I think yoga can be a very useful and helpful form of physical activity. Obviously, it can take many forms, and how any individual chooses to do yoga is really in his or her hands. That said, I do think that this article is correct in saying that there is a common misperception that you can't get hurt doing yoga or that yoga is only restorative. I think many yoga studios have either purposefully propagated these myths or at least have not done a sufficient job of being realistic with their clients, especially newer and inexperienced clients. I don't want my posting of this article to be a condemnation of yoga at all -- freak accidents and injuries occur in all sports, and there's a reason why you see so many medical disclaimers to talk with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine. In my mind, this is all the more reason why there needs to be greater transparency about the risks of yoga that starts with debunking the notion that yoga is inherently injury-reducing. I think it's also a call to remember that it's generally good to mix up what you're doing in terms of physical activity. There is too much of a good thing, and constant repetitions of the same motion (whether running, elliptical, yoga, etc.) can put you at risk even if you know what you're doing and especially if you don't.
"How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body" by William J. Broad
Published in the New York Times, January 5, 2012
Check back tomorrow for another health-themed longread!
Eric
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