17 Inspirational Instagram Yogis That Defy Mainstream Yoga Body Stereotypes


We are loving these 17 inspirational yogis who show us that yoga is for all different bodies, shapes and sizes (check out our list of inspirational male yogis too), and completely defy yoga body stereotypes.

1. Jessamyn Stanley

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 20.52.03 Jessamyn is a yoga teacher and blogger who has over 100K followers on Instagram. She's one of the most well known advocators for the "body positive" movement and has been featured in the Daily Mail, Good Morning America and other major press outlets.

2. Rosemarie J

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 20.54.21 If you are in need of some fitness motivation, Rosemarie a.k.a. badwolfyoga's Instagram is full of pictures of her yoga practice, quite a few yoga challenges and her adorable doggies.

3. Star-Dawn Whitaker

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 20.55.23 Star is a talented make-up artist and hair stylist with a passion for beauty, fashion, travelling. And we secretly vicariously live her awesome glam-ventures through her lens of Instagram photos.

4. J

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 20.56.38 J is a strong woman on a mission: to get stronger and healthier! She spends a lot of time at the gym and doing yoga and we like to follow her journey through her pictures.

5. Maria

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.08.02 Maria is an inspiration to anyone who is trying to lose weight as she has lost 100 lbs through regular yoga practise (and if you'd like some tips - we've put together a guide on yoga for weight loss).

6. Amanda

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.11.15 Meet Amanda, the tattoo-loving yogi who fully embraces her curves and curls, and uses every opportunity to stop, drop and yoga.

7. Dana Falsetti

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.13.22 Yoga teacher Dana has a big Instagram following and it's not hard to see why. Talking to Shape magazine, she says, "in the yoga world, some might say my size as a teacher and student is taboo, but I strive to show others there is no such thing as a 'yoga body'".

8. Kaleigh Mancha

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.17.25 Kay's photo streams comes not only with yoga inspirations, but also some great tips for clean eating, which include this amazing delish vegan waffle burger...

9. Amber Karnes

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.20.00 Amber is yoga trainer who is specifically trying to improve yoga classes for larger, injured and disabled students thereby trying to make yoga accessible for everyone. She also runs a great body positive yoga blog (we love her comprehensive guide on how to modify yoga poses for bigger bodies).

10. Dana Sutherland

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.21.18 Dana is a self-taught yogi and, although you wouldn't be able to tell from her pictures, has only been practising since August of last year (but remember, everybody has their path!).

11. Ashley

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.22.52 Ashley is a body positive advocate from Michigan with a passion for yoga and cats (that's always a sign of a great heart).

12. Nora

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.24.01 Nora is a physiotherapist who got into yoga to keep fit and flexible. Her positive energy and encouraging poses make us want to hop onto the mat and practise with her immediately!

13. Malea Hooper

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.25.09 Malea's stream is full of great pose demonstrations and videos that allow you to get a glimpse on how to safely get in and out of popular yoga poses.

14. Kelley

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.26.08 As well as being a yoga teacher, blogger and natural hairstylist, Kelley is also a doting mum of an adorable son with another one on the way! Congrats!

15. Brittany Danielle

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.27.05 As a plus size advocate and yoga enthusiast, Brittany has a Facebook page with advice for plus sized yogis.

16. Glitter

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.28.02 30-year-old Glitter loves to travel and has been to over 30 countries, which is incredible. We also love the fact that she's fashion blogger and her photos are fantastic - artistically beautiful and yoga-inspiring.

17. Luisa Fonseca

Screen Shot 2016-04-17 at 21.29.16 Luisa is super creative about her practice. We love that she constantly shares modifications and creative versions of tradition poses, which makes the practice a lot more fun and engaging. You can also follow her #curvesofgratitude yoga challenges.

If you love this post...

Join our Facebook group, Coffee and Yoga so you can share your inspirations with the Lots of Yoga team.

Last but not least...

Want to be featured on Lots of Yoga? Post a picture of your wonderful yoga self on Instagram, then tag and follow @lots_of_yoga and @xl.promodoro for a chance to win a £100 voucher at XL.Promodoro, our friends who've just launched their shop with feel good basics in plus sizes. We want to make sure some of you get some great Christmas gifts! Competition ends 15th December. Have fun and good luck!

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