The yoga backlash
Why yoga could damage your health

Why yoga could damage your health
YOGA, THE EXERCISE choice of discerning celebrities including Madonna, Christy Turlington, Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow, may be experiencing a backlash.
A recent article in Time magazine reported that a range of health professionals including orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists and chiropractors in America are dealing with more and more yoga-related injuries.
The problems suggest that yoga could be a victim of its own success – as its popularity spreads, so do bad examples of its teaching and practice.
'People get lulled into a false sense of security because yoga has the image of being a very low-impact activity,' says Robin Shepherd from the General Osteopathic Council. 'I see patients who are injured as a result of yoga.'
There is no legislation to dictate standards or training for yoga teachers. But Helen Smith, chair of the British Wheel of Yoga, says there's an easy way to find out about your teacher: ask.
'Any yoga teacher should be proud to tell you where they trained,' she says. 'Our teachers train for three years and we usually require them to have done quite a lot of study beforehand.'
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
The worst thing you can do is try to keep up with the person next to you, says Jonathan Sattin of the fashionable Triyoga centres. His advice? 'It's not a competitive practice and forcing yourself into positions won't do you any good.'
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
The 10 best dresses celebrities from Tiffany & Co.'s Blue Book 2025 Gala
Celebrating the brand's marine-inspired collection
By Sofia Piza
-
These are the 11 cult designer buys of spring 2025—and they're already selling out
From Miu Miu's must-have cowboy hat to Loewe's latest bag
By Clementina Jackson
-
Prince William and Princess Kate have announced their 14th wedding anniversary plans
By Jenny Proudfoot