Now that yoga has gone mainstream and become popular with college students, moms and athletes, it’s no surprise the New York Times published the article “How yoga can wreck your body.” Many people still think of yoga as a hippie activity and forget that, as with any exercise, yoga can be dangerous — especially to the over-achiever and the under-trained. 

This is why I’m not fond of yoga home videos for beginners. Yes, yoga classes are expensive, but trying “the plow” – the one with your feet over your head – can be dangerous if done improperly and should be practiced for the benefits it yeilds over time, not for short term appeal. 

Yoga instructors can prevent injury to the those fresh into exercising by showing alternatives and modifications to a pose which can’t be found on mail order DVDs. A good teacher will also guide you step-by-step so you’re not lost or inaccurately holding a confusing pose. 

If I can’t touch my toes I shouldn’t expect to walk into a quiet yoga session being able to do a perfect downward dog, nor should I expect to do that within a month as it takes time and perfect practice to perform even basic poses well.

While more advanced yoga poses such as vertical splits and aerial yoga classes are appealing, they also pose greater risk. I’m just now getting into them and I’ve been practicing every week for three years. 

While yoga has  many benefits — my regular practices have definitely decreased my anxiety and stress levels — it is still an exercise and it should be monitored to keep the student on track and safe. 

Attending a class keeps you in check and accountable, and the instructor can give feedback on progress. I don’t have the discipline to do that on my own and come summer I’ll let days slip by without stretching if not in a class.

And just like other classes, your love for or hatred of yoga depends entirely upon the instructor. If it feels like a chore, rather than a fun workout to explore, find a new instructor. The inexperienced instructor can also be a danger, as they will lack the knowledge to provide you with pose modifications that can keep you safe. 

What you want when you find a class is an instructor who will make you appreciate the ancient and spiritual enlightenment that yoga provides.