jockohomo:

As with anything, Yoga, Cross-Fit, Kettle Bell or TSX Suspension training, knowing your boundaries is of utmost importance, even with a teacher or trainer. One size does not fit all, and knowing your particular boundaries to avoid injuries or even aggravating existing injuries is your job. I am surprised at the sensationalism of this article with it’s dramatic illustrations and fuzzy science. I’d be keen to read a well researched article comparing Yoga to other healthful practices.

I had the same reaction. Found a couple interesting resources because of it.

Putting Yoga Related Injury Risks In Context (or, Yes I Saw The Article In The New York Times)

• A pretty well researched rebuttal to the New York Times Article. You can probably skip past the media theory stuff in the beginning, as the core of the argument starts beneath that.

The Daily Bandha

• A somewhat unusual yoga blog—their focus is an interesting anatomical look at yoga poses, and maximizing effectiveness and safety of yoga that way (with some talk about chakras and energy and the like.)

In my experience, I overstretched a thigh once and re-aggravated a pulled neck through yoga—so, two minor events in three years; but in both instances that was me pushing too hard or too soon. I’ve been personally very lucky to find a couple good yoga teachers who remind me to take Ego out of the practice and be healthy with the exercise—that’s the whole point of being there. As Dana Santas suggests in this article from Men’s Health Magazine, any physical activity includes risk; so being aware of what you’re doing (and why) and getting some individual instruction about the exercise is crucial.