Teaching Yoga for Round Bodies

Introduction

1. Adho Mukha Shvasana
2. Ardha Matsyendrasana
3. Balasana
4. Bhujangasana
5. Chandrasana
6. Dandasana
7. Garudasana
8. Janushirasana
9. Jathara Parivartanasana
10. Matsyasana
11. Padahastasana
12. Parvatasana
13. Paschimotanasana
14. Salabhasana
15. Sarvangasana
16. Sasamgasana
17. Savasana
18. Setu Banghasana
19. Siddhasana
20. Standing Backward Bend
21. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
22. Tadasana
23. Trikonasana
24. Ustrasana
25. Utkatasana
26. Vajrasana
27. Viparita Karani
28. Virabhadrasana
29. Vrikasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana
The Half-Spinal Twist

Half-Spinal Twist is a nightmare for fat people! It’s usually the knee that’s pulled up to the chest that’s the problem. The fat student usually can’t even find out how supple they are in this asana, because the belly gets in the way.

Difficulty breathing, and a tendency to lean back (to unconsciously accommodate the belly) are the usual result. I seldom teach this asana in my class, substituting supine twists. However, I do sometimes use it to teach alignment. (It’s a good one for demonstrating keeping the head aligned with the torso.)

I usually recommend that the fat student raise the knee to a comfortable level only, and that s/he not cross the raised leg over the other knee. This, of course, lessens the stretch in the lower back and buttocks. On the other hand, it permits the fat student to breathe. I know which one I’d go with.