Is yoga safe for you?

You're a unique individual with specific needs and an elaborate history. Maybe you have a tender low back, an old knee injury, asthma, general anxiety, or are recovering from shoulder surgery.

Yoga can be a great practice that can help you physically, mentally, and emotionally. You probably have already heard a list of benefits. But, you're wondering... are there any negatives? Is yoga safe for you?

We're removing our bias and love of yoga to give you a real answer to your question. Our goal is to help you feel better, build confidence, and become healthier. If yoga isn't the safest way for you to achieve that, then we're going to tell you.

An Australian survey found that 80% of people that participated in yoga reported no injuries during their practice.₁ The remaining 20% reported mostly minor injuries.₂ A large number of these injuries are due to overuse, or repeated strain on a weak part of the body or improper alignment. Overuse injuries are preventable when:

• You listen to the feedback your body gives you in the moment and after practicing yoga
• You work with your instructor to find the best movement and shapes for your individual body
• You attend classes taught by trained yoga professionals
• Read the descriptions of the yoga class you are planning to attend and reach out to the studio if you are unsure of the type of yoga or physical demands of the class

Some known guidelines to follow based on health concerns include:

• Do not practice a shoulder stand or other advanced inversion (moving your hips and feet above your heart and head for an extended period of time) if you:
  • have glaucoma
  • had a recent eye surgery
  • or should avoid pressure in your eyes for any reason
• If you are pregnant, you should avoid:
  • laying on your stomach during yoga shapes
  • any deep twists (slight twists are usually okay)
• If you are prone to falls, you should always have a chair or wall available to assist with balancing shapes

Overall, we feel that yoga is a safe practice for most individuals. However, we are happy to talk about any concerns you may have and review your personal history to offer options that would fit you best.