1/ Pick a practice that's right for you. According to Hylton Jaggard, a top private vinyasa teacher in Cape Town, Iyengar is a good place to start because it’s technically correct. "A good foundation gives you wings to fly, with less chance of injury," he says.

2/ Know your body’s limitations and don’t push further. Less is more. "More often than not, yoga injuries come from the ego pushing you too far," says chiropractor Dr Rob Beffa. You don't have to do every pose your instructor demonstrates, or for as long as instructed. "Overstretching is asking for trouble, especially if you don't have the strength to match your suppleness."

3/ Consult your doctor before practising if you suffer from a medical condition. "In certain conditions (some types of heart disease, for example) yoga could be dangerous," says gastroenterologist and yoga practitioner Dr David Epstein. Even after you’ve been given the green light, make sure your instructor has experience working with students with your needs.