Drawing on the philosophy and history of the body positivity movement, Donna Noble presents a radical re-examination of teaching inclusive yoga classes by breaking down stereotypes and demystifying yoga.
By sharing accessible tools for everything from marketing a body-positive class to setting the scene in the space, using appropriate language and considering consent and touch, Noble demonstrates why every body is a yoga body - no matter what shape or size. With guidance on modifying poses for larger bodies, as well as chair-based sequences, this resource helps yoga teachers to ensure that the benefits of yoga are available to everyone.
With practical tips, as well as information on social justice and body-positive yoga off the mat, Teaching Body Positive Yoga is a well-rounded resource that gives yoga teachers the confidence to host inclusive and welcoming classes for all.
Donna Noble is a Wellbeing Coach, Educator and founder of Curvesomeyoga. She is widely known for her dedication to making yoga and wellbeing more accessible and inclusive. She is also a social justice and diversity and inclusion advocate. As well as an original co-creator of the UK's first Black wellbeing & fitness festival. Donna is also a writer and her work has been featured in countless print and digital media including HuffPost, Thrive Global, Stylist Magazine The Metro, Om Yoga and Lifestyle Magazine and on BBC and Channel 4.
You can find out more about Donna and her work at www.thenobleartofyoga.co.uk and on Instagram @donnanobleyoga
This book celebrates all that yoga is. It breaks down all barriers and shows us that yoga has open arms for anyone who wants to practise. A liberating look at how anyone can be part of what yoga has to offer mentally and physically. Donna shares her wisdom and past experiences to show us the origins of yoga, subconscious bias and how we can all be more inclusive when it comes to yoga.
A celebration of yoga for all.
--Fearne CottonDonna Noble writes in a way that allows the reader to understand the universality of yoga as a beautiful ancient practice. Stripping away all the notions that make yoga as we know it in the West to feel inaccessible, Donna reminds us that to be in the present is to be at one with the body mind and soul.
Amazing work!
It was such a pleasure reading 'Teaching Body Positive Yoga!' Thank you for creating this important resource!
The case studies at the end of the book were extremely moving as well as maddening. It is a reminder that so much work still needs to be done to make sure yoga is inclusive for all body types, ethnicities, ages, genders or abilities. 'Teaching Body Positive Yoga' should be required reading in all teacher training courses.
--Lauren Cap, WriterTeaching Body Positive Yoga, Donna Noble's new book is a wonderful resource for all teachers. Whether you label your classes as body positive or not, this book is recommended reading for all yoga teachers who want the skills and resources to facilitate a positive class experience for everyone.
'True body positivity is when everyone is welcome on the yoga mat. You can do this by creating a space where people feel empowered to let their practice accommodate their body and do yoga in a way that feels good for them, so they have agency over their body.'
The tone is welcoming and informative, Donna Noble keeps it real and kind as she shares about how size, race, body image, trauma can impact someone's experience in class, and how we can support individual needs as teachers.
This is vital information for yoga teachers today, yet is sadly lacking from many teacher trainings. Teaching Body Positive Yoga introduces these topics providing a foundation of knowledge as well links to further educational resources from a diverse range of experts. It really is a fantastic resource for new and established teachers.
She begins by honouring the Black Femme originators of the Body Positivity movement, and the cultural roots of Yoga itself, as well as sharing her own journey as teacher and practitioner of yoga - this approach is both respectful and welcoming. Some of the topics discussed like unconscious bias, sensitively navigating trauma, touch and language around size and gender could potentially be challenging or confronting for teachers - especially if it was not covered in their initial training, and therefore hasn't been an aspect of their classes. This book is not about shaming anyone - rather to thoughtfully share insights and resources to help us all grow.
As well as the philosophical aspect, she grounds the book in the reality of teaching yoga today. There's a great section on using props in class, but also marketing, navigating working within a studio versus hiring a space and growing your business ethically.
Donna Noble's love and respect for her community shines through this book - she honors and uplifts the people she has learned from, as well as sharing that knowledge so we can all benefit.
'Real yoga takes place off the mat and is integrated into our lives: it is how we interact and support others - it is yoga in action, it is being the change we wish to see in the world.'
--Jo Stewart, The Flow Artists Podcast (cohost), Garden of Yoga (founder)