I just finished reading the article in the New York Times Magazine this week entitled, “All Bent Out of Shape”. William Broad discusses the possible problems with yoga. Yoga is a type of exercise, a way of looking at the world and a type of mind body activity. It is not the end all or answer to everyone’s problems. It is not a panacea. There are yoga instructors who take their poses too far. It is for that reason that I tell patients that if they choose to go to yoga classes, they should make sure the instructor respects their limitations. Make sure the instructor knows if you have back pain or a neurological condition, don’t assume he or she can tell. There should be supervision by the instructor so that those limitations are respected. The final rule I always tell patients is that any exercise program should not be painful. Exercise should not be painful and pain does not have to happen to have a gain.
Yoga can be healthy if done the right way! Supervision with a professional who respects the body is key!
