granby-living-June2019

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Is yoga getting a bad rap?
By Kristal Fiorentino
Yoga-related injuries have doubled since 2001*. And while
the number of people doing yoga has also doubled during
that time, I’ve wondered how yoga can be made safer for
new and experienced practitioners alike. After researching this
phenomenon, here are some things to consider:
The reasons for most yoga injuries:
• Practicing too long at one time.
• Practicing too much without rest between practices.
• Practicing too hard, causing excess strain on specific joints.
• Practicing what is contraindicated for your specific body.
Overall, yoga is a relatively safe way to exercise, and the benefits
extend far beyond the physical. Yoga can reduce stress, lower
blood pressure, increase bone density and increase circulation,
just to name a few.
Here is how to make your yoga practice safer:
• Get clearance from your doctor before beginning any exercise.
• Take classes geared toward yoga for beginners to learn proper
alignment and modifications.
• Consult a certified yoga therapist to customize a program
suited to your individual needs.
Decoding the Body’s language
so you may finally heal.
• Listen to your body and pay attention to its limits.
• Only stretch 60% of your total flexibility on any given day.
For experienced practitioners, here is a list of the most injured
body parts** and some general cues to help prevent injury:
• Wrist — Keep aligned with hands. Hands remain flat with
fingers star-fished in poses such as down dog, plank and arm
balances.
• Lower back — Slightly bend knees throughout the entire
practice; spread toes out to provide better balance and stability.
• Shoulder, elbows — If shoulders, forearms or elbows feel
strained, lay off for a bit! Repetitive stress injuries are common
in this area if poses are done too much or incorrectly.
• Knees — Never allow a bent knee to go past your foot; your
knee should track with your second middle toe in a bend.
• Hamstrings — Micro-bend the knees and use blocks to bring
the floor closer to you. Again, only stretch about 60% of your
flexibility on any given day.
• Neck — Never part of the pose, so only do what feels right!
NEVER attempt plow or shoulder stand (which compresses
the neck) without a certified instructor working 1:1 with you.
Yoga instructors are trained in correct alignment and modification,
but with a full class of practicing students it is impossible for
any instructor to know your specific condition and watch your
every move. If you are new to yoga or are healing from a condition
or injury, a certified yoga therapist is best trained to assist you
in developing a practice.
Either way, beginner or advanced practitioner alike, I offer you
this advice in making yoga safer:
Seek out expertise in your mentor. Be mindful. And listen to your
body and mind … your yoga practice depends on it.
Q
A
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO
ENSURE I AM DOING YOGA
SAFELY?
Funny you asked! There is an article in this
very magazine about that! In the article
I outline the most common injuries and
how to avoid them. For a safe, customized
yoga practice contact me. Happy Reading!
Contact Kristal Fiorentino at 702-523-0274 for a safer,
customized yoga practice tailored tao your specific needs.
Sources: *Journals.sagepub.com **Aaptiv.com/magazine
EVERY REAL ESTATE
DEAL IS DIFFERENT . . .
. . . so I make sure every detail
and box is checked.
Contact me at
KristalFiorentino.com
for more info how yoga
therapy could help you.
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14 | JUNE 2019