Teaching Yoga to People of Size - 20 Hour Online Course

Fundamentals of working with bodies of all sizes and ability

When: JAN 10, 24
FEB 7, 21,
MAR 7
10am – 2pm
Location: Online
Instructor: Michael Hayes, LMT
Tuition $500

Learn To...

Work with ALL bodies

Adjust, modify, and adapt movement and positions so that larger, overweight or injured people are able to successfully practice Yoga.

Help People of Size Feel Comfortable

Students of size sometimes have particular issues with ankles, knees, hips or shoulders. It is important that they feel comfortable to share their concerns so that a modification can be found. There are no stupid questions – only questions that people are afraid to ask.

Find the Middle Ground

Prove to your students that modifications and props are not cheating. The balance between working too hard and working too easily. Find the balance and share it with your students, no matter what their size.

What to Expect

To develop skills as yoga teachers to work effectively with large bodies and make the practice of yoga accessible.

First class: Consider specific adaptations for large bodies. For example, as large-bodied people have large bellies, work with the belly and not against it. To lift rib cage use an adapted approach—unharden the belly, don’t fight it, get past physical part to feel what’s going on.

Schedule

Jan 10	10am-2pm	Welcome, Breath & the Bandhas
Jan 24	10am-2pm	Breath, Leverage, Weight
Feb 7	10am-2pm	Sun Salutations. Standing Poses with Chair
Feb 21	10am-2pm	BBY Signature class. Discuss & divide into small groups
Mar 7	10am-2pm	Practicum with feedback from BBY students, Q&A, Graduation**Breakout rooms?

Our Philosophy

If we change our habitual movement patterns, we can shift our patterns of thought. Buddha Body Yoga’s philosophy is to look between the asanas and break them down into smaller articulated movements so that new students and students of size can access the asanas. We seek a somatic balance of weight, breath and movement, creating union.

Testimonials

Buddha Body Yoga with Michael Hayes is the go-to yoga class for plus size students of any age and ability. Size 6 need not apply. It really is for those of us who are larger - maybe a little, maybe a lot. Michael works with each students to meet his or her needs.

Alexandra

Michael is an awesome instructor. He knows exactly what he is doing and when, as a plus sized, you go other instructors, you really understand his expertise. Also, he’s a weisenheimer lol.

Jinx Mcguffin

Michael is a calm and gentle leader, but he also pushes you past your comfort zone. Slowly. If a pose is too difficult to reach, you grab some foam blocks and reposition yourself until the stretch feels good for you. He watches everyone for proper alignment regardless of any modifications.