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

Salabhasana
The Locust Pose

Keeping the arms close to the body and the legs together are the challenges here for the fat person. I generally let my students put their arms in an abducted position like airplane wings. The legs can be strapped together — not too close; allow a few inches — or the fat student can simply do the asana with spread legs.

The danger here occurs when the legs are so wide it affects the thigh and buttock muscles protecting the lower back. I have found that most fat students prefer to do the “cross-extension” version of this asana, lifting the left hand and right leg, then vice versa. This is safer for the lower back and is easier to perform.