The philosophical aspects of yoga teach us to shift away from self-judgment of our bodies and minds. Yet yoga in the West has become a multibillion-dollar industry that is represented by young, thin, toned models whose physique may be unattainable to many body types. Ironically, over half of the people starting their yoga practices now are Greater than 50. There is definitely an incongruence here.

In a qualitative study by Neumark-Sztainer et al. published in Body Image in 2018, participants reported yoga to have a positive impact on body image by improving their feelings of gratitude for their bodies, improving self-confidence, experiencing a sense of accomplishment within their yoga practice, perceiving physical changes to occur in their bodies, and witnessing various body types practicing yoga.  

This and many other studies show promise for yoga’s role in improving negative self-attitude about one’s physical appearance. We can learn to be grateful for our physical capabilities rather than emphasize the attainment of a particular posture or physical appearance as the end goal of the practice.

Moreover, yoga teachers can foster this self acceptance by encouraging students to focus on their personal physical and mental experience rather than look around at other students in the room.

We often say that there is a "yoga for every body", or, as I am fond of reminding people in my classes, "your body - your yoga". Focusing on our own internal and external experiences in our yoga practices, takes the focus off of comparing ourselves with others and places it on enjoying and appreciating our time on the mat.

Karen