...The ancient practice of yoga is not merely about stretching and flexibility. It is a philosophical movement that seeks to free the body of toxins, create a space for God, unite the mind and body, and bring a deep sense of peace and relaxation into your life. Some styles focus on the fitness aspect, while others combine the meditative side as well, so one should consider the various styles before beginning.

For beginners, Hatha yoga is slow-paced and gentle. It is believed that one cannot control the mind until the body is adequately prepared to receive spiritual guidance. By a series of postures, stretches, breathing and relaxation techniques, one can find focus, concentration and a sense of inner peace.

This yoga is good for increasing flexibility and toning muscles. Iyengar yoga focuses on aligning the body to provide maximum results and minimal injury, making it another smart choice for beginners, including ill or elderly participants.

Contrary to "flow" styles of yoga, Iyengar uses fewer positions and the stretches are held longer. Props to aid alignment include mats, blankets, straps and blocks. This style can improve coordination, balance and circulation, while building stronger legs.

Fitness yoga aims to increase flexibility, muscle strength and improve energy and cardiovascular systems. This is a more modern approach t...more

The Benefits of Practicing Yoga

...ncement of all major functional systems of the body such as nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system and excretory system. It will help to improve the co-ordination and balance the body. The biochemical benefits of yoga such as decrease of LDL cholesterol, glucose and catecholamine will help to prevent all the major fatal diseases and triggers the resilience of the body. Moreover yoga balances the weight of the person without losing its strength through the different stretching asanas.

Psychological benefits are an appealing factor of yoga, which include the regulation of mood related disorders such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. The enhancement of the personal abilities such as learning skill...more

Facts about Successful Yoga Teachers, Part 1

...Should a Yoga teacher take money for classes? How do you define success for a Yoga teacher? Is it your contribution to the common good? Is it by producing successful teachers? Is it by technical prowess? Is it by how many students you have? Or, is it a combination of these factors?

First things first: Are you selling Yoga? If you accept a fee for teaching Yoga, no matter how small or large, you are selling Yoga. If you do not like my frank approach to this issue, then teach Yoga for free. This is not a problem, and that is good Karma Yoga.

However, do not open next to a ...more

Yoga in Practice: Helping Negative People (Part 1)

...Do you know someone with a perennial dark cloud over his or her head? Youre thinking: I want to avoid negative people, not waste my time helping them out. What if this person is a family member, or loved one, who has turned bitter for some reason? You care deeply for this person and want to help.

Helping people is an example of selfless service, without seeking a reward of any kind. We also know this as Karma Yoga. Mahatma Gandhi is a classic example of a Karma Yoga practitioner.

However, how many of us can be as kind, or as enlightened, as Mahatma Gandhi? You really dont have to; all...more

Hittlemans 28 Yoga Routines Books