Tip of the Month - August

Coach Monika says…

The Hidden Risks of Yoga

I came across a recent article on the Hidden Risks of Yoga by Jill Barker. As an increasing number of coaches and athletes are pursuing yoga as cross-training, this information may be beneficial to those looking to incorporate Yoga into their programs or personal workouts. The August Newsletter provides more details on this subject.

1. Yoga does not always live up to its reputation of helping bodies in need of a little TLC (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies).

   1. Studies about the types of injuries sustained in Yoga classes found that injuries ranged from 2.4% annually to a lifetime injury rate of 21.3%

   2. Back and neck pain was most likely to be relieved while wrists and hands were the most common sites of injury, according to studies.

   3. Headstands and shoulder stands, lotus position, half lotus position, forward and backward bends, and handstands have been previously noted to increase the risk of injuries.

   4. ‘Ego-driven’ performance was often at the root of injuries. Participants, i.e., athletes in our case, may overexert themselves, and/or partake in classes that are too advanced for the level of experience or their fitness status.

2. Investigate the qualification of teaching staff at local Yoga studios and instructors hired by sport clubs. They may have little knowledge despite being certified. It is difficult to gauge an instructor’s level of knowledge and experience.

   1. According to a survey of Yoga instructors excess effort, poor technique and inadequate instructions were additional causes of injury.

   2. Additionally, Tinsel town celebrities make money with their name through videos even though they are not trained in physical education or physiological science (Fonda, Somers, Diaz, etc.)

While Yoga remains a good option to improve bodily function (fitness) and is a good activity to ease some of the aches and pains, it is not a ‘cure for all’, nor is it without a risk. Leave your ‘Ego’ at home and listen to your body.Note: Most scientific evidence related to Yoga stems from studies performed in controlled conditions with small groups following well-defined practice as compared to large or larger groups commonly participating in Yoga studios.