Improved flexibility from yoga is a plus to all practitioners. Muscles tend to shorten and the tendons which connect muscle to bones become stiffer through the aging process. The loss of flexibility is associated with the risk of pain and injury. Stretches in yoga increases flexibility which improves range of motion for muscles and joints - especially knees, shoulders, elbows and spine. Additionally, gentle stretching of the muscles and joints increases blood flow to organs and extremities which helps to flush toxins from the body.

There are many types of yoga practices. Hatha yoga incorporates a slow-paced stretching class with some simple breathing exercises and perhaps a seated meditation. It is gentle and an excellent introduction to yoga. It tends not to focus on religious or philosophical aspects. Bikram or Hot yoga is practiced in a very hot studio (100 degrees) which allows for a loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating which cleanses the body. Iyengar yoga incorporates precise poses, body alignment and breathing techniques. It emphasizes holding poses over long period of time versus moving quickly from one pose to the next. Anusara yoga appeals to those who want to work both their physical and spiritual well-being. The emphasis in this style of yoga is on physical alignment and positive thoughts derived from the intrinsic goodness of all beings.

These are just a few examples of the types of yoga classes offered regionally. Regardless of the type of yoga embraced it is extremely important to enter the practice at the appropriate level - one that matches your abilities and fitness level. Classes can range from moderately taxing to extremely challenging.

Although yoga can offer many benefits to the body, it can pose potential dangers for individuals with health conditions such as chronic back and joint problems. Body alignment and mental awareness are critical in practicing yoga correctly and having input from an experienced instructor who can correct yoga poses is paramount in obtaining the maximum benefit of the practice and to avoid injury. 

**This article is an information resource and should not be used to diagnose or treat any injury.

J. Pegues

Ref:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com, Benefits of Yoga - Why Yoga Exercise is Good for You, May 2008.

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com, What Yoga can Do to Your Health by T. Schreyer

http://www.healthandyoga.com, Benefits of Yoga,

http://wwwyogahealthtips.com, Yoga Health Benefits of our Time

http://yoga.about.com, Benefits of Yoga: What Are the Health Benefits of Yoga?, by Ann Pizer, April 2008. http://yogajournal.com, Is Yoga Enough to Keep You Fit, by Alisa Bauman