Anyone here into Yoga?

 Hi- I am interested in Meditation and would like to hear from those who practice Yoga or other forms of Eastern meditation. I do not want to walk into a beginners class totally ignorant. Also, I am not the thin,swelte type that one associates with this type of activity and wonder if the poses/positions would be impossible for someone of my age (55) and build (180lbs). Any advice? Thanks-you guys are great.

That's the beauty of yoga - you do what you can do.  There is no judgement - it really is a wonderful environment.  If you take a beginner yoga class, the teacher will guide you through the moves, and will offer other positions if you can not get into the one they are doing.  Usually through, you just go as far as  you can.  You should be able to do everything, or a variation of it in a beginner yoga class.  Your instructor won't throw any crazy postures in!   Good luck and enjoy!!

 Oh thank you Elisa! I feel much better now and less afraid. I do not know what to wear and I do not have a "yoga mat". Where to purchase these items? Your picture is just gorgeous! 

You are so welcome!!  If you are sure you are going to stick with it, you can buy a yoga mat at places like Target and Walmart in the sporting goods sections.  I've even seen nice yoga mats at Barnes and Nobles!  Most yoga studios have mats you can borrow until you get your own.   You can just wear what you usually wear to work out - something comfortable, that you can move in - sweats or some sort of lycra exercise pants and a tee shirt.  Yoga is done bare foot, so you don't need to worry about shoes.   I have been taking yoga since last May.  I have gained so much  upper body strength - more than I ever had lifting weights.  It really is an awesome workout, that really any fitness level, and body shape can do.  You just modify, and do what you can.  If you stick with it, you will see yourself getting deeper into postures.  Its nice to see that kind of progress!! Best of luck, and enjoy your class!! 

I don't consider myself a Yogi but I have been doing yoga since I was 20. I started just to give me something to do while my husband was at war. It helped with great stress. I still do yoga daily as well as Pilates. I also did both these exercises the few years I was overweight. So I don't see any reason yoga would not help you at your size. Don't expect to loose weighr doing yoga I feel its great for inner peace and stretching. I keeps me balanced. It's funny I never think of it as yoga anymore, its just my lifestyle at 58.  Good luck if you decide to start.

 Thanks Mirabelle. I am so awed that you have been doing yoga since age 20.  Yes, I am looking for inner peace--I do not expect it to have anything to do with weight loss. I have found a class nearby and am just trying to get myself oriented into walking in.... I know "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step"  Keep  up the good work!

Go for it and enjoy every moment. At 20 I had a hard time sitting still saying OOOOOMMMM but my Yoga teacher was the slender gorgeous woman with her hair long always pulled back in a bun or pony tail and I wanted to be  and look just like her, she was so graceful & when I was nervous about my husband she knew it and would say go and relax and take some deep breaths, we will be here for you. She was in her 50's and beautiful. I doubt she is alive now since I am older than she was then but I look in the mirror and every now and then I think of her and say "I did accomplish looking like her". (body wise and gracefulness) It's amazing how some people leave such a lasting impression on you. I think you can really relax and enjoy yoga at your age.

I thoroughly enjoy my yoga classes!  I feel physically relaxed and balanced.  Each class that I have attended was tailored to meet the needs of each student.  Believe me there will be many different levels present.  I have never been made to feel embarressed if I could not do everything, and believe me I have not been the star student.  Yoga has been good physically for me.  I love it.  I have to say that spiritually I have found my faith in Jesus Christ complete.  I leave the spiritual aspects of yoga completely out of what I take away from it.  This works for me. 

i have done Yoga... (always in the privacy of my own bedroom) and love it.  As a teacher, it really helps relax me and changed the way i breathe and carry myself, especially when i am stressed.  I am looking forward to not being embarrassed by my weight to go to a class and get more into it....

I don't buy into the whole spirtiual aspect of yoga...actually personally i think it's dangerous (thats my opinion based on my spiritual beliefs...YMMV)...but I've done yoga since I was 20.  It can be very challenging physically and a good work out.  The combination of holding positions and working on balance, keeps your mind occupied in a way that traditional  work outs do not.   Allowing your body to relax after the strenuous part of yoga (the mediation part) allows you to clear your mind, release your cares, and practice guided breathing exercises. You might want to get a yoga tape (very easy to buy even at walmart) and try it at home so you know what your expecting...you can learn and practice some of the standard positions....so when you go in, you won't be a complete novice.  It also helps so that you don't have to strain your neck to see the instructor  as they are telling you to move into a different position (it is easier to listen and move into position...it puts less strain on your neck).  You can also buy a guided breathing exercise tape.....i highly recommend andrew weil's relaxation tapes...they are relaxing. Have you thought about therapy?  It's  really insightful to know that WLS won't bring you peace, I think a lot of us went in to it subconsciously thinking that being thing would solve all of our problems...sometimes we need to work out underlying issues in therapy. Scott