Yoga Safety Tips from Yonkers Instructor Alex von Bidder

– Practice only with a certified teacher; check credentials with the Yoga Alliance, the largest organization that ensures teachers meet their standards.

– Read the class descriptions to find one appropriate for your abilities and interest levels.

– If it hurts, don’t do it. In yoga, there is a philosophy of ahimsa, which is Sanskrit for “nonviolence”—and that applies to your body first.

– Pick a studio that is close to your home or office. Convenience is the key to continuity in your practice, and continuity lessens the likelihood of injuries.

– Check Westchester Magazine, or another trusted source, for their opinions. (Gee, thanks, Alex!)

Photo by Iko