As a general rule, I don’t really follow yoga instructors on Instagram. It’s the same reason I don’t go to the gym – in short, it makes me feel bad about myself. There’s nothing worse, as a beginner, than watching throngs of taught abs and impossibly long limbs flex around like it’s the easiest thing in the world. It makes me feel like a failure by default and the shame prevents me from participating.
But Instagram yoga influencers can be far worse than an over zealous PT. Not only can they provide a constant stream of unachievable body standards, but many paint a picture of a perfect lifestyle that subconsciously undermines every inch of the average person’s existence, far beyond their ability to hold a downward dog.
It’s not just about being long, strong and flexible (although that’s a big part of it, for sure). It’s the green juices, the marble kitchen counters and hardwood floors, the luxe loungewear and glossy hair. It’s the midweek brunches and biological inability to break into a sweat.
Luckily, there are a number of refreshing, body-inclusive yoga influencers offering expertise and advice for all levels of ability that won’t leave you feeling utterly inadequate. They are empowering, relatable and knowledgable, and a quick follow will help add some much-needed positivity to your feed as well as tempt you back into your yoga routine.
Take The Underbelly Yoga with yoga teacher Jessamyn Stanley. Jessamyn’s recent book Yoke: My Yoga Of Self Acceptance sums up much of what she stands for – self love, refreshing honesty, grit and, of course, expertise on both the physical and spiritual dimensions of yoga.
Also worth a follow is Valerie Sagun, a.k.a. Big Gal Yoga, who has a book under the same name as well as an eight lesson course on appreciating your body.
Then theres Nourished Natasha, who as well as specialising in accessible yoga and trauma yoga, also has an infectious interest in astrology and witchcraft.
We also love Jonelle Lewis, yoga instructor and Apple Fitness+ trainer, for her expert tutorials and excellent choice in music (she prefers hip-hop, dancehall, and Afrobeats to meditative chants). She also leads empowering, feel-good meditation sessions that are well worth checking out.
Looking for more ways to cleanse your feed of negative accounts? As well as these body-inclusive yoga pros, here are the best skin positive accounts to follow as well as everything you need to know about the empowering ‘reality vs reality’ trend.
