Yoga Can Become Part of an Eating Disorder

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.

Classes that are trauma-informed, restorative, gentle, and slow flow, can be safer options than the workout types of classes for individuals in recovery, especially in early recovery or during periods of increased struggle and challenges.