| You've heard the buzz about yoga and would like to | | | | Anyone can do yoga, from world-class athletes to |
| give it a try. However, before you can even touch | | | | those allergic to exercise. Basketball legend Kareem |
| your toes, your inner-pessimist pipes up: "Yoga is for | | | | Abdul-Jabbar attributes his longevity in the sport |
| young people," or "It's too expensive," or "I'm about | | | | (over 20 years) to yoga, while tennis star Andy |
| as flexible as a 2 x 4." If this sounds familiar, it's time | | | | Murray believes yoga gave him the edge over |
| to quell that inner voice. Yoga is a wonderful, | | | | reigning champ Roger Federer. But what about us |
| completely accessible activity for virtually everyone | | | | mere mortals? Even if you have the flexibility of a |
| regardless of age, current fitness level and financial | | | | marble slab, you have to start somewhere. Maybe on |
| means. | | | | Monday, you're touching your knees, but with daily |
| You're never too old to practice yoga. Rather than | | | | practice, you're half-way down your shins by Friday. |
| using weights, machines or other cumbersome | | | | Continue practicing, and 2 weeks later, you just might |
| devices, yoga builds strength, stamina and flexibility | | | | reach the floor. |
| by using your own body. Begin at a level at which | | | | Yoga is a low cost activity. While some people like |
| you're comfortable and work at your own pace. | | | | the community feel of a class, you can easily |
| Eventually, you might want to intensify your practice, | | | | maintain a home practice with a modest upfront |
| but it's up to you. Yoga is totally non-competitive; | | | | investment. Many yoga props are available to aid in |
| timelines and progress charts are not required. A big | | | | flexibility; however, the only essential item is a yoga |
| part of yoga is listening to your own body. If you | | | | mat which will run you anywhere from $15 to $50. |
| experience any pain or discomfort, simply pull back. | | | | Also, unless you've memorized lots of asanas, it's |
| Yoga is ideal for people of all ages, especially those | | | | advisable to own at least 1 yoga DVD for guidance. |
| over 50. Aging causes some of us to lose our sense | | | | You can select from a huge catalog of yoga DVDs |
| of balance which can lead to falls and bone fractures. | | | | designed for various levels of practice (beginner, |
| Yoga postures challenge our center of gravity in a | | | | intermediate, advanced), yoga styles and time |
| controlled, safe setting, and with regular practice we | | | | lengths. |
| can thwart those dizzy, off-centered sensations. | | | | Still not sure if you're ready to learn yoga? Order a |
| Yoga is a great antidote to sedentary lifestyles by | | | | book on yoga from Amazon or your local library and |
| improving circulation, and also bone density at a time | | | | attempt a few poses. And if you think you hear that |
| when osteoporosis becomes more common. These | | | | inner-pessimist, tell it to pipe down and enjoy the |
| are just a few of its many health benefits. | | | | journey! |