If you are in a larger body, perhaps you’ve groaned with frustration when your yoga teacher announces that the next pose is garudasana (eagle pose). The wrapping and tucking thighs and arms just doesn’t happen for those of us with bigger thighs, arms, or chests!
I’ve got options for you! Here are 4 variations for the legs and 4 variations for the arms – see what feels best in your body and create your own eagle combination!
Let me know how those variations worked for you or if you have any questions!
Tell your yoga teacher about my Body Positive Yoga online teacher training course!
Do you have a yoga teacher in your life who you wish knew a little bit more about how to work with YOUR body, or make their class more body positive and Health At Every Size-friendly?
Fellow yoga teacher Dianne Bondy and I have created an online teacher training to help yoga teachers do just that!
Please share this link with your yoga teacher or studio owner! (And if you’re a teacher, we’d love to have you join us and learn to expand your student base, and make your classes more welcoming for all!
Just wanted to say “Thanks” for the alternatives to Garudasana….I often found it a challenge even before I put on weight. Love receiving your newsletters.
Blessed Be,
Lisa
Love, love, LOVE your pose variation options!
Keep posting these!!!
Great attitude, love your spirit! Thanks 🙂
Thanks, Amber. I looked everywhere for a good modification of this pose. As a bodybuilder, my chest, shoulders and arm size prohibit its classic expression. I found the answer here with the double arm wrap. Keep up the good work. And I will spread your good word to my instructors. Namaste.
I am SO grateful I found you and your site. I am a yoga instructor and the #1 reason I wanted to start teaching was because I found so many people who were scared to go to class and I wanted to change that for them by keeping it fun and light-hearted.
I always struggle when we come to eagle arms because it can be so difficult for so many and this was exactly what I needed to see! I’ll be scouring your site for more – thank you for sharing this and teaching!
Thank you.
I thought you might want the time stamps for the different poses for those who want to refer back to this multiple times – like me. I also tried to comment on your youtube video, but the comments are turned off.
1:48 Legs 1
2:27 Legs 2
3:03 Legs 3
3:33 Legs 4
4:10 Arms 1
4:52 Arms 2
5:15 Arms 3
5:44 Arms 4