The Perfect Yoga Body

By Emily Becker

Edited by Doron Hanoch

Ever been to a yoga class where everyone seems to have a perfect yoga body? While you wait for the class to begin, you flip through yoga journal to see more of those perfect yoga bodies. What is the perfect yoga body? Is it the photo of the girl on the cover of yoga journal? Is it Kino McGregor on youtube?

If you are not one to have that kind of body, this will either be an inspiration, or, if you have a very different body type, this will simply be depressing. (see your body type here)

Can you imagine a forward fold where your breasts are so big that you do not feel much a stretch, cause the breasts are resting on your legs, and you are resting on your breasts? What to do?

I had the good fortune of working with Emily over many years now. She is strong, super flexible, radiant, smiley and curvy. I remember the challenges that came up when she was doing shoulder stand for example. Being a man, I had to always try and imagine myself living with large breasts, and what that entails, especially in the yoga practice.

Many yogini women of past, like Saraswati Jois, the daughter of the famous Pattabhi Jois, and the mother of the now ruler of the Jois kingdom Sharat Jois, have always remained a bit in the shadows.

Childbirth

Recently, Emily had a baby. She gained weight and has been out of practice for a while. We started step-by-step, breathing deeper, practicing chaturanga with knees down first, and then built it up to full chaturanga. In a matter of a few weeks Emily is back to being a ninja. Working with Emily, especially post natal, reminds me that every one already has the perfect yoga body, and it is this body we have for practice; long torso, short arms, large breast, super skinny or a larger frame – it doesn’t matter.

The only thing that matters is to show up – to practice, physically and mentally, to breathe, to stay steady and calm, and smile. There will always be a pose that is easy to do and another that is harder to do. It is the practice that matters, not any one right way that should fit all, or any one body type.

Here are some wise words from Emily, sharing her postnatal experience. Hope this inspires you, and please do share with us below your thoughts, experiences and practice tips with different bodies.

“Yoga isn’t about a perfect body,

Yoga is about self-love.”

Loving yourself for where you are today at this moment. Having recently had a baby I have the compassion for myself to accept me for today. Sure, I certainly don’t have a perfect yoga body but after all I created a human being! What’s important is that today you are on your mat. And each time you step on to that mat you are improving your body and mind. Self-love trickles through the family. Take care of yourself and you’ll be happier caring for your children.

After the baby, a mother’s body needs more compassion and TLC then ever before. In many cases, there is a lack of support for women when they are in this very vulnerable moment of their lives. You have the baby, are released from the hospital and seen only once for a six week visit.  Slowly working back up to a regular exercise routine can be one of the biggest challenges because you are weaker, heavier and more tired than before. Some people might wonder if taking time away from their baby is selfish but in reality it is exactly the opposite, caring for yourself is caring for the baby. 

“When you start to get stronger, more toned and grounded, you can be a happier more balanced mother to your child.”

For the postnatal mother, yoga can help strengthen, weight loss, build endurance, strengthening of pelvic floor and center and ground emotions. Some poses require some modification for the post baby curvy body. With a few slight modifications – such a keeping the legs apart in a forward fold – you can take part in regular classes and each time you do you will get stronger.

Emily has been a regular yoga practitioner for over 10 years. She is currently enjoying every minute as a stay at home mom of two gorgeous children.  

Share your Story

Did you resonate with this article? Leave us a comment below with your experience of fitting in or not fitting in with the picture perfect yoga body. Share this article with any of your friends who are new parents, see how they feel!

For more information on pregnancy and post-natal modifications, check out the Doron Yoga Manual.