THAT’S A BIG STRETCH
Standing six-foot-three, Jim Ginther strains as he tries to pull off a yoga pose Thursday. After taking a break from yoga for three years, Ginther will be attending big guy yoga, which helps address some of the “natural anxiety” big men feel about yoga.
A Saskatoon instructor is encouraging “big guys” to take part in the practice of yoga.
Dwight Weiers hopes several classes in June help dispel misconceptions that only people with certain body types can excel at the ancient activity.
He’ll host the classes at One Yoga Saskatoon in the Nutana neighbourhood. A class for larger men may help address some of the “natural anxiety” that comes with trying any new exercise, he said.
“The idea that there’s an appropriate body type to do yoga is just a myth.”
Recalling the advice of a previous teacher, he said someone who thinks they’re not flexible enough to try yoga is like someone who thinks they’re “too dirty to take a shower.” Yoga helps people increase their balance and flexibility.
Making it to the mat and taking part is “probably the toughest thing you’re going to do,” he said, noting response has been positive.
“A lot of people think it’s a great idea.”
Kent Kowalski, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Kinesiology, said popular culture’s focus on elite sports and athletes can sometimes present a barrier. He said the specialized class is important because it shows people of all body types and abilities are able to compete.
“They can recognize, whether it be yoga or anything else, that really, physical activity is made for everyone,” Kowalski said. “For anybody working in kinesiology, whether it’s yoga or any other activity, I think that’s the key message that we want to get out as a field — that activity is for everybody.”
Jim Ginther is one of the people planning to participate in a big guy yoga class.
Standing six-foot-three and weighing 230 pounds, he hopes the class serves as a re-introduction to the practice, as he’s been absent from yoga studios for about three years. For larger guys, it can be intimidating to participate in an activity that focuses on athleticism or flexibility, and for him personally, it’s an “uphill battle.”
“It’s nice to have a kind of programming that’s tailored to that, and I think it could be a jumping off point for guys that find it’s a good fit,” said Ginther.
Participants in big guy yoga, which is scheduled every Thursday for the rest of June, will also help others get an introduction to the activity. Proceeds raised through the program will be used to support Vinyasa Yoga For Youth, which provides yoga instruction to students and teachers.
“We’re always seeking to expand and to get to as many schools as we can,” Weiers said, noting yoga can help students become more patient and attentive.
“It can help you just be more comfortable with yourself, and that’s a lot of what we’re going for ... for youth and people who come to this class.”