Last updated: November 4, 2026
YogaForFitness offers general information about yoga, exercise and health. It is not medical advice, and it doesn’t replace a doctor, physical therapist or qualified yoga teacher who knows you.
On this page
Before you start
- Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant or have recently given birth, have a heart or blood pressure condition, glaucoma, osteoporosis, a recent injury or surgery, joint replacements, back or neck problems, or any other health condition.
- If you are new to exercise or haven’t been active for a while, start slowly and keep sessions short.
While you practice
- Stop if something hurts. A stretch can feel strong, but sharp, shooting or worsening pain, numbness, dizziness or shortness of breath means stop.
- Use the easier versions and props in our guides. You don’t need to go as deep as a picture shows.
- Breathing exercises that hold the breath or breathe fast aren’t for everyone. Skip them if you feel lightheaded, and ask a doctor first if you have heart, lung or blood pressure problems or are pregnant.
What our guides can’t do
- They can’t diagnose or treat any condition, and they don’t promise results.
- Research summaries describe what studies found for groups of people. They can’t tell you how yoga will affect you.
- Facts change as new research appears. Every guide shows when it was last reviewed.
In an emergency
If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, a sudden severe headache, signs of a stroke, or any other emergency, call 911 in the US or your local emergency number right away.
No professional relationship
Reading this site or emailing us doesn’t create a doctor-patient or any other professional relationship. You practice at your own risk and are responsible for your own decisions. See also our terms of use.