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Yoga is a very old practice that helps to create unity in your body, mind
and spirit. Basically it balances you. Babies are born yogis. At one point
we were all able to pull our feet up to our ears and still be able to breath
and laugh. Then as we got older, we started carrying stress in our back
and shoulders. There are a few different types and styles of yoga.

Basic principles are to follow five points of yoga which are exercise,
breathing, relaxation, diet (usually vegetarian) and positive thinking and
meditation. To fully achieve yoga it needs to become a way of life, not just
an exercise. The goal is to be totally relaxed in mind and body without
sleeping.

There are 12 basic postures
* The Triangle
* Standing Forward Bend
* Head Stand
* Shoulder Stand
* Plough
* Fish
* Cobra
* Locust
* Bow
* Forward Bend
* Spinal Twist
* Peacock or Crow pose.

Physical Benefits of Yoga
It creates a flexible, toned and strong body. It improves your breathing,
energy and vitality of life. It helps to maintain a balanced metabolism;
promote better circulation and cardio health; and helps to relieve pain. All
these benefits will be of benefit to your other athletic endeavours.

Mental Benefits of Yoga
Helps you to handle stressful situations and to relax in those same
situations. Quiets your your mind so you can use your energy the way you
want to. It encourages you to have self-acceptance and positive thoughts.

Spiritual Benefits of Yoga
Helps you to build awareness of your feelings, the world around you and
your body, as well as the needs of others around you. Helps you to feel
“one” with your mind, body and spirit.

We all want to look and feel younger and yoga can help.

Getting Started
Anyone can do yoga. You don’t need much equipment either, a mat if you
want. There are modifications for every yoga pose so that people can
adjust them to their skill level or physical limitations. The idea is to explore
the limits of your self and not just to see if you can tie yourself up into a
pretzel.

Start by taking a yoga class. You want a teacher that encourages you but
doesn’t push you to do more than you are capable. You need to wear
comfortable clothing that allows you to move and not be constricted. If you
are working hard you will be sweating. Yoga doesn’t use the phrase, “No
pain, no gain.” If you hurt, stop pushing the pose so far or don’t do that
pose at all. If you can’t find a yoga class in your town try to locate a yoga
video or DVD in your local library or checkout a book on yoga. Many
describe and show pictures of the position you are trying to obtain.

CAUTION: CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING ANY
NEW EXERCISE REGIMEN.