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Between 15 and 20 million Americans practice yoga, spending an estimated $5.7 billion annually on classes and accessories. National


Yoga Month, in September, reminds us to always make personal safety a guiding principle during practice sessions. Experts advise


the following guidelines for practicing injury-free yoga.


INJURY-FREE YOGA Proven Approaches for Safe Practice


by Lynda Bassett “L


ike any kind of movement, yoga involves some risk,” says Devarshi Steven Hartman, dean of the Kripalu School of Yoga, headquartered in Stockbridge, Massa- chusetts. “The level of risk depends on the individual’s age, physical condition, limitations, emotional state, previous injuries, strength, time of day, aware-


ness, type of movement and how much weight bearing is taking place.” It’s not uncommon for both sea- soned athletes and yoga neophytes to push too hard in the beginning. Dr. Loren Fishman, medical director at Manhattan Physical Medicine & Reha- bilitation, says, “The three leading causes of injury are an overenthusiastic student,


improper alignment and poor teaching.” Many aspirants feel they have to master a pose right away; thus, a “Type A” person may have the most potential for injury, observes Sadie Nardini, New York City-based founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga and host of Cable TV’s Viera Living’s daily yoga show, Rock Your Yoga. Some instructors may have a vigorous Type A attitude, as well. “Keep looking if you feel pushed,” she advises. Choosing a style is less important than choosing the instructor best suited to the student’s needs. “Finding the right teacher,” says Nardini, “is kind of


38 Collier/Lee Counties


swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com


Courtesy Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health


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