The practice of yoga is often seen to be one only open to the tall, slim, blonde and tanned twenty-somethings that saturate our Instagram feeds on a daily basis. However, the reality is very different - it's a form of exercise that can suit every age, body shape, need and desire, but the trick is to find an instructor that can really help you on a positive body journey. As a rather chunky girl myself (we're talking boobs, bum, tum and thighs that are about as wide as the waists of many other enthusiasts,) that's taken up yoga this year, I feel passionate about encouraging others to at least try the practice no matter their body shape. I may not be able to get into all the positions and often look like a total loon when I'm trying, but the key thing is that *I'm trying*; after only a couple of months I'm noticing a difference in my flexibility and mental well-being, so I'm a complete advocate of the art. So is Jessamyn Stanley. As a 'body positive' yoga instructor she's really breaking down barriers when it comes to looking or feeling a certain way - and her passion is infectious. In an effort to illustrate that yoga is for everyone, I spent ten minutes getting to know what makes her tick.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'm a yoga teacher, body positive advocate and writer based in Durham, North Carolina USA. I use high energy vinyasa flow as a way to move past mental and emotional barriers. My classes provide a body positive approach to yoga which celebrates students? ...