. So as these two processes unfolded, it finally occurred to me that my yoga problem wasn’t my body – it was just that my teachers hadn’t been trained how to teach me. That’s when I developed a passion for learning everything I could about how to create yoga that worked for me. From there, I became a yoga teacher and have been learning ever since how to do the same for my students.
QG) Have you always been a “curvy girl?” Have you always been into fitness?
AGJ) I have always been a curvy girl, but I have not always been into fitness. Well, I wouldn’t say I wasn’t into it necessarily. Instead, I just hadn’t really found a form of movement that I really enjoyed, and to me, that’s what fitness is all about – moving your body in a way that feels good to you. It doesn’t all have to be about the treadmill (unless you love that, then more power to you!).
QG) In regard to health, how is curvy yoga good for plus size women?
AGJ) Curvy Yoga, and yoga in general, is healthy for many reasons – reduced stress, better mind/body connection, lower blood pressure, etc. There are more and more studies coming out detailing all the many ways that yoga benefits you, so I encourage anyone who is interested to learn more about that (I could never list all the benefits here; there are too many!). Particularly for curvy women, Curvy Yoga is an accessible way to move your body and develop both strength and flexibility. It’s been designed with the health and joy of curvy women in mind.
QG) Are there any things that curvy women should avoid when starting yoga?
AGJ) My advice is to listen to your own body as best you’re able. I think many of us have a temptation to really just go for it and do all the poses on the very first day, even if our body is telling us that’s probably not a good idea. Then the next day, when we’re in pain, we think “Oh, yoga’s not for me,” and we stop. If you listen to your body, though, you will be able to find your personal edge – that balance between effort and ease. And that’s really what yoga is all about.
If folks are starting in a class in their local area, I recommend calling ahead and/or talking with the teacher before class to get a sense of their expertise in teaching curvy people. If you find a teacher who isn’t a good fit for you, keep trying. Sometimes it just takes a little while to find a teacher who you like.
If you’re wanting to get started on your own at home, you can check out some of my videos and podcasts. I also offer private sessions via Skype for people who want individualized instruction (which is often a good idea when you’re first getting started so that you can build a practice that is safe for your unique body).
QG) We live incredibly stressful lives these days, can you tell our QG readers how yoga eliminates stress?
AGJ) I wouldn’t say that yoga eliminates stress; stress shows up in all of our lives. But I would say that yoga helps you cope with your stress more effectively. It does that in a variety of ways, primarily through activating your parasympathetic nervous system. That’s the one that deals with recovery and healing.
Yoga also helps you connect with your breath and body and begin listening to both. As you develop the skills to do that, you create more awareness of your own body so that, when you’re stressed, you might realize it sooner and be able to take even just a few minutes to do some slow breathing. It sounds simple, but the effects are profound.
QG) What do you tell women who are self-conscious about attending a yoga class?
AGJ) I tell them I’m right there with them! I know that’s true for many people in general, especially curvy people. This is why getting started at home can be so beautiful; you can become more comfortable with yoga before venturing out to class. Ultimately, though, it’s good to work with a teacher in some capacity so you can make sure you’re practicing safely. When going to a new class, I recommend doing what I said above – talking with the teacher to make sure they’re welcoming. If you can get a friend to come along, that’s also great!
QG) Do you have a favorite pose?
AGJ) It’s hard to say! But I do love the restorative yoga poses, like reclining bound angle pose. Pop into this for a few minutes, and you come out feeling very refreshed!
QG) What are your plans for 2012?
AGJ) This year is all about making more and more options available for people to try Curvy Yoga. Here are some things people might be interested in checking out:
• My online videos on YogaVibes; I have two 45-minute practices here. If your readers use the code “Curvy20,” they can save 20% on their purchase!
• Free podcasts; I have three 60-minute practices available, as well as a variety of shorter tips for various poses.
• If there are any yoga teachers reading, I also just started offering Curvy Yoga Certification. I have a vision for Curvy Yoga all over the world so that more and more people can try and fall in love with yoga!
• I also co-teach a class with the wonderful Marianne Elliott called 30 Days of Curvy Yoga. This course is designed for people who want to create a home yoga practice that works for them. We just finished a course, and we’re not sure yet when we’ll be offering it again. But if you sign up for my newsletter, you’ll be in the loop.
• People can also always catch up with me on my website (where I have a blog about yoga, body positivity and everything in between), Facebook and Twitter.
QG) If you could tell someone one thing that would leave them with the best impression about yoga what would that be?
AGJ) That yoga really is for every body, including yours! Give it a try in a welcoming environment and see what it can do for you!
Thank you Anna! We now can appreciate why all the remarkable and thoughtful testimonials rave about Curvy Yoga.
QGED found this one particularly inspirational, “The 30 days of Curvy Yoga has been an amazing and life changing event in my life. I was at a place in my life where I needed to do something different and risky for me, this was my risk. I am a six foot tall woman who is over 200 lbs. I don’t feel very comfortable in my body most days, but when doing the Curvy Yoga with Anna and Marianne, I was blown away at what my body can do, and what I can when I allow myself to enjoy the peace and love of my body and what it is capable of, I am so grateful and humbled by this class and I have continued to practice and hold my poses longer and with more stillness. Thank you!” – Gabriella Moonlight
So great, right? QG WD knew you’d enjoy this Q&A and to make it ever sweeter, Curvy Yoga is sharing with our Queen Grace fans and readers a special incentive; enter here on the Queen Grace Weekly Dish to win 3 FREE MONTHS of Anna’s Curvy Yoga classes on YogaVibes! That’s so right, QG is truly excited to share this amazing curvy fitness option to our fans that we are giving you 3 MONTHS OF YOGA FREE!
Here’s what you do; in the comment section BELOW, answer the question, “what inspires me to start my own curvy yoga practice at home?” You’ll be prompted to “like” Curvy Yoga on Anna’s Facebook page and to “@tag” and post “Queen Grace Weekly Dish sent me” to be in the contest. This QG event will run for two weeks only, so get your comments and your posts in – 3 months of yoga FREE – now that’s something you can down dog to! QD WD is so grateful for Anna’s time and we will look for all the amazing news and developments coming to Curvy Yoga in 2012.
Note; at the close of the “3 Months of Curvy Yoga Free” giveaway, Queen Grace Weekly Dish Content Manager will select ONE winner and contact them directly with redemption details and instructions.
Lisa Pool Content Manager
About Our Content Manager; Lisa Pool is the creative consultant for QG and acts as the lead contributing writer and Content Manager for the Queen Grace Weekly Dish. Lisa owns the branding agency, cc101 Productions. As someone who thrives on current trends and events, Lisa and her guest bloggers bring to the QG WD contemporary posts on topics important to our QG community. Follow Lisa on Facebook at; Creative Consulting cc101 and on Twitter @cc101production - Lisa also writes for MindBodyGreen, Divine Caroline, Conscious Divas, The Examiner and Redbook Magazine. About our blog; Marina Zelner created the Queen Grace brand as a high-fashion company that designs exclusively for the contemporary full-figured woman. Every one of our distinct collections celebrates her freedom, confidence and inner beauty. The QG Weekly Dish blog is an extension of this vision. The QGWD will share posts by our staff, contributing writers, guest bloggers and popular industry feeds from time to time. Follow us on Facebook at; Queen Grace Collection and on Twitter @QGCollection
The Queen Grace Collection brand was launched in 2010 by stylist Marina Zelner. Marina created Queen Grace as a high-fashion company that designs exclusively for the contemporary full-figured woman. Every one of our distinct collections celebrates her freedom, confidence and inner beauty.
Alaura (1 year ago)
My health and the peace yoga brings me are my biggest inspirations. That, and my gorgeous new yoga mat
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Woo hoo! We love hearing that!
Monique (1 year ago)
I used to do yoga years ago and I think this would be the best way to get back into it!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
We love that! Anna is truly an inspiration, we will have to connect you two!
Kitty (1 year ago)
I used to go to the gym 4x a week and I loved taking yoga classes. Fast forward to today, and I decided I hate yoga! Then, I stumbled across this article… perhaps I should change my view on yoga again…
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
… fast forward to today is right Kitty! Glad to have you with us!
Kelly B. (1 year ago)
I’m such an advocate for healthy and inspired living at any size, so I think Curvy Yoga is just wonderful! This is great and so motivating
I’m inspired to start curvy yoga practice by thoughts of how great I feel once it’s done. That’s always a motivating factor when I begin to doubt getting some exercise!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Thank you Kelley for your comments and good luck!
Leni (1 year ago)
I enjoy how yoga calms me and strengthens my body at the same time.
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Nice!
Amanda Larson Weinstein (1 year ago)
“what inspires me to start my own curvy yoga practice at home?”
My sister is a yoga instructor in LA and is my inspiration to start a regular yoga practice.
I LOVE how yoga makes me feel! I have a difficult time with some poses in a yoga studio (especially with a flat chested, no belly, male {or female} instructor). “you want me to reach around where??” :-O I would like to have the instruction modified for a curvy girl such as myself.
Patricia (1 year ago)
I would like to try yoga. I never have…from what I have heard it is very relaxing.
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Beyond what you can imagine… so happy you joined us here on QG WD!
Sandra (1 year ago)
I love Anna’s classes. I feel very comfortable in the environment she fosters when stretching and bending my curves!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Wonderful
Angela Ivy (1 year ago)
I was inspired to begin my own curvy yoga practice at home when I saw the grace and agility of Anna and others. I’d been practicing yoga for awhile on my own and really love the peace of mind and physical results of my practice. At the same time though, I really struggled with some of the asanas because of my curves. Anna’s experiences, posts, and general body-positive attitude (“love your body even on the days you don’t like it”) helped me shift my perspective to one of respecting my physical boundaries, honoring my growing strength, stamina, and inner peace, and generally loving myself more … on & off the mat. She is a HUGE inspiration!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
“If you don’t look, you can’t see, if you can’t see, you won’t shift – the stage is the Self.” Elena Brower taught us that one, we love that Anna has been such an inspiration for you Angela!
Stephanie (1 year ago)
Curvy Yoga sounds awesome! I’m looking forward to starting my own practice!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
We’re here to cheer you on!
Dawn (1 year ago)
Great article! I love curvy yoga. Yoga for all!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Good luck Dawn!
Rhonda (1 year ago)
Yoga helps calm my nerves and helps me bring my mind back to center. And who doesn’t love that delicious stretchy feeling you get after finishing a series of poses?
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Love the delicious feeling after a series of poses Rhonda
Gabriella Williamson (1 year ago)
I would like to continue my yoga workouts, but I have found that curvy yoga is amazing, in terms of not making me feel out of sorts with my body it helps me to align my body and my mind without any preconceived notions of what my body should do or shouldn’t do.
I am inspired to start because I am a woman of a certain age who would like to stay flexible in mind and body without judgment of my body and to grow in love and in joy of my body.
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Brilliant Gabriella, we are so pleased to have your comments – good luck!
Erica Salti (1 year ago)
I love practicing yoga and the sense of calm it has brought to my life. Thanks for such a great Q&A! It really shed some light on Anna’s practice!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
Thank you Erica for taking time to be with us and to participate in the Curvy Yoga giveaway!
Gina (1 year ago)
Having attended power yoga classes at a local studio but still feeling like the odd woman out becaue of my size has made me want to practice at home. Anna is doing a great thing by making women of all sizes feel good about practicing yoga and I cheer her on!
Lisa Pool Content Manager (1 year ago)
You will never be an out women out here Gina, we are proud of you and are here to cheer you on too!
AppleTree (1 year ago)
After a rather rough pregnancy that prevented te physical portion of yoga for the last trimester and then a csection, I am out of touch with my body. With a newborn, however, I don’t have time to get out of the house for classes. My hope is that these classes would get me back on track and into a solid home practice.
Rachel Clyne (1 year ago)
After try 3 different times, only one yogi seemed to “get” my body size and shape. She didn’t try and stuff extra blankets under my cheeks or encourage me to place foam blocks under my knees (Never works). This wonderful woman understood the human body so well that when the session was complete, I went to speak with her and share my gratitude for her kindness. When I tried to say “Namaste”, I burst into tears. So, I just bowed at her and turned and left. She understood. She lives three states east of my home. The folks in Tennessee are lucky to have her. I’d like to be the one who understood. Thanks for the chance to win!