Yoga a health hazard

Yoga exponents are being caught out by the activity's relaxing and low impact image with more than one in four injured during sessions.

A failure to warm up and prepare adequately for the exercise has been identified as causing the surprising injury rate. The research, commissioned by Medibank Private, found sports injuries cost the Australian community more than $1.8 billion in that past year. The medical bill was $300 million more than the previous year. Sports physician Dr Peter Larkins said yoga was not inherently dangerous but the injury rate showed many participants were not doing it correctly. "You have to get the correct program and advice. There are a lot of stretching manoeuvres and maybe some are trying it at 38 think they are 18," he said.

"Yoga has become the new aerobics and some people are getting it out of a book or video. Participants need to ensure that they don't overdo it, particularly when starting a new health and fitness regime."