The practice of yoga is designed to establish harmony between spirit, mind and body, promote relaxation, increase spiritual consciousness, and encourage the practitioner to develop a healthy body and healthy mind. Injuries during practise do occasionally occur, but there are some things you can do that may help you avoid sustaining a yoga injury.

It's important to be aware of your personal physical limitations when you begin yoga, and opt for a yoga style that is appropriate for your levels of flexibility, strength and fitness. Choosing a class that has an experienced instructor and isn't overcrowded will help to ensure that your instructor is able to correct any errors you are making that might lead to injury.  Remembering that yoga isn't a competitive sport may also help!

Many individuals commence yoga with the aim of improving fitness, strength and flexibility after they sustain an injury or begin to experience restricted mobility or joint stiffness. If this is your situation, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor before beginning to ensure that yoga is an appropriate activity for you. If it is, then choose a yoga style that offers easy postures (asanas) and is suitable for beginners. When your flexibility and strength does improve, you may be able to change to a more active yoga style. Avoid straining or stretching muscles and joints too much when you begin – be patient, and aim to improve gradually.

Ensuring the class is not over crowded it very important for beginners. It's important that instructors are able to notice students who may be performing postures and movements incorrectly, and assist the student to correct the posture or movement. An over crowded yoga class makes it difficult for an instructor to do this, and that may lead to injury. A good class size is around 20, although some will have fewer students.

It's also important to ensure that your instructor is both qualified and experienced. As a beginner, you can't afford to choose an instructor who lacks experience, hasn't been well trained, or is offering a new or minor style of yoga that isn't well known. An ideal instructor for beginners is one who has excellent experience and is diligent when it comes to practitioner safety. When you do join a class, be sure to mention any physical restriction or health issues that may impact on your yoga to your instructor.

Yoga is an activity designed to be personal and introspective rather than competitive. Some yoga injuries may be the result of a student's desire to compete with others in the class when they notice that others are holding postures for longer or appear better able to do particular stretches. Try not to take too much notice of what others are doing – they may be more flexible or have greater experience than you do.

There are even simpler aspects to yoga safety, such as remembering to wear something a little warmer during cold weather however, it's important to mind all the basics. Know your limitations, opt for a yoga style that is appropriate, choose the right instructor, and focus on your own abilities and progress rather than that of other yoga students.

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