Compared to other fitness regimes, Yoga does not require a specific body type. Not only does it have positive effects on our physical wellness, it also helps us become more body positive.

I’m facing a dilemma about whether continue gym or move to yoga now.

These women yoginis show us how Yoga has helped them become more self-loving. Have a look:

Valerie Sagun (@biggalyoga)

“Before yoga, I had that stereotypical thing that’s common in people with bigger bodies, where I thought, I can’t do that until I lose weight. [Yoga was part of what] got me over the mental hurdle of always telling myself that. I don’t have to wait to do anything. That has helped me get over my fear of wanting to rock climb… That’s one of the things where I was like, I have to lose a lot of weight. But after yoga, I tried it. Everything has opened up a lot more.”

Rosemarie (@badwolfyoga)

“I listen to my body so much more in and out of practice. When I first started practicing, I don’t think I was too kind to my body. I pushed a little too much, even though it was telling me over and over again that I needed to slow down, catch my breath. I had tunnel vision — I saw the end result but not what would lead me up to it.”

Jo Meneses (@bodyroots)

“Yoga has allowed to be comfortable in my own skin. I’m 44 now, and I’ve been doing yoga for 18 years on and off. But the more I practice, the more I am able to be comfortable with my body and where it is that day, and to not judge it. That’s a tough thing to do… So many things in our society tell us we have to be a certain height, size, wear a certain style. And with yoga, all that gets stripped away.”

Davina Davidson (@yogawithdavina)

“Absolutely; at first I didn’t really realise how strong or capable I was, because I felt so awkward. However, in time, I’ve learned so much about acknowledging limits and creating possibility.”

Jessamyn Stanley (@mynameisjessamyn)

“It has, but I don’t think yoga is the main reason why… For me, yoga has been the catalyst. It has made me see how many boundaries we have created as human beings that are totally worthless. And if I can say the boundaries are bullshit, why don’t I just say, ‘Fuck you’ to whoever or whatever? It happens probably 20,00 times a day in my life.

“When I go out to eat, for example. If you’re eating and you’re fat, it ‘needs’ to be really healthy, and even then people have opinions about it. So for me to say “I’m hungry; I think I’m going to get fries’ in front of other people, I have to say ‘Fuck you.’ Stuff like that is what has led to me being confident in my body.”

Laura Kasperzak (@laurasykora)

“Yoga has made me appreciate my body much more. It has taught me to have patience and not rush into poses.”

@glitterandlazers

“Definitely. I never hated my body before, but I did at times use it as an excuse for why I didn’t try certain things. Now, I find myself unafraid to fail. I’ve learned you must first fail to succeed.”

Alicia Archer (@kinkysweat)

“I’m so much more forgiving and understanding of my body, because I want it to do such extreme things. I give it the time to warm up and to rest. I’m very much in tune with what it needs and when I need to take a break. Building my skill and staying injury-free meant learning that recovery is the best thing for my body [rather than just] training ultra-hard.”

Masumi Goldman (@masumi_g)

“Before I started practicing yoga, I thought I knew my body and its limitations. Once I began practicing yoga consistently, I surprised myself by being able to get into a full split (Hanumanasana). Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my body could do this. I couldn’t even do a split when I was a kid!

“From this experience (and many more since then), I learned that my body’s limitations are often dictated by my mind, not my body. Today, I try not to think too hard about what my body can or cannot do. I just try and see what happens.”

You guys up for a yoga session?

You can read the original article here.