That's Fit

I admit to falling for a few late night infomercials. There was the coral calcium (total joke) and a near-buy of a rechargeable kitchen vacuum (still brooming it). But the set of pilates CDs were the most dangerous -- I injured my back for a year after lying on my stomach and doing a swimming/kicking motion with legs and arms outstretched. My body does not like the bow position, hasn't since I was a kid, and twang -- the back did not heal until I got pregnant a year later. Pregnancy was always healing to my previous injuries.

Though not very common, overdoing yoga poses can cause serious injuries. Last year, 4,459 Americans reported a yoga injury. One orthopaedic has noted an increasing number of yoga injuries, with Baby Boomers at high risk due to their 'get fit fast' mentality. Rotator cuffs are especially vulnerable to a yoga fan.

I learned a second lesson in a Bikram yoga class last year. With my anti-bow back, I was extremely careful bending slightly backward after the half moon position. Even after taking it slowly, I stretched a bit too far and felt some pain during and after class. I can't imagine the damage I'd have done if I went into that backwards bend with total disregard for my back. New to yoga? Increase your flexibility gradually, while your body and mind soak up the benefits.