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Yoga has a reputation for being relaxing and rejuvenating, but a recent article in the New York Times pointed out the risks associated with practicing yoga and cited cases of hyperextended necks, popped ribs and strokes.

St. Thomas is offering two traditional yoga classes over January Term that meet twice a week. One of the instructors, Kristen Lucius, believes that there is no harm in doing yoga, unless it is done wrong.

“The controversial issue is…students are not listening to their bodies,” Lucius said.

At the beginning of every class, Lucius stresses that there is no competition in yoga.

“It’s just you and the four corners of your mat…you need to do what’s best for your body,” Lucius said.

Elle Lemler, a yoga instructor filling in for Lucius’s classes this week, believes “if yoga’s causing an injury, then it’s not yoga.”

“(Yoga’s) all about respecting the body, respecting the mind and respecting the soul,” Lemler said. “To do that, you don’t push yourself past your limits of ability.”

A recent Huffington Post article said that choosing a teacher wisely is key for practicing safe yoga. There are various ways of obtaining a teaching license, including an online training option.

Lucius said this option is not as hands-on as physical training.

“Some people don’t feel like that’s the same type of learning,” Lucius said.

Sophomore Lauren Valente, a student in Lucius’s class, said she had a yoga instructor a few years ago that pushed her too hard.

“It was more gymnastics to me,” Valente said. “That kind of worried me a little bit because I didn’t think I was ready for that kind of stuff.”

Lucius and Jill Olson, another yoga instructor at St. Thomas, both went through 200 hours of training. Lucius also did an additional 100 hours to be able to teach at CorePower Yoga.

However, Lucius said that she has not come across careless instructors and has only seen yoga help students.

The men’s hockey and baseball teams have seen less injuries and improved mental focus this year because of yoga.

In addition, Lucius said that she takes precautions in her classes.

“We warn our students before doing certain things – modifications they should take,” Lucius said.

Valente said that the instructors at St. Thomas are adequately equipped to teach yoga to students.

“I’ve had such a great time in J-Term having them come in and teach us. I’ve had three different teachers, and I’ve absolutely loved it,” Valente said.

The second guideline to having a successful yoga experience according to the Huffington Post is “to leave your ego at home.”

“What happens is people are pushing themselves beyond their boundaries, (and) they’re not respecting their body,” Lemler said. “They’re listening only to their mind.”

Sophomore Anni Stringini, another student in Lucius’s class, said that she has never pushed herself too hard in yoga.

“You kind of have to know your limits, you have to just know what your body can handle and do it based on what you think you can do,” Stringini said.

Valente also knows her limits.

“As soon as I start feeling uncomfortable, I just stop,” Valente said. “I don’t really care what other people think.”

Lucius said that yoga can be for everyone, if not done carelessly.

“No matter what shape and size, if you’re aware of your body and what it’s telling you, then you will be fine,” Lucius said.

Rita Kovtun can be reached at kovt1547@stthomas.edu.