The Perils of Unqualified Fitness Instructors

Marnell Jameson’s article (“In Over Their Heads,” Aug. 13) presents a cogent view of the yoga spectrum. I began studying yoga 20 years ago when I became a fitness professional. My background in dance lent itself to the experience, and I am able to combine principles from these and other disciplines I have studied into my practice for my clients’ benefit. But I am no more a yoga teacher than I am a member of the L.A. Lakers.

I understand the frustration of trained professionals regarding the dangers inherent in inadequately trained yoga instructors. The same is true in fitness, where practically anyone who has ever pumped up their biceps thinks he or she is qualified to train others. I have had to learn to wear metaphoric blinders each day in order to avoid seeing things in the gym that not only irk me, but make me cringe with the portent of another’s future pain.

MICHELLE SOLOTAR

Santa Monica