There’s something deeply sacred about practicing yoga at home. The quiet, the solitude, the freedom to move without feeling watched. But at some point, the your yoga practice may call for more—a sense of community, the energy of a shared practice, the depth that comes when we breathe in unison with others. And yet, for so many plus-size women and men, entering a yoga studio feels like stepping into a space that wasn’t built with them in mind.

So how do we move past that fear? How do we claim space in a place not made for us?

The Small Shifts That Open Big Doors

Stepping into a studio doesn’t have to feel like a battle. It can be a quiet rebellion against the “ideal yoga body” (which is a joke), a gentle refusal to stay unseen.

1. Rewrite the narrative Yoga has never been about perfection. Strip away the curated images, the exclusionary stereotypes, and remember this: yoga belongs to you, just as much as it belongs to anyone else.

2. Find an ally Seek out teachers who celebrate all bodies. Bring a plus size friend with you. Connect with others who’ve walked this path before. Sometimes, just knowing someone is rooting for you can make all the difference.

3. Start with presence Even if stepping inside feels overwhelming, begin by simply existing in the space. Visit, observe, breathe it in before committing. Let familiarity quiet the doubt.

4. Modify without apology Your practice is yours. Adapt, adjust, take up space—without shrinking yourself to fit someone else’s mold. This might mean skipping all of sun salutations and lying in savasana instead, you are allowed to do that if it feels right.

5. Affirm your belonging You are allowed to be here. Say it to yourself. Whisper it. Shout it. Believe it – joyfully.

A Note for Studios: The Invitation Matters

If you own, run, or teach at a yoga studio, ask yourself: Who isn’t here? And why?

Make your marketing inclusive. Show diverse bodies in your photos. Use language that reflects accessibility and openness.

Offer variations without singling people out. Make props standard. Give options in every pose without making plus-size practitioners feel like the exception.

Train your staff. Awareness matters. Understanding different needs creates a safer space for all.

Shift the energy. Welcome every body—not with hesitation, but with open arms.

Because yoga is not about the shape of a body. It is about the breath, the movement, the presence. And that? That belongs to everyone.