| Though developed in India and considered part of | | | | People who suffer from asthma or PMS may find |
| more than one spiritual tradition, yoga has become a | | | | relief through yoga. Stress reduction is another |
| widespread practice without religious overtones. It is | | | | problem that can be addressed through practicing the |
| a form of exercise that is appropriate for almost | | | | asanas. One reason is that the required breath control |
| everyone. | | | | takes focus. The mind is forced to relinquish its |
| In Sanskrit, the word means yoke or bringing | | | | attachment to other thoughts. The body becomes |
| together. However, most people use the term to | | | | relaxed and positive energy returns. |
| refer to the poses or asanas. Completing a series of | | | | One asana that helps with centering and coordinating |
| poses involves both stretching the muscles in | | | | breath with movement is the cat pose. Trying this |
| numerous ways and monitored breathing and can | | | | pose is a good introduction for anyone who does not |
| result in a strong feeling of well being | | | | have problems with their back. To begin, on a |
| The best approach is to establish a consistent | | | | padded surface, get down on hands and knees. Be |
| schedule of practice. Though most people think of | | | | sure the wrists are directly below the shoulders and |
| yoga as involving extreme poses, variations are | | | | the knees are directly below the hips. Shift forward |
| available so beginners who are not fit or flexible can | | | | and back softly to discover the spot where the spine |
| still participate. All one needs is a mat, some | | | | is straight and the body is balanced. Breathe in. Upon |
| comfortable clothing, and a teacher. Many options are | | | | breathing out, pull the abdominal muscles toward the |
| available. These range from classes at community | | | | spine as it curves upward. Lower the head so there |
| centers to events at yoga studios | | | | is a one rounded line extending from the base of the |
| Not all classes are the same. There are several | | | | spine to the crown of the head. Inhale and reverse |
| different branches, each with its own level of | | | | the movement. |
| intensity and variation on sequences of poses. While | | | | Though becoming strong and flexible through yoga |
| experimenting can help a beginner find the style that | | | | requires discipline and the drive to stick with it, the |
| best suits his or her body, it is best to start with a | | | | gains justify the effort. A sharper, calmer mind |
| slower, easier version like Hatha. | | | | comes with greater physical ability. |