Video yoga a health hazard

Yoga exponents Inflatable Tent are being caught out by the activity's relaxing and low impact image with more than one in four injured during sessions.

A failure to warm up and prepare adequately for the exercise has been identified as causing the surprising injury rate.

The risks of yoga are contained in a sports injuries report to be released today.

The research, commissioned by Medibank Private, found sports injuries cost the Australian community more than .8 billion in the past year. The medical bill was 0 million more than the previous year.

Footballers were the most likely to be hurt and those aged between 18 and 24 were at greatest risk of breaking down.

Sports physician Dr Peter Larkins said yoga was not inherently dangerous but the injury rate showed many participants were not doing it correctly.

"You have to get the correct program and advice. There are a lot of stretching manoeuvres and maybe some are trying it at 38 thinking they are 18," he said.

"Yoga has become the new aerobics and some people are getting it out of a book or video. Participants need to ensure that they don't overdo it, particularly when starting a new health and fitness regime."

Nicole Walsh, the owner of Body Mind Life yoga studio, said she had not experienced the injury rate found in the survey.