A few months ago, a woman collapsed and died while allegedly practising yoga at one of the city's biggest yoga centres.
This news report has raised concern over the safety of this increasingly popular exercise.
According to a Consumer Council survey, yoga classes are not confined now to just yoga centres but have sprung up in physical fitness centres, health and beauty centres or even recreational centres.
But medical and physical fitness experts in the field are unanimous in their opinion that yoga exercise is not for everybody.
In fact, they come up with quite a long list of people deemed unsuitable for such exercise: for example, people with problems of inter-vertebral disc, extremely high or low blood pressure, severe osteroporosis, or severe cervical spondylosis, they should not engage in yoga classes without first consulting medical doctors.
And if your favourite exercise is hot yoga which is being practised in hot environment for long period of time, the potential health risk is even higher: pregnant women, small children and people with chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy and nephrosis, they should all avoid hot yoga.
In general, there are some tips and precautions which consumers will do well to pay heed:
- People with injuries (back, knee or other physical problems), medical conditions, or spinal problems should consult medical doctors before engaging in yoga.
- Yoga classes come in many forms and many levels; start with a beginner class and do not rush into advanced level.
- Listen to your own body and do not push beyond your limits.
- Stop any stretch or posture when there is pain, dizziness, or fatigue.
As there is no accreditation system nor authorized body monitoring yoga teaching qualifications in Hong Kong, consumers should seek advice from those who have joined yoga classes, check the qualifications of the instructors including years of practising yoga, teaching experiences and types of qualification acquired.
The Council's survey, based on 10 yoga and physical fitness centres in November last year, showed considerable variations in both the levels and methods of charges.
For those charged on a monthly basis, the fees varied substantially from $349 to $1,300. Some are required to pay a joining fee or annual fee of $140 to $488 in addition to the monthly charges.
Two types of plans are available: a limited number of lessons (e.g. 4 to 5 lessons per month) and an unlimited number of lessons per month. Most, however, required the consumers to sign a one-year contract, or to join the yoga programme for at least three to four months.
Yoga courses with a designated number of classes ranged from $380 (for 4 lessons) to $4,988 (40 lessons). Also on offer are "trial lesson" or payment per lesson with charges from $99 to $200.
Consumer complaints against yoga classes have risen to 54 cases in 2005 from 26 cases in 2004. They were related mostly to quality of services, sales practices and price disputes.
Consumers are advised to think twice before entering into a long-term contract, irrevocably committing yourself to a new hobby which you may lose interest all too soon.
Do not rely on empty promise by words of mouth; ask the yoga centre to put down any promise in writing to avoid dispute later.
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