Weigh in on plus-size yoga classes

A story in last week's New York Times drew attention to yoga classes designed specifically -- and solely -- for overweight and obese students. The article's been commented upon at length, and with good reason: The question as to whether such classes are a good idea cuts to the core of several weighty issues.

But the reality is that it takes a certain hard-shelled breed of person to brave a yoga class where everyone around you looks more fit and is able to execute yoga poses with greater ease. I've seen overweight women do it with aplomb, sticking with their yoga classes even as they huff and puff while those around them glide effortlessly through their sun salutations. These good-spirited women tend to take inspiration from their classmates, and I've seen several of them gain skill and confidence as they've progressed.

But I've also seen too many overweight women come to class a time or two and then disappear. Not having conducted any exit interviews, I can't say for sure that they left feeling defeated or that they simply felt out of place or poorly served in a class designed for fitter, more experienced practitioners.