A new study released earlier this week found a surprising result. The study shows that 1 in 10 people suffer some injury when practising yoga. These injuries can occur throughout the body from wrists, backs, shoulders and elbows. During the study, nearly 5,000 yoga enthusiasts were monitored for a year in which 10.7% of people reported new kinds of pain from yoga practices.
Out of the 5,000 individuals, only 15 reported that they had stopped practising yoga as a result of the pain received. However, the risk of pain wasn’t determined by age, gender, weight or experience. For a practice that is designed to heal and replenish the body, these results are rather staggering.
So why are so many injuries occurring? Well, to start with, it’s worth noting that the study was conducted in one yoga studio in one suburban town in the United States. The trainers of the class have over 200 hours of training which is why the study has made such an impact on the online communities.
With this in mind, the results of the study must be taken with a pinch of salt. Not all yoga teachers are taught to the same level of experience or the same degree. One trainer could have 500 hours yet still not know the correct technique compared to a trainer with 100 hours. It all depends on the actual individual and their unique experience.
Always Be Safe
However, the study has revealed that yoga is not a risk-free activity. There are risks to practising yoga that is commonly overlooked, especially by beginners. When someone begins to practise yoga, they may feel inclined to follow a set routine or may try their best to achieve certain positions. As we all know, for some poses, this is simply not achievable. It takes time to perfect some of the poses and training is essential for improving flexibility.
Only over time and with dedicated practice can you optimally achieve all the poses in the yoga inventory. Furthermore, with the rise of yoga apps, many people are starting to practise at home. Without the guidance of a professionally trained yoga instructor, the risk of injury is much greater. If you were to sustain an injury at home, you are much more likely to quit the practice, robbing yourself of the many benefits.
This is why yoga classes are so important. Although the study examined in one yoga studio, there are thousands of yoga studios around the world. Each one has a different technique, practises and experience levels. To minimise the risk of injury, home practisers should consider joining a class, even on a temporary basis. Taking a class allows you to receive expert feedback on your posture allowing you to practise yoga while honing your techniques safely.
When searching for a suitable class for you, read the reviews and question the trainer on their experience. If they have a good level experience behind them, they’ll be more than happy to share it with you. With attentive and coordinated instructors, you’ll have the best chance of fully enjoying the practice safely with minimal risks.
Hopefully, new studies will be conducted that are more diverse and can give a more accurate set of results. In the meantime, it pays to be wary of what you’re doing and how you approach your practices. Always remember to be safe and if something doesn’t feel right, such as a certain pose, stop. This will give you time to access your abilities, ensuring your health is a priority.
Have you sustained an injury from practising yoga? Were you in a class or practising at home? Let us know your experiences by leaving a comment below!
