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The Dangers of Yoga

Across America, Yoga studios and yoga classes in community centers and health clubs have sprang up like dandelions in spring. Personally, I do yoga on a weekly basis. However, I do not usually recommend its practice to everyone I encounter.

One of the main reasons I don't advice most people to go straight into a yoga program, is the risk of injuries associated with it. I've encountered literally hundreds of people who have injured themselves to the point that they can't move. Apparently, I am not the only one.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and former medical director of the Women's World Pro Ski Tour, has noticed a high incidence of yoga related injuries. "We're starting to see the types of injuries from yoga that we usually see in high-impact sports such as basketball," said Halbrecht.

We should not take this to mean that yoga in itself is harmful. As a matter of fact, the problem is often the instructor, the size of the class room, or the competitiveness within the class. According to yoga expert Arkady Shirin, "It's a combination of factors, such as the large number of poorly trained yoga instructors practicing in the United States and the emphasis on large classrooms of students packed into tight quarters for these 'hybrid' forms of yoga. Most of these adulterated forms of yoga are hazardous and completely negate many of the benefits of the practice."

Though Halbrecht and Shirin are correct, I have also noticed that many yoga participants are engaging to quickly into yoga classes. In particular, many overweight and older adults go into these classes to lose weight or improve health. Unbeknownst to them, yoga should not be implemented until other facets of exercise to lose weight are implemented.

If you have engaged in a yoga class or have considered going, be sure that when you participate that you are not pushing yourself to much. If your instructor is too "pushy," then you may want to consider not going back. Most importantly, when a particular position feels uncomfortable, then don't you push it. I also ask that you consider beginning a weight training and cardiovascular exercise regimen, if weight loss is your goal.

Please, don't mistake me to say that everyone should stay away from yoga. Yoga is beneficial, but only if you have a good instructor, are in a small classroom, and do not force yourself in positions you are uncomfortable with.

Kelly Huggins, B.S., ACSM HFI
The Fitness MythBuster
404.303.8305 kelly@kellyhuggins.com