Teaching body positive yoga : a guide to inclusivity, language and props / Donna Noble ; foreword by Jivana Heyman.

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Title:

Teaching body positive yoga : a guide to inclusivity, language and props / Donna Noble ; foreword by Jivana Heyman.

Author:

Noble, Donna, author.

Heyman, Jivana, writer of foreword.

ISBN:

9781787753365

Physical Description:

1 online resource (202 p.) : illustrations

Contents:

Intro -- Teaching Body Positive Yoga -- Cover -- Of related interest -- Title page -- Copyright -- Contents -- Foreword by Jivana Heyman -- Acknowledgements -- Preface -- Part 1: Overview -- 1. Introduction -- 2. What Is Body Positivity? -- 3. The Roots of Body Positive Yoga -- Part 2: Creating Inclusive Classes -- 4. What Is a Body Positive Yoga Class? -- 5. Diversity and Body Positivity -- 6. Appropriate Language -- 7. Marketing Yourself as a Body Positive Yoga Teacher -- 8. Using Props -- 9. Consent and Touch -- 10. Yoga Sequences -- Part 3: Body Positivity off the Yoga Mat -- 11. Body Positive Yoga off the Mat -- 12. Conclusion -- 13. Case Studies -- Contributors.

Abstract:

Donna Noble draws on years of experience teaching body positive yoga to help yoga teachers host truly inclusive classes. Covering the philosophy and history of the body positivity movement, as well as providing tips on language, touch, modifications for larger bodies and marketing for body-positive yoga classes, this is an inspiring resource for yoga teachers and trainees.

Subject Term:

Hatha yoga -- Study and teaching.

Hatha yoga.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Added Author:

Heyman, Jivana,

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Item Barcode	Shelf Number	Status
Searching... Avon-Washington Township Public Library	Adult Nonfiction Book Paperback	120791002999507	613.7 NOB	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

Drawing on the philosophy and history of the body positivity movement, Donna Noble presents a radical re-examination of teaching inclusive yoga classes by breaking down stereotypes and demystifying yoga.

By sharing accessible tools for everything from marketing a body-positive class to setting the scene in the space, using appropriate language and considering consent and touch, Noble demonstrates why every body is a yoga body - no matter what shape or size. With guidance on modifying poses for larger bodies, as well as chair-based sequences, this resource helps yoga teachers to ensure that the benefits of yoga are available to everyone.

With practical tips, as well as information on social justice and body-positive yoga off the mat, Teaching Body Positive Yoga is a well-rounded resource that gives yoga teachers the confidence to host inclusive and welcoming classes for all.

Reviews (2)

Publisher's Weekly Review

The "mainstream yoga industry" is kicked to the curb in this uplifting collection from Curvesomeyoga founder Noble. After becoming ill with Bell's palsy, Noble was inspired to become a yoga instructor and make "yoga available for everybody, regardless of age, size, ethnicity, ability or gender." She brings that passion to these practical tips for instructors and casual yogis alike. The book's first part is something of a body positivity 101, with Noble defining the term and exploring its role in the industry: "Mainstream yoga has become a reflection of the fashion industry, where 'thin' is the ideal body type, and wearing on-trend clothes... has become a prerequisite." Then come tricks for making classes "judgement-free": teachers can avoid using the word "just" during class (as in "just go into splits"), use diverse marketing images, and check in with students to see if they're comfortable with hands-on adjustments. Casual yogis, meanwhile, should rest assured that they are "their own best teachers." Step-by-step yoga sequences with seated modifications add to the book's utility. The result is a refreshing take on standard fitness fare. (Aug.)

Library Journal Review

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. VERDICT Helpful for users and providers of yoga classes and other wellness activities.--Susan Belsky