A Hard Truth About Yoga & Eating Disorders

Yoga can easily become part of one's eating disorder and exercise addiction, especially since "workout yoga" is widely available and idealized.

High-intensity, fitness-focused classes, and workshops often reinforce unhealthy drives, such as over-exercising and focusing on weight loss in order to change one’s body to fit an ideal. These messages can be counterproductive to the values of acceptance, self-care, and self-love inherent to both the true heart of Yoga and the recovery process. This is a side of the "yoga industry" that needs to be considered when recommending yoga to clients, friends, family, and acquaintances.

I'd love to hear what kinds of classes and settings you find most supportive for your recovery. Also feel free to share aspects of the "yoga world" that you find activating, uncomfortable, or difficult to be around.