Yoga as a practice has been around for thousands of years in India; in fact it encompasses a whole way of being, with the aim being to bring body, mind and spirit in harmony through exercise, diet and meditation. The aim of some yoga practitioners is to increase their strength and flexibility, while others concentrate on a more spiritual aspect, some turn to yoga to get help and relief for their health conditions, while others concentrate on the overall harmony between a calm mind, peaceful spirit and flexible body.

Yoga is a series of asanas or postures named after different mammals and reptiles, combined with pranayama, controlled breathing exercises that should help you reduce the stress levels and improve your overall flexibility. This is hatha yoga and it is being taught in exercises classes across the country. The main thing to remember with yoga as you go through different posture and exercises is that it is not a competitive sport, there is no use in pushing yourself hard, as that will not accomplish anything, rather you might end up hurting yourself. It is a practice in being kind to yourself and concentrating to listen to your body and what it is saying to you. If the body says stop, you should stop. Classes may vary, in some you might go through 10 postures, in some you might go through 30; it depends on the instructor and the advancement of the class.

Pranayama, breathing or as it is called vital energy. It might sound more complicated then it is, it is a process of concentrating and paying attention to your breathing thus giving you tools and knowledge on how to control it.

There are some general rules to follow to maximize your yoga practice, regardless of your condition. Yoga should not be done on a full stomach. The best times for yoga practice are early mornings or early evenings. Nothing should be done by force, movements should be slow and controlled, to minimize the risk of injuries. Breathing is done through the nose only and controlled. And while it is thought that anyone can practice yoga in case you are suffering from some type of health condition it is advisable to consult a doctor. Also check the different types of yoga classes that are available, depending on your general health and fitness level.

After you are done with yoga class, you should be energized, but also you should be feeling calm. If that is not the case, consult the yoga instructor what type of yoga or a class might be of best benefit to you.