I want to try yoga but have some serious knee problems. I have had an ACL surgery and always have trouble with my knees. Any suggestions before I head to a yoga class?

You will really have to work consciously to protect your knees when you practice. VERY CONSCIOUSLY. You should always silently repeat the mantra “Do I feel anything in my knees?” for every posture you do. Definitely tell the teacher at the start of your class. Make sure you have two blocks with you, not all studios have them so you may have to buy some. You can put the blocks under your knees when you sit cross legged (sukhasana), or under your hands in low lunges. That said, you definitely should practice yoga, because it will help strengthen the supporting muscles around your knee and build flexibility in your hips and hamstrings, which can also help alleviate pressure on the knees. Good luck! - ShantiB

I am sure you have done PT, so you should really try to keep up with the exercises that you learned. Anything you can do to keep the knee strong before practicing is great. – PatanJolly

While you practice, there are a few things you can do to protect the knee. If the foot is ever hanging in the air or in space, flex the foot by drawing the toes back towards your knee. This activates the muscles around the shin, which support the knee. When you are in standing lunges or warrior poses, ALWAYS make sure the bent knee is stacked over the ankle. If it is to any side of it instead of directly overhead, you can stretch a tendon or ligament and really hurt yourself over time. In standing forward bends, bend the knees so you don’t overstretch your hamstring. Have lots of fun trying yoga! –ErinD