Many people have heard about yoga but they do not know much about it. For a long time, I didn’t know anything about yoga either. I knew that it involved stretching, but that was about it. After hearing about all of the wonderful benefits that yoga can provide, I decided to educate myself about this mysterious exercise. Here is some general yoga information that I have learned.

Yoga is a form of exercise that concentrates on both the body and the mind. Many people refer to it as a type of meditation for the body. It is an ancient practice that dates back nearly 5,000 years, and works to join the mind and body together. To yoga actually means “to join together”

There isn’t just one yoga. When I first started researching the practice, I assumed that there was only one type. Boy, was I wrong! There are so many different types that you could practice the ancient art forever, and not learn everything about it. There is hatha, raja, jnana, karma, and many, many more. All versions of yoga have the same philosophy behind them. They are attempting to bring your mind and body together in unison.

Yoga is not religious. Many people believe that yoga is an off-shoot of the Hindu religion, but this isn’t true. Yoga does resemble a sort of Zen like philosophy, and that is what confuses most people. Although yoga is not particularly religious, many religions have adopted it into there practices.

You do not have to be in shape to practice yoga. Many people don’t try yoga because they feel like they are not in good enough shape. But yoga has beginning classes as well as advanced classes. If you are out of shape, yoga can be a great way to attune yourself with your body. Yoga will help you to build your flexibility, and help you to become more aware of your body.

Yoga is even good for children. Many schools around the country are implementing yoga programs for their children to partake in. Yoga gives the kids a good workout, but it also clams them down and helps them to focus.

Yoga is a fabulous workout that will make your body and mind healthy. If you want more yoga information, try a DVD to teach you some basic yoga techniques, or try to find a class at one of your local gyms.