So I was chatting with a woman this weekend. We had a great conversation about yoga and fitness class. Why some are good and why others are not so good. Interestingly she mentioned she recently signed up for a Plus Size Yoga class, which was offered in a private studio.
I thought this kind of class was great… what a fantastic idea. Definitely the instructor is finding a niche and hopefully filling a need. But as with any class there is good and there is the bad. So bear with me as I discuss both.
I think a class like this is good for a couple of reasons:
1. Its unique- yah for the instructor to think outside the box!
2. Shows the instructor is willing to educate themselves to accommodate to this population groups.
3. It is reaching an important portion of the population. According to the statistics about 50% of the populations is either overweight or obese.
4. It is a place of belonging where those who consider themselves to be plus size can be active and feel more comfortable.
This woman emphasized how important it was to feel that she was safe there, not judged, and that the instructor understood the issues she faced. For many of us, regardless of our size, being physically active can make us feel vulnerable, uncomfortable and exposed- especially in classes. And for those who look physically different or even move differently , this can even be more of a negative expereince.
When you think about it… really it can be a courageous thing to start and stick with being active- especially if we feel very uncomfortable while doing it.
So kudos to the instructor who is willing to take a risk and offer a different class. Creating a place where people can come together to be active and feel that they belong.
Okay... but now I need to at least get you thinking about the bad:
In order to take this class, a person not only must identify themselves as plus size, but admit it to others as well. This in itself can be a barrier to participation and takes a certain amount of courage to overcome.
So as leaders, we need to be careful with how we label/name our programs. We may have all the great intentions in the world to reach out to different segments of the population… but if folks in the population group don’t like seeing themselves there- we may have an empty class.
Negativity aside, I think more programs like this should materialize. And I certainly hope this one is a hit. Thinking out side the norm when it comes to programs and opportunities in our community is key… especially when we want to reach everyone.
As a plus size woman I actually prefer a mixed size class. I think there might be a perception that because a woman is plus size she is limited in what she can do which is not necessarily the case in all situations. I think a "plus size class" may do this with less an expectation. Where as a regular class is more likely to show you the standard form and provide alternative for different body types, fitness levels and flexibilities. I could be wrong of course but on reflection this is what I consider. That being said, I have a number of plus size yoga tapes and books -- not only for the alternative poses but just so I can see plus bodies and what the form should look like. Regardless of this, I don't think it could hurt to offer a plus size class but perhaps it would be helpful to state a size instead, Yoga for Size 18 and Up (women are committed more to their size than they are to descriptives like "plus size"). Or something like that... The important thing is that plus people are moving and there needs to be a positive atmosphere outside the home where they can continue to move and grow in their experience.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, especially your idea using clothing sizes! Bottom line with these classes is participants need to feel comfortable and that they belong.
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