Short answer
When performed correctly, yoga is far from bad for you. In fact, yoga - an exercise that can and should be personalized - is absolutely wonderful for you and your health. Whether you are a fit 20-year-old or a 75-year-old who has trouble walking, there is something in yoga to benefit anyone and everyone.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The yoga we are familiar with is really only one of eight "limbs" of yoga coming from the ancient Yoga Sutras called "asana." When practiced incorrectly, yoga can pose risks such as dislocations, tears, joint problems, and in the case of neck rotation exercises/poses - even embolic stroke (from lining in the vertebral arteries being torn and forming a clot). However, most things pose dangers when done incorrectly, so this should not be considered a blemish on yoga's record.
When performed properly, yoga has several incredible benefits. First - a word of caution: yoga is highly personal. How yoga is practiced depends on individual abilities and limitations. One of the best ways to know your limit is to pay attention to how you breathe. If you are holding your breath or if breathing is labored, you are putting too much stress on your body and should reduce the intensity or stop altogether.
Yoga done the right way is first and foremost relaxing and is a wonderful way to de-stress. This leads to the added benefit of reducing hypertension and being able to think more clearly. Also, as yoga is a form of exercise; it reduces the risk of obesity, promotes blood circulation, and can help prevent heart disease. Another benefit of yoga is that it increases sexual arousal and pleasure. Should a yoga-inspired romantic evening lead to pregnancy - yoga is beneficial there too as it can help manage pain associated with pregnancy (as well as keep the mother-to-be calm).
With a focus on being mindful of what your body is telling you and innovations (such as props to support people in difficult poses), yoga is one of the safest and most beneficial forms of exercise.
Possible short-term side effects
- when performed incorrectly:
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joint dislocation
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pulled muscle / tear
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joint pain
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embolic stroke (very rare)
Benefits
- when performed correctly:
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improves sexuality / aids fertility
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reduces risk of heart disease
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reduces risk of obesity
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treats back pain / arthritis
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boosts emotional health
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relieves asthma
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boosts memory
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promotes quality sleep
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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