Are you looking for an easy way to improve your spiritual insight and mental tranquility and at the same time gain strength and flexibility?

Yoga is the answer.

You must be aware of a few things before you learn how to do yoga. Yoga is primarily a mental, spiritual and physical discipline. It originated in ancient India. Most Indians believed yoga to be very effective in cleansing the body and in treating various disorders. It also increases muscular flexibility and lubricates ligaments, joints and tendons. In some ways, yoga is similar to a full body self-massage.

You may ask, Can anyone do yoga?

Yoga is definitely something everyone can do.

Even children can learn poses with just a few sessions and benefit from its advantages at a very early age. If you want to start learning how to do yoga, here’s a short and simple beginner’s guide to choosing the right kind for you and everything else you need to know to begin.

There are various styles of yoga with their own benefits. Here are a few of them:

• Ashtanga yoga, which is sometimes referred to as power yoga, is more of a fast-paced and intense style of yoga. There is constant movement involved from one pose to the next.

• Iyengar yoga is another popular style. With this type of yoga, poses are held for a longer duration than usual, allowing the student to appreciate and learn more about the subtleties involved with each pose and focusing on the musculoskeletal system. Many kinds of props are involved such as blankets, straps, and blocks.

• Bikram and Hot yoga are other styles of yoga in which yoga poses are practiced in a heated room. 35C to 40C.

• Forrest Yoga, Forrest Yoga was created by Ana Forrest, this healing yoga method uses deep breathing and vigorous sequence to connect feeling to the body, engage the core, build strength, awaken senses, sweat out toxins and release emotions stored in the bodies tissues.

• Vinyasa yoga is another popular style of yoga, similar to Ashtanga. It is an invigorating practice which involves linking breath with movement of the body. There is a strong focus on sun salutations.

• Hatha Yoga is a gentle, slower paced style of yoga with focus on the use of breath in combination with postures/asanas. The combination of the two allow the body to open and to release tension, tightness and stress. Encourages development of strength, co-ordination, flexibility, and balance of the body, mind and spirit.

• Yin Yoga has become very popular. It is a slow, deep practice done in a heated room (about 28C). Postures are typically held for longer periods of time (1-5 mins) . Yin yoga focuses on the joints of the body; releasing connective tissue, and often involves the hips, pelvis and lower spine.

• Lastly, Restorative Yoga is a healing form of Hatha/Iyengar yoga where gentle postures are practiced while the body is comfortably supported with bolsters and blankets. It helps strengthen the immune system, calm the nervous system, and invigorates and refreshes a tired mind and body.

Once you have decided which style of yoga you want to learn or even if you are unsure of which style , you can start taking some classes, so you can get a feel for each style. You will know in your body and mind when you found the right one. Yoga, even can be easily integrated into your existing fitness program to meet your fitness and personal needs.

You should also be aware that when learning how to do yoga, there are certain props involved that you should use even if you are not practicing regularly:

-Yoga mats – are thin cushions with non-slip surfaces which are crucial when you are learning how to do yoga. They are inexpensive but also come in many varieties that will suit your needs and your budget.

– Yoga blocks or bricks – are also essential when learning how to do yoga. These are important in helping you stay in form even if you are still learning how to work with your strength and flexibility. You can use these to suit various types of yoga and can adhere to 3 height requirements, which is all you will need when learning how to do yoga.

– Yoga straps/belts –  are very helpful for beginners as this will provide an aid for those who are still less flexible. By using a strap it will help you stay in a pose longer, and improve your overall form.

The best way to get started is to take some beginner level classes, so you can get a feel for it and then adjust to meet your needs.