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8 April 2016 14:47

Your weight is just a number, as this yogi proves

She’s not your typical yogi model but damn does she know a thing or two about the ancient practice. Ivana Lucic
© Jessamyn

Brilio.net/en - When thoughts of a yoga master come into your head, youll probably envision someone thats small, flexible and most of all skinny. Contorting your body into some of those dreadful poses isnt an easy feat. And Instagam has only brought about the rise of the classic yogi model poses, usually with an exotic background and sponsored by LuluLemon. We often tend to lose sight of the fact that everyone can and should do yoga, regardless of their size.

In comes Jessamyne Stanley. The North Carolina native is taking the Interweb by storm with her inspirational posts, both on social media including Instagram and Youtube and on her own website. Shes not your typical yogi model but damn does she know a thing or two about the ancient practice. I think its intimidating to see the typical yoga body at the front of the class, said the Durham resident. It creates more of an aspirational experience as opposed to an inspirational one. It doesnt actually elicit what yoga should give people.

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She started with a discount class back in 2011 and has been hooked ever since, and most importantly, hasnt let her weight stop her. She can do things some athletic people cant even do (Im looking at you handstand with split legs!) Our society throws crazy shade at anyone whose body differs from the models featured in Western media. And Jessamyn is just the girl to fight the preconceived stereotypes. The certified yoga instructor now has over 166,000 followers on Instagram and they just keep on coming.

Her parting words of encouragement to all those who need a little motivation Your body is not standing in your way. Only your mind is standing in your way. And Jessamyne is a living expression of that.

You go girl!

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Today I finally tried @cbquality's #splits program on @trainersvault and, as one would expect from the high priestess of thick fit #yoga girls, it left my hips and hamstrings VERY happy. I'm really excited to keep practicing her sequence and feeling my body open even more- it's very simple but extremely deep delicious stretches. I've had a lot of new developments in my life and my hips are holding all of the associated stress- It was a gift to open into them and release some unnecessary tension. Also, @thechalkboardmag mentioned me in a yoga roundup along with the likes of @gigiyogini, @tarastiles, @mackenzieyoga, and my boo @nolatrees- click the link in the @thechalkboardmag instagram header to check it out! Leggings- @mymanifesta

A photo posted by Jessamyn (@mynameisjessamyn) on

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