...Maybe your doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, or best friend told you yoga would be good for you. You have heard so much about yoga; it seems that yoga is a cure for almost anything. The more you hear, the more confusing it is to understand what yoga is all about.

Should you go out and buy a yoga book? What would be the best yoga book to buy? If you visit the local book store, you see hundreds of yoga books, CDs, DVDs, card decks, and kits. Should you buy a copy of the yoga Sutras by Patanjali or buy one of the for dummies yoga books?

Below is an overview of yoga, which may help you decide your path of Yogic study. There is no right or wrong path of yoga study, but be selective when you choose a yoga teacher, yoga book, or yoga class..

You should first realize that there are many styles of yoga. There are nine major styles of Yoga; many more styles exist, as well as many sub-styles. The nine major styles of Yoga are Bhakti, Hatha, Jnana, Karma, Kundalini, Mantra, Raja, Tantra, and Yantr...more

Need Power? Try Core Power Yoga

...Core power yoga is an energetic yoga exercise that is both physically and mentally challenging and helps to connect to our inner powers without stopping and accompanied by a heated, climate controlled Vinyasa. It heals, detoxifies and stimulates the body and mind through balance and intention.

Power yoga is a dynamic and challenging program that combines strength, sweat and spirituality. It recognizes power in different levels; first is the physical power which develops the bodys strength and improve health; second is the mental power or the will to concentrate on the practice; and last the spiritual power which is the power behind the physical and mental power.

Core power yoga is the Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga. The term was was given by Beryl Bender Birch, an Ashtanga Yoga teacher. It has been brought to the west by followers of S...more

What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know about Pranayama?

...Pranayama is possibly the most overlooked aspect of Hatha Yoga. Every Yoga teacher training course includes a significant segment about Pranayama. Although B.K.S. Iyengar wrote detailed works on the subject, some Hatha Yoga teachers barely scratch the surface on the subject of cultivating vital energy through breathing. Why is this happening in Yoga classes?

Proper breathing is most likely the most important physical aspect of Hatha Yoga training. Yes, proper breathing is more important than fancy Asanas. Should this lack of attention to the importance of Pranayama, within the Yoga class, be corrected by those groups who certify Yoga teachers? Why do some ...more

Yoga Is Good For Stress Management

...t matters is what your body feels in each stretch and how relaxed you can allow yourself to be with each pose. Remember, practice makes perfect.

It is important to understand that no two people have the same level of flexibility. If your teacher instructs you to do a particular pose and if you feel your body cannot handle it, but everyone else seems to be doing it, DO NOT force your body to do it. You might end up injuring yourself.

Concentrating on your breathing is very vital in yoga and is the key to stress management. Your teacher will tell you when you should inhale and when you should exhale when you are working through your poses. It is recommended that you breathe through your nose only, as...more

Stretching Exercises For Yoga And Pilates