May 24, 2024
Yoga for Plus-sized Women
Location : Fox & The Firefly Cottages, Loboc, Bohol, Philippines
Plus-sized Bodies
When Joan asked if I would teach a class at Fox and Firefly, I said ok if it's a big group - going there and back was an arduous 56km trip. For a group of 12, I said Yes. But there was one consideration - they were beginners with plus-sized bodies. I've never conducted a class specific to such body size. What to do? Youtube and ChatGPT!
ChatGPT
My first recourse was ChatGPT. I threw basic questions about special needs, dos and don'ts, other considerations, etc. What I got was more than I bargained for - inclusive languages ('fat overweight, obese' are no-nos, instead, use 'large-bodied'), self-identification, self-conscious (about wearing tight or revealing clothing), Health at Every Size (HAES), fear of body shaming, fitness misconception (that large bodies cannot do yoga), lack of representation (only sexy women are advertised in yoga making large people feel out of place), creating a safe space, etc.
Youtube
There were a few yoga videos done by large women for large women. I learned things I could not have just conceptualized - like where to put a bulging belly on certain poses, having a wider-than-standard stance for Mountain Pose, Warrior poses, etc.
Gentle Handling
Before even starting the class, I was already prepared psychologically and technically. It was beginner as beginner gets - starting from proper breathing, introducing the '3 best friends', and progressing into the Surya Namaskars first with only movement, then movement + breath, then movement + breath + awareness. I made it clear that my verbal cueing was just a guideline and that ultimately, they should listen to their bodies and give themselves full liberty to tweak a pose in compliance with their unique anatomy, skill and abilities. It was as 'no pressure' as it got.
A One-on-One Private Class
As a validation of how I taught the class, immediately after, one participant, Niki, asked if I could do a one-on-one private class with her. I thought she had a pressing health or psychological issue and saw yoga as a means to resolve them, but no. She just wanted to learn more from me, whatever I felt like teaching her for that session. Unprepared for this, I winged the class based on what she saying. When she mentioned having scarpal tunnel syndrome, we went into a full wrist mobility workout. When she wondered what it was like to handstand but expressed fear of crashing down and hitting her head, I assured her that with strong shoulders and arms, that wouldn't happen. We went into a few routines to open up her shoulders and build muscle mass around it. Altogether, she was happy about the class. We even had lunch together with her traveling group.
Ending Thoughts
I'm glad I took the time to learn more about conducting a yoga class for people who don't have my body and who cannot do what I can do. This pointed out some misplaced assumptions I had. Because of large people's increased sensitivity about words being used, about how they look compared to someone beside them who is slim and sexy, and about past trauma they might have suffered from, I had to be aware of the poses I asked them to do, I chose my words carefully and overall made them feel comfortable about their own bodies. I stressed that they didn't have to fit themselves uncomfortably within a rigid yoga framework, but instead, have yoga comply with their unique abilities and anatomy (I didn't even mention 'size') by giving themselves full liberties to modify poses according to their comfort and stability. This could mean wider stances on Mountain Pose and Warrior Poses.
This put the class in a whole new perspective. It also shifted my headspace realizing that my perception of the world is very different from those who have different needs and have to constantly face difficult challenges.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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More on Loboc:
Loboc Map
Loboc, Bohol, Philippines
- Cruz Daku - 80-foot white cross erected in 1986 on top of Loboc's highest mountain
- Virgen de Guadalupe - giant statue of the Black Madonna perched on a Loboc summit
- River Cruise - river cruise on a floating restaurant serving lunch with cultural presentation
- Busay Falls - accessible only through the river cruise
- Loktob Spring - cold water spring, free admission, huts for rent
- Zipline and Cable Car Ride - at the Eco-Tourism Adventure Park
- Fox & The Firefly Cottages - SUP paddle boarding, luxury riverside native cottages, mountain bike tours, SUP yoga
- Lyn's Backpackers Inn - family-run guesthouse in the heart of Loboc
Loboc Local Info
Tourist Attraction
- Cruz Daku - 80-foot white cross erected in 1986 on top of Loboc's highest mountain
- Virgen de Guadalupe - giant statue of the Black Madonna perched on a Loboc summit
- River Cruise - river cruise on a floating restaurant serving lunch with cultural presentation
- Busay Falls - accessible only through the river cruise
- Loktob Spring - cold water spring, free admission, huts for rent
- Zipline and Cable Car Ride - at the Eco-Tourism Adventure Park
- Chilling at the Hanging Garden
- Watch the Loboc Children's Choir practice at Loboc Central Elementary School, 5pm daily
- Watch the music classes of the Loboc Youth Ambassador Band on Saturdays
- Attend Masses at St. Peter Parish and Quinoguitan Parish. We have a very rich culture here
- Swim in the river at the same time talk to the ladies doing their laundry
- Spend at least 2 hours (suggested time: 11:30-1:30pm) observing how Loboc Tourism Complex is operated and hopefully give your feedback to the Chief Tourism Operations Officer with the help of Jeffrey
- Go to Loboc River Resort and Basak View in Camayaan
- Visit the blacksmiths in Agape
- Go to the hills and mountains of Gon-ob, Calunasan and Cambance areas. In Calunasan, visit Balai Silangan
- Visit the caves of Guimba, Buenavista and Tigbao but don't expect too much, the caves are not that marvellous but the journey in going there are awesome, that if u like to be with nature
- Visit the woodcarvers of Alegria and Tigbao
- Visit the home-based weavers of Tigbao, Oy and Calunasan
- Visit the rice fields of Basak Daku, Jimilian ...almost all barangays have patches of rice fields
- Boating at Loboc River downstream on a late afternoon
- Firefly tour
- Salabat Centre in Candabong
- Taste our delicacy at Tres Hermanas
*** entries below were submitted by Dodette Bernaldez
Loboc Blogs
- Yoga for Plus-sized Women May 24, 2024
- Bohol Yoga Festival April 20/21, 2024
- Goodbye Loboc, Goodbye Philippines Mar 15, 2018
- The CubbyHole: Envisioning a Utopian Shangrila Mar 10, 2018
- Fat Shredder with the Russian Twist Mar 2, 2018
- No-Dismount Climb to Cruz Daku Mar 1, 2018
- Jeffrey's Cardio Program Feb 26, 2018
- SUP Yoga with Lalah de Dios at Fox and the Firefly Feb 25, 2018
- Bike Ride with Juan Huerte: Loboc, Sikatuna, Corella and Baclayon Feb 25, 2018
- CT Scan Result Feb 23, 2018
- The Silent Killer has Arrived Feb 19-22, 2018
- 24+ Days at Lyn's Backpackers Inn Jan 23 - Feb 16, 2018
- All Day Fun with the Loboc Crew Feb 11, 2018
- 20-Minute Rope Skipping w/ Pranayama and Meditation Feb 9, 2018
- Calisthenics with Jeffrey Feb 7, 2018
- Abs-Core Workout with Jeffrey Feb 5, 2018
- High Intensity Cardio Workout Feb 2, 2018
- Ride to the Landslide with Jeffrey Jan 31, 2018
- Farm Tour with Mr. Raymond Cal Jan 29, 2018
- Cacao Drum Roasting Jan 27, 2018
- Making Sikwate: from cacao fruit to a hot dark chocolate drink Jan 25, 2018
- 5 Weeks at the Fox and Firefly Cottages Dec 13, 2017 - Jan 23, 2018
- In-House Yoga Teacher at the Fox and Firefly Cottages Jan 22-Mar 14, 2018
- Mountain Bike Rides from Tagbilaran to Loboc Jan 18, 2018
- Firefly Tour on a Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Dec 19, 2017
- Playing Mountain Bike Tour Optimizer Dec 18, 2017
- Back to Loboc Dec 13-17, 2017
- 37 Days in Loboc - Thank You and Goodbye Oct 8-Nov 14, 2017
- Exploring Busay Falls, Loktob Spring And Jimili-An Spring Nov 11, 2017
- Stand-Up Paddle Yoga with Joan Christine Nov 3, 2017
- SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Bohol Oct 29, 2017
- Exploring Guimba and Sog-ong Caves of Loboc Oct 22, 2017
- Ziplining and Cable Car Ride at Eco-Tourism Adventure Park Oct 22, 2017
- Savouring Villagio Pizza Oct 19, 2017
- Wet and Wild Bonbon-Alegria Downhill Ride Oct 18, 2017
- River Cruise on Loboc River Oct 17, 2017
- Back Road Ride To Loay Oct 17, 2017
- Leisurely Ride to Loktob Spring Oct 14, 2017
- Sweet Ride to Busay Falls Oct 13, 2017
- Bike Climb to the Virgen de Guadalupe Oct 12, 2017
- The Ride to Cruz Daku (Big Cross) Oct 11, 2017
- Exploring Loboc, Bohol Oct 8, 2017
Loboc
LOBOCMore on Bohol:
Bohol Google Map
Bohol, Philippines
- Danao Adventure Park - zip lining, cable car ride, caving, river rides/trekking, off-road buggy ride, root climbing, rappelling and ultra-glide rides
- Alona Beach - hub for tourists with hotels, resorts, restos, bars and dive shops
- Chocolate Hills - hills side-by-side shaped like giant Kisses chocolate
- Tarsier - pocket-sized marsupia looking like a monkey
- Balicasag Island - one of the best dive spots in the Philippines
- Loboc River - river cruise on a boat
- Anda Beach - fine white sand beach with resorts, restos and cottages, 3 hours by bus from Tagbilaran
- Cabagnow Cave Pool - brackish water pool about 5ft deep inside a limestone opening on the ground, 8 feet deep, P50
- Lamanok Island - walk on a 100m bamboo bridge on stilts to a resto area to take a boat tour to caves and nearly attractions, P300
- Combento Cave Pool - cave pool with underwater cave system, P20
- Can-umantad Falls - long narrow drop until it hits a bulbous mound spreading it into a a curtain-like water canopy and down into a splash pool
- Canawa Cold Spring - deep refreshing cold spring with developed pool area
- Firefly Tour - evening boat ride into the river to watch fireflies
- Fox & The Firefly Cottages - SUP paddle boarding, luxury riverside native cottages, mountain bike tours, SUP yoga
Baranggay Valladolid, Loboc, Bohol - Bohol Tropics Resort - seafront location, manicured surroundings, swimming pool, resto/bar
0133 Graham Avenue, Brgy. Cogon, Tagbilaran, Bohol 6300 - Oasis Resort - Alona Beach location, dive center, resto / bar
Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol
- Jing Yoga - health & well being through yoga
The Courtyard - Airport Road fronting the church
Bohol Meditation and Yoga Center - 2nd Floor Lim Magtajas Bldg. CPG Avenue
Bohol Travel Info/Tips
Bohol FYI / Tips
- the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located within the Alona Beach area
- the tourist attractions in Bohol are far apart and spread-out. It would be difficult to visit them all using public mass transit. Better hire a van (P3500/day) if in a big group, or rent a motorcycle (P400/day + gas)
- Bohol relies on its tourism for revenue. As expected, everything they can capitalize on from tourism is extensively used and developed
Tagbilaran Port to Panglao
You can charter any tricycle from the port all the way to Panglao (~P300), but if you want to do it on the cheap,- don't take the tricycles lined-up inside the port. Walk past the port gate and immediately outside, you'll see many tricycles. Take one to the bus terminal in Dao (~P15)
- in Dao, take the jeep that plies the Panglao route (~P20)
Tagbilaran (Bohol) to Cebu City by boat
** schedules and rates keep changing, call for latest schedule- Weesam Express - departs 6:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 4:00 PM
one way: Economy (aircon) P500.00, Economy (non-aircon) P400.00, First Class P600.00
round trip promo (at least 2 days advance booking): Economy (aircon) P600, Economy(non-aircon) P500, First Class P1200
round trip promo (1 day or on the day booking): Economy (aircon) P800, Economy (non-aircon) P700, First Class P1200 - Ocean Jet - departs 6-7:05-8:20-9:20-10:40-11:40AM, 1-2-3:30-4:20-5:30-6:30PM, 2 hours, arrives Pier 1 in Cebu
Open Air / Tourist Class P800, Business Class P1000
+63(32)255 7560 / +63 (32) 255 0115 / 0917 638 0000 - SuperCat (2GO) - departs 5:50-11AM, 3:45-5:25-8:15PM, arrives Pier 1 in Cebu
P 500.00
+63 32 233 7000
Things to do, Places to go in Bohol
- Chocolate Hills - this is a clustering of more than 1200 hills within a 50km2 area. They range in height from 30-50 meters. What's unusual is their near-perfect conical shape resembling an individual chocolate chip. No one knows how they were formed. Entrance is P50/pax.
- Tarsier Conservation Area - located Upper Bonbon, Loboc. The tarsiers are no longer being played at by tourists as circus props, but instead, visitors now view them in cordoned-off areas in their natural 6ha habitat. As they are territorial and nocturnal, they are predictable on where they can be viewed. P50/pax.
- Alona Beach (Panglao) - Alona Beach is the tourist hub of Bohol. It has 1.5 kms of white sand beach lined-up by bars, hotels and restos. Alona is also the jump-off point for Balicasag Island, a world class dive destination.
- Danao Adventure Park - located in Barangay Magtangtang, 72 kms (2 hours ride) from Tagbilaran. Adventure activities include river trekking, tyrolean traverse, rappelling, bouldering, rock climbing and ziplining.
Blogs
- Exploring Combento Cave Pool Jun 29, 2017
- Visiting Cabagnow Cave Pool Of Anda Jun 28, 2017
- Exploring Anda, Bohol Jun 25-30, 2017
- Roadtrip from Candijay to Ubay Jul 1, 2017
- Firefly Tour In Candijay, Bohol Jun 30, 2017
- Freediving Canawa Cold Spring Of Candijay, Bohol Jun 30, 2017
- Splashing At Can-Umantad Falls, Candijay, Bohol Jun 30, 2017
- Exploring Carlos P. Garcia (CPG) Island by Bike Dec 1, 2017
- Yoga Talk with BCBP Kids July 6, 2024
- Sikwate at Daday Painitan May 9, 2024
- Cliff Dive at Molave Cove Feb 11, 2018
- Freediving at Molave Point, Dauis Nov 6, 2017
- The Return to Hinagdanan Cave Nov 5, 2017
- Exploring Hinagdanan Cave Oct 24, 2017
- Yoga for Plus-sized Women May 24, 2024
- Bohol Yoga Festival April 20/21, 2024
- Goodbye Loboc, Goodbye Philippines Mar 15, 2018
- The CubbyHole: Envisioning a Utopian Shangrila Mar 10, 2018
- Fat Shredder with the Russian Twist Mar 2, 2018
- No-Dismount Climb to Cruz Daku Mar 1, 2018
- Jeffrey's Cardio Program Feb 26, 2018
- SUP Yoga with Lalah de Dios at Fox and the Firefly Feb 25, 2018
- Bike Ride with Juan Huerte: Loboc, Sikatuna, Corella and Baclayon Feb 25, 2018
- CT Scan Result Feb 23, 2018
- The Silent Killer has Arrived Feb 19-22, 2018
- 24+ Days at Lyn's Backpackers Inn Jan 23 - Feb 16, 2018
- All Day Fun with the Loboc Crew Feb 11, 2018
- 20-Minute Rope Skipping w/ Pranayama and Meditation Feb 9, 2018
- Calisthenics with Jeffrey Feb 7, 2018
- Abs-Core Workout with Jeffrey Feb 5, 2018
- High Intensity Cardio Workout Feb 2, 2018
- Ride to the Landslide with Jeffrey Jan 31, 2018
- Farm Tour with Mr. Raymond Cal Jan 29, 2018
- Cacao Drum Roasting Jan 27, 2018
- Making Sikwate: from cacao fruit to a hot dark chocolate drink Jan 25, 2018
- 5 Weeks at the Fox and Firefly Cottages Dec 13, 2017 - Jan 23, 2018
- In-House Yoga Teacher at the Fox and Firefly Cottages Jan 22-Mar 14, 2018
- Mountain Bike Rides from Tagbilaran to Loboc Jan 18, 2018
- Firefly Tour on a Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Dec 19, 2017
- Playing Mountain Bike Tour Optimizer Dec 18, 2017
- Back to Loboc Dec 13-17, 2017
- 37 Days in Loboc - Thank You and Goodbye Oct 8-Nov 14, 2017
- Exploring Busay Falls, Loktob Spring And Jimili-An Spring Nov 11, 2017
- Stand-Up Paddle Yoga with Joan Christine Nov 3, 2017
- SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Bohol Oct 29, 2017
- Exploring Guimba and Sog-ong Caves of Loboc Oct 22, 2017
- Ziplining and Cable Car Ride at Eco-Tourism Adventure Park Oct 22, 2017
- Savouring Villagio Pizza Oct 19, 2017
- Wet and Wild Bonbon-Alegria Downhill Ride Oct 18, 2017
- River Cruise on Loboc River Oct 17, 2017
- Back Road Ride To Loay Oct 17, 2017
- Leisurely Ride to Loktob Spring Oct 14, 2017
- Sweet Ride to Busay Falls Oct 13, 2017
- Bike Climb to the Virgen de Guadalupe Oct 12, 2017
- The Ride to Cruz Daku (Big Cross) Oct 11, 2017
- Exploring Loboc, Bohol Oct 8, 2017
- Chilling-out at the Floating Cottage with the Tagbilaran Walkers October 11, 2024
- Kat's Birthday at Oceanica April 24, 2024
- Teaching 'Energising Yoga' at Jing Yoga & Wellness April 23-28, 2024
- Freediving in Panglao with Haka Dive Center April 23, 2024
- Coastal Cleanup with Plastic Free Bohol Sept 16, 2017
- Exploring Panglao Jun 12-18, 2017
- Yoga With Jing And Rai At Oasis Resort Jun 18, 2017
- Freediving With Ben Meerhaeghe At SeaQuest Dive Center Jun 16, 2017
- Scuba Diving Balicasag Island With SeaQuest Dive Center Jun 15, 2017
- Bohol Revisited Jun 12, 2017
- Exploring Bohol with Metz Nov 28-30, 2015
- Nov Food: Pizza, Smores November 2024
- November Snapshots: Garbage, Vote-Buying, Hair, Beach, Ants, Park, Tire, Banana-Q November 1-31, 2024
- Oct Chronicles: CPG Park, Bantawan Vendors October 2024 Oct Snapshots: Ice cream, Epal, Globe Sim, Garbage
- 65 Years Old October 16, 2024
- September Snapshots: Christmas, Cute Jogger, Confidence, September 1-31, 2024
- Sunrise Yoga at Bantawan, Old Airport September 2024
- Thai Food for September? September 2024
- August Snapshots: Contol Tower, Archway, Blood Compact, Bridge, Laundry, Kape Huan, Drag Race, Boulevard August 1-31, 2024
- Aug Food Odyssey: Pizza, Sikwate, Puto Maya, Budbud August 2024
- She Sat Beside Me August 31, 2024
- Yoga at the Tagbilaran Airstrip August 2024
- DIY University August 31, 2024
- Property Mapping using Google Sites August 26, 2024
- July Snapshots: camping chair/lurker July 1-31, 2024
- Learning Cebuano: July July 1-31, 2024
- Kitchen Hacks: Wheat Loaf, Rosti, Pancit Canton, Pizza, Fruit Breakfast July 2024
- Movie Review: The Matrix (1999) July 15, 2024
- Yoga Talk Community July 14/28, 2024
- Mangaon ta sa Hangos July 9, 2024
- Bohol Gothic Wine Label July 5, 2024
- June Snapshots: Cake delivery, Free hanging June 1-30, 2024
- Kitchen Indulgence: Wheat Bread, Pizza, Lechon Sandwich, French Toast June 2024
- May Snapshots: Stairway to Heaven May 2024
- May 2024: Carinderia food May 2024
- Moving to Taloto, Tagbilaran City May 19, 2024
- Yoga for Grown ups May 27 - June 21, 2024
- Yoga and Meditation for Kids May 27 - June 20, 2024
- Dalareich Chocolate House Revisited May 4, 2024
- Kat's Community Invite Apr 28 - May 19, 2024
- 30 days in Tagbilaran, Thank You! Oct 8, 2017
- Breakfast Talk with Tagbilaran's Finest Oct 8, 2017
- Exploring the Cafe Scene of Tagbilaran Oct 7, 2017
- Yoga for 60+ Students at the University of Bohol Oct 4, 2017
- Chocolate Overload At Dalareich Chocolate House Oct 2, 2017
- Talk on Philosophy and Spirituality to 12-Graders at the University of Bohol Sep 27, 2017
- Celebrating the International Day of Peace Sep 23, 2017
- Judging a Student Debate at the University of Bohol Sept 15, 2017
- Fitness Workout with Chie at Bohol Tropics Resort Sept 13, 2017
- Modified Ashtanga Primary Series by Jing Yoga Sept 12, 2017
- Tagbilaran Revisited Sep 7-12, 2017
- Hello Tagbilaran! Jun 19-25, 2017
- Goodbye and Thank You, Ubay Nov 14-Dec 13, 2017
- Visiting the Ubay Stock Farm Dec 8, 2017
- Exploring Cambugsay Healing Hills with Lars Jensen Nov 22, 2017
- Visiting Ubay Green Park Nov 18, 2017
- The Ride to Sinandigan Boardwalk and the Yamashita Treasure Hunt Nov 18, 2017
- Ubay Life Nov 17, 2017
- In Search of the Next Destination Nov 14, 2017
- 2 Days in Ubay Jul 1-3, 2017
- Roadtrip from Candijay to Ubay Jul 1, 2017
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