Stretching into a complex "pigeon" yoga pose in her skimpy bikini, size 22 Valerie Sagun is determined to show off her flexible curves.
Despite her larger frame, the 27 year old comfortably performs the challenging splits, before moving gracefully on to a balancing pose.
Self-confessed chocolate fan Valerie, who weighs 17st, will later post the images on Instagram – for her 50,000 followers to admire.
MUM SHARES ADORABLE INSTAGRAM PHOTOS OF HERSELF AND DAUGHTER, 4, DOING YOGA TOGETHER
Student Valerie, from California, says: “I’ve been practising yoga for four years.
"My fans are surprised when I do the splits because I’m a bigger girl, but I’m just as flexible as skinny girls.
"Some poses hurt my wrists because I’m carrying a lot of weight – but I love chocolate and meatballs!
"I don’t care what people say, I believe I have a great body – women tell me I’m inspiring and men think my curves are sexy!”
Read the rest of Valerie's amazing story in Closer magazine, out today