While yoga is a relatively safe activity compared with most sports, it's not without risks. Here I will share with you some really simple ways to reduce your likelihood of sustaining an injury during a yoga class

1. Firstly, always let your teacher know if you have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions before you start. With this knowledge, they will keep a really close eye on you and suggest different options for you where appropriate

2. Be present. Focus on your breathing. Yoga is an individual practice and you need to tune into your body's feedback. If your breathing becomes extremely laboured or rapid, chances are you are over extending yourself! You may need to take it down a notch. If you feel you need to rest at any time, take child's pose

3. Don't compare yourself to others. Each yoga practice is unique and is all about finding what is right for you. The person next you may be able to bend themselves in to the shape of a pretzel, but you don't know their background. They may have decades of yoga experience. Listen to your body and find your 'sweet spot', which should always feel steady and comfortable

4. Build up gradually. Rome wasn't built in a day. Be kind to yourself. From my own experience, I have found increasing the intensity of practice by around 10% a week works well. It was Sharath who claimed an asana pose takes approximately 1000 repetitions to master. If you have done a pose once, according to him, you have another 999 times before you completely understand it

5. Every day is different, so modify and adjust accordingly. Just because you were able to do a particular pose last week doesn't mean you will be able to repeat it exactly the same way today. Pay even more attention if you have recently been unwell or if you have had time off from holidays. You may not be as conditioned as you think. When appropriate, reach for a block or strap. These can help you achieve a similar pose but without the stress or strain. Remember our bodies and minds are constantly in state of flux

6. Find a teacher who understands the subtleties of each pose. A good yoga teacher will provide cues that draw your attention to specific areas of the body that need to be activated. Of course your core and pelvic floor (bandas) are important, but there are also many other muscles you can switch on to protect yourself. This is vital in terms of injury prevention in yoga. It is a topic worthy of much more extrapolation. I will share more about this in coming weeks, so stay posted!

7. If you are struggling ask for help. There are a multitude of ways to approach yoga, and the best teachers will guide you to find your own