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Many colleges and universities offer yoga classes. If you can't find one there, check your phone book. Yoga studios are opening up all over the place. Many offer individual instruction or group classes.
If you prefer to workout alone, pick up a yoga DVD and pop it in. The only necessary piece of equipment for doing yoga, other than very comfortable, free-moving clothing, is a nice yoga mat. You can pick one up online or at most fitness stores.
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Yoga is an ancient form of physical and mental conditioning that started in India thousands of years ago. The different aspects of the program improve breathing, increase flexibility, reduce stress, create a sense of well-being, and maintain health.
Yoga is comprised of two major components--proper breathing and exercises. The exercises, called "postures," are done while standing, laying down, sitting, or in headstand positions. While practicing a posture, the person does breathing exercises that help relax muscles, maintain the posture, and improve mental focus.
Yoga is completely non-impact and does not involve straining muscles. It focuses on flexibility. Flexibility improves as the practitioner repeats the postures daily. The secondary benefit is better breathing. The breathing exercises improve lung capacity and airflow which can provide great benefits for asthma sufferers.
No special equipment is required for practicing yoga, although a thick mat is helpful in cushioning the body during floor exercises. If you don't have a thick mat and don't wish to invest in a yoga mat, you can use the cushions from your couch or chair. Even a blanket folded multiple times will provide enough cushioning for most people.
Yoga techniques can be practiced on your own. You can self-teach yoga postures through reading books and studying videos on the subject. Be sure that you are doing all postures correctly to avoid straining or stressing joints and muscles. Do not force any joint or muscle. Strive to develop the postures slowly, over time. The development of the postures will allow your body to adjust with greater flexibility and without injury.
Yoga studios are open in most larger cities. You can check in your local yellow pages to see if any studios are in your area. However, a studio setting is not necessary to reap the benefits of yoga.
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Read one visitor's success story about using yoga to treat back pain and recondition her body
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If you use yoga to maintain your health and well-being, e-mail us your story. Be sure to include your initials, city, and state so that we can include that information with your story.
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