Teaching Body Positive Yoga: A Guide to Inclusivity, Language and Props

Every body is a yoga body, writes Noble, a well-being coach and founder of Curvesomeyoga. Her book argues that yoga should be inclusive for all practitioners, and aims to increase yoga teachers’ sensitivity and awareness of racism, homophobia, ageism, ableism, and body image phobias. There are suggestions on creating an inclusive yoga studio or classroom—things like eliminating discussions about dieting and actively avoiding unconscious bias. No body shaming is allowed either, of course. Noble writes that the time and location of classes matter, and yoga props (blocks, straps, bolsters, chairs) are recommended. She also makes the case that the future of body-positive yoga includes virtual classes, which can be more accessible and comfortable. In a chapter of case studies, yoga teachers and students recount positive and negative experiences in yoga instruction. The book also gives background on body positivity movements, including the Victorian dress reform movement that began in the 1850s.