I am planning to take a course in fundamental yoga. I’m worried because I weigh 256 pounds and I'm 5'1" and 46 years old. Do you think I will benefit from this course if I stick to it, and lose weight? How can I make the class best work for me?

I think you will TOTALLY benefit from your course in fundamental yoga, cheers to you!  Your weight and age should not be a factor, just move at your own pace, make sure you are connecting your movements to your breath, so you move mindfully, and don’t get in a hurry. Your teacher should give you modifications of some postures, so you feel comfortable working at a level that works for your body.

A regular yoga practice, 2-3 times a week, it should help you lose weight, especially if you combine it with a daily walking routine of 20-30 minutes. Being conscious of what you are eating and how much you are eating will also help you with your weight loss. Your yoga practice will subconsciously help you with your relationship with food as well, so your eating habits may slowly begin to change for the better.


Kathleen Kastner has been teaching ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga for ten years and is also the owner of Maya Yoga studio, in Kansas City, MO.