Yoga is one of the most popular exercises in the world today. People all over the world use yoga to tone and meditate. There are many types of yoga that can be practiced, among them Hatha yoga.

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘union’. Yoga experts believe this union to be that of the inner soul and the cosmos. Yoga originated between five thousand to eight thousand years ago in India. Through the years, yoga experts, referred to as Yogis or Yoginis, created practical yoga techniques to help an individual on their journey to this union. The classical yoga period ushered in the creation of the Yoga Sutra written by Patanjali in the second century. This Sutra is the foundation for all types of yoga. The best-known form of yoga in the west is Hatha yoga and it is often what people think of when they think of yoga.

Yogi Swami Swatmarama introduced Hatha yoga. In Sanskrit ‘ha’ means sun or hot and ‘tha’ means moon or cold. Hatha yoga is the union of the opposite forces. This yoga is meant to prepare you for a higher yoga form. It consists of breathing techniques (pranayama), special postures(asanas), and meditation. It is believed that by balancing the positive and negative forces in our body, we can regulate our vital force (prana), clear our mind and experience subconscious states. It is the most physical of all the yoga forms practiced today.

Hatha yoga begins with a cleansing process, which tries to open up psychic (pranic) channels. Ancient yogis believed by mastering our breathing patterns, we can clear the way to mastering the mind. This is believed to bring the body into a disease free state, since opening blocked channels will allow for a body and mind balancing state. They saw breathing as one of the most important functions of the body. Since prana is in the air, breathing correctly can provide us with good health.

The next step is the asanas (poses). These are used to control and extend the vital energy in each of us. Asanas are special body positions which can give you qualities either you are lacking or don’t have. These poses can balance the nervous, circulatory and endocrine systems. In this respect, they have been known to have healing effects. Originally asanas were used to produce the ability to sit in one position comfortably for a long period of time, aiding in meditation. Today, we can see that they provide flexibility, strength, and balance. In doing so, they can address health problems by promoting the body’s own healing ability.

Hatha yoga prepares the mind and the body, so that meditation can be achieved. For true meditation to occur, we must have a clear mind. This is difficult to achieve since we have many thoughts going through our minds constantly. It is believed through asanas, we can release our restlessness and our emotions.

Hatha yoga is beneficial to the body both mentally and physically. It creates a balance in our physical and mental states. It reduces stress, rejuvenates us and improves circulation. By following the steps contained in Hatha yoga you can achieve a supreme state of spiritual happiness. You can reach the ultimate goal of yoga, which is a self-awareness and union with the self and the universe.

Once you have decided to become a Yoga teacher, you begin to see behavior in the Yoga class differently. You are no longer a Yoga student, but a Yoga teacher who is trying to cover the class lesson plan, within a specific time frame.

Most Yoga teachers work with adults, so I will not cover children’s issues or “Kids Yoga Rules.” Even though you expect adults to use “common sense,” you should establish Yoga studio guidelines or rules of conduct. What you consider to be common sense might be an “awakening” for a few Yoga students.

Most floor surfaces for Yoga are kept clean. There are a variety of surfaces to choose from, but most Yoga teachers do not want shoes on the studio floor. During winter, in northern climates, snow and ice can track all the way onto the Yoga studio floor.

That is, just one reason, why Yoga studios have a sign that states: “Please leave your shoes outside the Yoga studio door.” The best one I ever saw was a guy who left a trail of metal splinters from his work boots in the Yoga studio rug. Just picture the clean up, and we were pulling splinters out of that rug for weeks.

“Cell phones are to be turned off. If this is not possible, you will be unable to participate in the Yoga class.” Does that seem a bit harsh?

There’s nothing like teaching a meditation session and having the “March of the Imperial Guard” ring off in your Yoga class. If Yoga students cannot separate themselves from the phone, they should set it to vibrate without noise.

Most Yoga teachers realize a few people are “on call,” but they cannot be allowed to disrupt what the majority of Yoga students seek. Most Yoga students come to your classes to find a “piece of tranquility.” They want to get away from cell phones, multi-tasking, deadlines, and a hectic work day.

“Keep your body clean. It bothers all of us, if we have to remind a student of this.” This is a tough but necessary guideline. Even though you might use common sense, someone eventually will enter the Yoga studio, and your nostrils will never forget the experience.

How long can you, or your Yoga students, take the punishment? Your students do not have to stay in your Yoga class, and you may end up teaching the source of the problem - alone.

Related to this rule is: “Please do not wear strong perfumes or colognes to Yoga class.” Most of us love to put on perfume or cologne. However, too much, or the wrong type, might smell like insecticide to everyone else. This reaction can cause headaches, nausea, and some Yoga students may leave as a result.

These were just a few examples of why you should implement guidelines for your Yoga classes. It is true that a small number of people have created the precedents, but rules and guidelines should be designed to protect the vast majority of Yoga students.

Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Shouldn’t Yoga should be easy for everyone to understand? There are so many Yoga books, containing detailed, full color pictures and loaded with content.

At this time, it is easy to find audio books, DVD’s, and various video formats made by world famous Yoga teachers. The world of Yoga has changed from small classes, in a Yoga teacher’s home, to gymnasiums full of eager Yoga students.

This is a good thing - so who needs a private lesson when you can buy a Yoga video and learn from the masters? Learning Yoga should be a “piece of cake,” right? Wrong; as a matter of fact - Painfully wrong.

Yoga videos are great learning tools for “Yoga Teachers.” Sometimes, I use them at workshops for Yoga teacher interns, but we stop the film at certain points and cover intricate techniques. This gives a Yoga teacher, or an intern, a more complete understanding of the subject covered.

On more than one occasion, we have had a new Yoga student join because he or she was injured while practicing Hatha Yoga, with a video, at home. How is that possible? It is as simple as watching the television and cranking your neck to the side while practicing a Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana ) or Plow (Halasana).

Why would someone do that? Someone who is new to Hatha Yoga, and has had no formal guidance from a Yoga instructor, does not know better. Hatha Yoga is a safe practice, if you develop a foundation of knowledge by coming to Yoga classes and learning from a competent Yoga teacher.

If there is no Yoga teacher in your nearby area, use a Yoga DVD or video. Please watch the Yoga practice at least one time, completely, so that when you physically participate, you do not injure yourself. You should take notes and develop a safe practice, based on the easiest postures you see.

When you start to develop a Hatha Yoga home practice, never force your body to do anything. Always stay in the “comfort zone” and play it safe. In your spare time, read about contraindications for Yoga postures. This will help you expand your knowledge of Yoga and stay safe.

If you do have a Yoga teacher nearby, and get injured because you did not visit a class, or set up a private lesson - Shame on you. Whenever, you take a private lesson with a Yoga teacher, ask questions. That is what you are paying for.

If you are new to Yoga, and have a health condition, it would be wise to inform your teacher. It would also be in your best interest to take a private Yoga session. In the case of pregnancy, you should seek out a certified Prenatal Yoga instructor, if approved by your physician.

Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga Accessories have started to enhance the yoga expedition only since the past two decades even though the origins of Yoga are very ancient. They are about as eclectic and range from the essential to the frivolous and fun. In the beginning it can be a mystery as to what you need by way of accessories. So we lay out some of the most essential yoga accessories together with bits of whimsy driven necessity that may be fancied once in a while.

Certain styles of yoga emphasize some accessories more than others. There is no hard and fast rule; if it helps with your practice use it. Since yoga is about making it as accessible as possible to adopt postures and bring the body into a state of poise and equilibrium for dynamics into meditation, then whatever helps the process is good.

Here are some of the most important Yoga accessories you will need in your regular practices.

1. Yoga mats

A Yoga mat is an essential accessory for Yoga practice, whether it is a standard non slip mat, ultra sticky or even an Indian Yoga rug mat. This is because it is essential to have a good surface that supports postures and is safe to work on. By far the most popular style is the sticky-mat. It is so called because it grips the floor and does not slide.

The beauty about having one’s own mat is that that just by laying down on it, you get immersed and attuned to your yoga space. It sharpens the focus and awareness to what you are about to do and helps create just the right mental state for a session. Yoga Mats are really one of the more useful yoga accessories though not considered absolutely essential by some.

2. Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are simple tools that help you ease into difficult poses by strengthening, stretching, and aligning your body without strain. They open up the possibilities of letting your body stretch and enter more deeply into your practices with safety and confidence.

A Yoga block shortens the distance between you and the floor, providing a stable anchor point thereby reducing strain. You can use it to ground your lower hand in a standing pose, to space the hands in the peacock pose, or to support your hips in the bridge pose. Check out the Yoga blocks and their different uses.

3. Yoga straps

Yoga straps help you grasp your limbs that are normally out of reach. They also help you hold poses longer, greatly increasing flexibility. Yoga Straps normally come in three lengths, 6′, 8′ and 10′. They also come in different buckle styles on sturdy 1-1/2 inch cotton webbing that adjust easily and hold securely. Check out for comfort and fit before you buy.

4. Yoga blankets and rugs

Yoga rugs provide a bit more cushion than sticky mats. They are perfect for absorbing perspiration for the hot styles of Yoga. In order to avoid slipping on hardwood floors, it is advisable to place a sticky mat beneath your rug. Yoga blankets are a versatile accessory that functions as a prop.

5. Yoga bags and totes

The unique shape of a Yoga bag provides an interesting challenge when it comes to transporting your gear. Fortunately, you have mat bags, carriers and totes to solve this problem, from the practical to the luxurious. Nowadays, Yoga bags are available in all sizes, styles and colors. These are among the most practical of Yoga accessories.

One of the great advantages of persuing yoga is that it doesn’t require much in the way of gear. In fact, most folks can get by with nothing more than a comfortable pair of sweats and a litte open floor space. But if you’re ready to get more serious about your yoga, there are some items that you might want to add to your routines. Here are just a few for your consideration:

Mats

Sticky yoga mats can provide a safe and comfortable non-slip surface for your yoga routine. Believe it or not, there are mats that are specifically designed for yoga, as opposed to Pilates mats or other exercise mats. A good yoga mat will tend to be thinner and easy to roll up to place in your gym bag for easy transportation and storage. By the way, most places selling yoga equipment can offer you a variety of mat styles and colors, so you’ll be able to express your individuality in the gear you choose.

Yoga Straps

Yoga straps are less common that some of the other forms of gear listed here. In fact, if you’ve been doing yoga for awhile, you still may not be familiar with them. A yoga strap is a simple nylon strap with a plastic or metal buckle. Usually light-weight, you can find them in a number of different colors. How are they used? Most commonly the yoga strap is used as an aid for those people who just can’t quite reach a specific goal in a pose. For example, they can help you with such challenging poses as the Seated Forward Bend (or Paschimottanasana) where you sit with both legs in front of you and attempt to lay your torso flat over your thighs. If your hamstrings are particularly tight, a yoga strap can be looped around your feet to pull your torso gently forward until you feel that distinctive sensation where you know you want to be.

Blocks

Yoga blocks and bricks are used by many yogis to modify poses in their workouts. These blocks can help you to deepen your stretches, reduce the strain on a particular muscle group when you’re beginning to learn a new pose, and provide a better foundation for proper body alignment. Most yoga stores will sell a variety of blocks in sizes that can help you with both simple and advanced poses.

Videos

Not technically gear, yoga workouts on DVD and video have become incredibly popular today, particularly for those who are too busy to attend a regular class, or who no longer feel the need for the guidance of a yoga instructor. You can find DVD yoga workouts for all levels, from beginner to master, including titles such as Crunch - The Perfect Yoga Workout, The Total Body Yoga Workout DVD, QuickFix - Power Yoga Workout, and ZenMama Prenatal Yoga Workout DVD. There’s something for everyone interested in yoga on DVD.

If you have a yoga store near you (or if you poke around the Interent a bit), you’ll also find that there are a variety of yoga “kits” available as well. These packages typically include all the basic yoga gear: one or two blocks, straps, a mat and sometimes even a video or flash cards of different poses. Yoga kits are a wonderful starting point for the yoga enthusiast, especially if you aren’t quite sure where to begin.

Around the world Yoga is considered an enjoyable way to keep fit and healthy. And, though it has been around for ages, only recently has Yoga caught the American fancy. It is a well-rounded workout designed to tone up and strengthen muscles; at the same time it increases flexibility. Yoga is also an excellent way to shed weight and boost energy and vitality. As you start to practise Yoga or Pilates, for that matter you will notice the need for some basic Yoga or Pilates equipment and accessories.

Yoga Mats

Good Yoga mats help increase balance and coordination. Most folks are not properly aligned. As a result we do a lot of what we do asymmetrically. For those intending to balance and a sense of symmetry a Yoga mat is a must. Then again, we strongly recommend a hand-woven Yoga mat. However, for those into dynamic and vigorous kinds such Power Yoga, Sticky Mats are well worth considering.

Yoga straps

The Yoga strap is highly beneficial for beginners. They are either fabricated from cotton or nylon and let you grasp your limbs, you couldn’t reach. They also help you hold a pose longer. Yoga Straps are especially helpful in bound poses when the hands cannot reach each other or for asanas where you need to hold both feet but cannot reach them.

Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are also called Yoga bricks and are useful in executing a variety of Yoga poses. Yoga blocks help in execution of poses and offer many other benefits. Some of the benefits of Yoga blocks are that they provide stability and support for proper alignment; they also help reduce the distance between the body and the ground.

Yoga cushions

Yoga cushions help practitioners establish proper spinal alignment so that the posture stays steady, straight, and comfortable. Yoga Cushions are also beneficial to pregnant women and to people recovering from surgery. With Yoga cushions, most poses can be done comfortably as you sit on a chair or using a chair to maintain balance while standing. For added support or cushioning, Yoga Cushions are also used on top of a Yoga Mat or Yoga Chair height.

Yoga balls

Yoga Balls are a versatile prop for many postures. Fabricated from durable vinyl, they help achieve the necessary balance and support for asanas. Yoga Balls effectively increase your flexibility, improve your range of motion and balance, as well as tone up the muscles. Besides, they also help shape the body and relieve of stress.

Although yoga does not require too much accessories, the usefulness of yoga accessories cannot be doubted as it will make you more relaxed and secure. There are a few requisite yoga accessories that you cannot do without, especially clothing such as upper body wear and pants. The next is a yoga mat for practicing the various yoga poses, and then there are the yoga shoes or socks. Other like a bag for yoga mat, DVDs for self study and water bottle are optional, including yoga props.

One of the most essential yoga accessories is the clothing and it should not be too tight or too loose as you will not want it to interfere with your yoga exercises or leave you unfocussed. The upper body wear should be just right and usually they are made with a combination of cotton or Lycra as these materials are ideal for yoga for they provide comfort and pores for circulation

Another is the lower body wear and for warmer climate, it can be just shorts so that you won’t get too hot while practicing. During colder weather, you can wear pants but they should not be too loose and distract your exercises. Except for t-shirt and pants, you should leave your jewelry and watched at home to avoid getting in the way of your yoga practices.

Other necessary yoga accessories are the yoga mat as it will cushion you against the hard flooring and it should be hygienic as your body and head will be in contact with it. Other consideration is that it will provide friction between your body and the mat as you will perspire during the exercises so as to ensure that you do not slip and get yourself hurt.

In addition, the yoga mat should be tried out and it should also be easily maintained and wash so as not to add to your stress level. As the yoga mat will be rolled up after practices, it should be able to lay flat when you need it and not too sticky when you are doing the poses.

Those staying in colder countries should ensure that the yoga mat remains flexible after it is out in the cold climate or when you need to place it in your car trunk. Also check the sturdiness and lifespan and it is neither too light nor heavy. For those mindful of the environment, it is essential that it can be recycled or reused.

Most of the time, yoga is done barefoot or just with a pair of cotton socks but yoga shoes can provide the comfort that you need. Yoga shoes are different from the usual exercises shoes in that it has slim soles to provide suppleness and the top part of the shoes is lighter so as to ensure air circulation.

In addition yoga shoes are vital as bacteria and germs will not form and also when you need to share yoga mat. On the other hand it can avert injuries like stepping on jagged pebbles or ants bite. With the yoga shoes, it will help ensure that you do not slip when you are carrying out certain postures.

Yoga socks can be used in place of yoga shoes as wearing them is like putting on gloves for your feet but some would choose to use toe socks that is accompanied by non-slip rubber dots to provide friction and those are feasible choices besides yoga shoes.

The optional yoga accessories like a bag for your yoga mat so that you can transport then back and forth from your yoga classes and with provision for change of clothes, keys or wallet. Yoga DVDs can help you to revise the moves that you have practiced and other like yoga props to assist you in the various poses.

Water bottles can be useful but not necessary as you will perspire profusely during the exercises, as a result releasing toxins. With the replenishment, it will replace lost fluids and remove the excess toxins. In addition you will be dehydrated after practices so a fresh, rejuvenating bottle of water will lighten you up.

Shopping for yoga accessories can be done at yoga specialty retailers and it is better to shop there than just any retailers as they will have a wide ranging items and knowledgeable sales staffs to guide you. Also it can be done online but the drawback is that you will not get to test the items, on the other hand, it provide a relaxed ambience and convenience without stepping out of your house.

Yoga is a sacred practice and a healing tool of growth and transformation. It honors the individuals spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical process of human evolution. Yoga gives you the courage to undertake your own journey towards the Self. Yoga fills you with a feeling of coming home. You will discover a powerful tool, probably the path you are searching for. Especially if you have a sense of purpose to learn, you will receive great satisfaction in practicing and working with individuals and groups.

Further, Yoga is a complex integrated system that has a history of 5,000 or more years. Beginners can easily be snowed under by the vastness of Yoga practice, its philosophy, and literature. However, here are the key working principles that will help you understand better the different aspects of Yoga.

Ten Key Fundamental Principles.

1. Yoga is traditionally a liberation teaching. It guides you to free yourself from your historical limitations of who and what you were to become something greater and better.

2. To truly learn and understand Yoga, a teacher must be able to instruct, either in a class or even on a video. This is crucial to ultimate success in Yoga. However, you can benefit from a good many Yogic practices even without instruction, since any form of Yoga is better than none at all.

3. Since everybody has their different strengths and weaknesses, Yoga has different styles developed over time. Here are the seven most common:

Raja-Yoga

Hatha-Yoga

Jnana-Yoga

Karma-Yoga

Bhakti-Yoga

Tantra-Yoga

Mantra-Yoga

4. Yoga is both a theoretical and practical journey of the jivatma, individual soul. In order to practice Yoga well, you ought to pay attention to the ideals behind its practical disciplines as well as to the exercises and techniques supporting its theories. This calls for considerate and conscientious practice. For instance, the regular and right practice of Yogasanas will most certainly help you maintain optimum physical health.

5. All forms of Yoga have their grounding in a sound moral life. For this reason laws have been laid down, laws that stand for moral virtues like nonviolence, truthfulness, and abstention from theft, compassion and kindness. Basically it’ Yoga is all about leading a positive life. Without a firm foundation in these moral and ethical principles, you cannot practise and benefit from Yoga.

6. No matter how simple a particular yogic approach may be, all approaches call for a huge commitment. If you fear change and cling to your old habits, you cannot succeed in Yoga. The practice requires considerable personal effort and that involves self-discipline.

7. Yoga consists of a lot of practice, both physical and mental. These can be further split up into two major categories. The first is the performance of a set of exercises or techniques intended to produce a positive state of mind in us. The second is the complementary practice of letting go old behavioral patterns, habits and attachments that hold you back

8. In Yoga, focus is the key to making improvements. With focus come control and power, which is the nature of consciousness itself.

9. Return to the basics, the more you untangle your life the better off you will be.

10. Yoga is the progressive process of replacing your unconscious thought patterns and behavior with new, more beneficial patterns, which lead towards a better life. It takes time to reach this goal of self-realization. Hence, practitioners must first practice patience.

We should be willing to commit ourselves to a lifetime of practice. There must be a basic desire to grow, regardless of whether or not we achieve enlightenment in this life. One of Yoga’s fundamental beliefs is that no effort is ever wasted. Even the slightest attempt at transforming oneself makes a difference. It is patient cumulative effort that, ultimately, grows into self-realization.

Although yoga is not a high-impact exercise, it can provide strength as well as suppleness to the body but you can cause injury to yourself if the poses are not correctly done. Through an in-depth knowledge, you can avert possible injuries.

The correct breathing techniques as in other form of exercises are essential to yoga postures to avert unnecessary injuries. The most glaring is to withheld your breathe in between changes of yoga positions. Yoga is similar to weight lifting, you need to inhale and exhale while doing the poses and holding it only when you are done with the exercises.

Normal yoga poses are unlike those that you found in television where they contort their body to make you squirm as yoga postures are done with little strain. Do not overstretch yourself and if you are uncomfortable with the poses, do not carry on as you might be heading for a serious injury.

Yoga should be done at a certain pace as you will want to be with the flow and keep your muscles tension free. Going through the yoga positions too fast is not healthy as it will strain your muscles and hurt yourself.

Practicing from a qualified teacher rather than through self learning such as self-help books or self taught videos are better as you can then the yoga poses correctly, thus avoiding hurting yourself. It can be done at a gym or one-to-one coaching. A knowledgeable yoga teacher can assess your skill level and offer the right supervision saving you a lot of times and unnecessary headaches.

As yoga is very healthy and beneficial, it is better to learn the postures correctly from the beginning. Asanas or yoga positions can be difficult if not carry out correctly. After picking up from a qualified yoga teacher, you can then supplement through self-help books and self-taught videos. The yoga book by Dharma Mittra called the Asanas:608 poses is one of the most complete book.

Video is more comprehensive than book as there are movements to guide you instead of interpreting from the pictures. With video, there is voice to guide you so you can learn all the poses with minimal misunderstanding.

The advantages that you can derive from a qualified yoga teacher is that the yoga poses is performed before you so there will be no ambiguity and at the same time, he/she can rectify your mistakes instantly. With yoga teachers, they can design the courses to suit you and even for those with special needs such as pregnant women. As well as, you can use the yoga classes to network with friends thus increasing the joy of attending practices.

Generally picking the right postures is essential to yoga so that you can enjoy the full benefits of it. The numerous yoga postures are listed below:

1. Sukhasana which is a fundamental yoga pose. This type of yoga will assist in focusing and breathing technique as well as building the lower back and hips

2. Dog and Cat which is another basic pose and it is actually two dissimilar poses.

3. Sethu Bandhasa, also known as the bridge is done by lying on you back and with your knees upward and hands by the side.

For beginners, yoga can educate you on the relevance of our day to day movements such as sitting, lying down, crouching or even stooping. With certain changes, basic yoga are like those positions that you do daily without noticing and there are many benefits to gain.

As beginning yoga has been endorsed by medical society for its mental and physical benefits, physicians usually recommend it to their sick patients as it encourages curing and respite from the illness.

You can progress from beginning to more difficult poses by certain adjustments. Yoga is adopted from observing the many daily movements and they can give you the full benefits of the workouts that you won’t be able to get from it otherwise.

Yoga poses is progressive, you can pick up the more difficult poses gradually and with supervision from a qualified yoga teacher, you will be able to pick the correct poses. As yoga is also a mild and developing exercise, it can be done irrespective of your age. With more confidence, you can then go on to pick up more difficult poses.

While doing yoga poses, you can feel the improvement in your joints as well as look better and an improved self esteem. What you need is consistency and self discipline to follow through all the poses.

Although Yoga is extremely well known as a health and relaxation and entertaining discipline, it is not so well known that there are quite a number of different types of Yoga. And for anyone considering taking up Yoga it is important to understand these different Yoga types. All Yoga styles will work well as a general health and fitness discipline, but you may want to investigate the different disciplines of Yoga if you are intending to be more involved in your Yoga.

So before taking your first Yoga class find out a bit about what style of Yoga it teaches. There are in fact many different styles, some similar to others, but there are not so many well known and fashionable styles of Yoga.

Bikram Yoga, or what is known as Hot Yoga, in certainly a well known and modern style of Yoga, and popular now. It is a style of Yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury and has some detractors. As Yoga involves various routines and body postures, and this style is no different in that respect. There are a series of 26 poses in the normal Bikram Yoga routine. They are performed in an extremely hot room and this is thought to improve the relaxation effect of the routines and to help cleanse the body.

Another very popular style of Yoga is Hatha Yoga. This is one of the most likely forms of Yoga that you will come across if you are looking for Yoga classes. It includes many of the basic Yoga poses which are used in many of the Yoga styles. These are performed in an extremely slow way, and this style is therefore not extremely strenuous. Hatha is therefore a good Yoga style for those who are new to Yoga, or for those who are less flexible.

Another extremely well known form of Yoga is Vinyasa Yoga. This is also one of the most likely forms of Yoga that would be offered by the more common Yoga classes. It is a style founded on a series of stretches known as the Sun Salutations. As with many Yoga styles it incorporates and emphasis the importance of controlled breathing and adherents attempt to synchronise their breathing with each of the movements. It can be faster than Hatha Yoga and often requires a more advanced degree of fitness and flexibility than Hatha Yoga.

There are many other forms of Yoga, however if you are a Yoga beginner then these are some of the most common forms that you will encounter if you are looking for Yoga classes.

Whatever style you ultimately choose, Yoga is a discipline that has many advantages to your physical and mental health. It is fun and satisfying, and if you are considering taking up Yoga you will not be disappointed. Give it a go.