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Not for all
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Yoga is an exercise system and, with right guidance and technique, is more beneficial than harmful
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YOGA WITH CARE Take precautions to prevent injuries
Yoga is the preferred exercise for many people who are physically unfit for other vigorous exercises. However, the notion that yoga is safe and gentle is wrong. Yoga is certainly beneficial for those with arthritis and it improves balance, flexibilit
y and strength in everybody. It is also an excellent method of relaxation.
However, it is not for everybody and lack of precautions, knowledge or technique can lead to serious injury. In the U.S., which may be the only country that surveys such injuries, yoga-related injuries occur in thousands of people every year. However, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) believes that yoga is an exercise system and, with right guidance and technique, is more beneficial than harmful.
Yoga is safe if you are generally healthy to begin with. However, everyone above the age of 40 will benefit from a health check-up before beginning a yoga programme. Arthritis, back problems, uncontrolled hypertension, a history of blood clots, osteoporosis and glaucoma limit the exercises one can do, and it is important to understand safety issues related to these conditions. Pregnant women must check with an obstetrician to learn what exercises are safe in each trimester.
When you join a yoga class, the atmosphere can be intimidating at first, and many people try unsafe exercises because they do not want to appear stiff or unfit. A good yoga instructor will make the effort to know what unsafe exercise is for each person in his group. In any case, if the advice of your yoga instructor contradicts the advice of your doctor, go with your doctor. The yoga instructor cannot clean up his mistakes in the operating room.
Warm up
Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments injure easily, so warm up thoroughly before a yoga session. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that does not chafe. Do not try a pose beyond your comfort level. Learn and practise thoroughly the basics of breathing. Holding your breath at the wrong time can cause a hernia or a blackout. When in doubt, ask questions.
If you feel pain during the workout, sit out exercises involving the painful part until your doctor figures out what is wrong. Drink plenty of water and other fluids before, during and after exercise.
RAJIV. M
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
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Delhi
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Kochi
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