Yoga aims to achieve the unification of body and mind through different postures, movements and breathing techniques. The most commonly practiced form is called hatha yoga, and it is embraced by millions of people around the world, including numerous Hollywood celebrities. Madonna, Sting and Ricky Martin, to name a few, have helped catapulting yoga into a global trend that seems to have no end.

So, what is yoga really good for and what do you need to get started? Well, yoga has been said to cure everything from hair loss to cancer, but most people simply use it as a way to exercise and to increase their general feeling of well-being. Many people claim that yoga has changed their lives, curing depression and increasing energy levels.

The truly great thing about yoga is that it is for everybody. It doesn't matter if you are strong or weak, big or small, young or old. Anybody can do it and there are a variety of ways to practice it. It can be five minutes of relaxing meditation or thirty minutes of hard workout. It is all up to you and the method you choose.

For the beginner it is strongly recommended to join one of the many basic courses available in health clubs, gyms and community centers everywhere. If you don't want to join a group and in stead prefer to do it in the privacy of your own home there are numerous DVDs available on the market.
Don't be put off if you see your instructor carry out some seemingly back-braking stretching exercises. Yoga is many things but NOT about pain, so if you can't reach your toes, don't worry. Just go as far as you can. In a few sessions you will notice how you body learns to do more and more of the movements you couldn't do before.

There is a certain terminology that can take some time to get used to. For example, postures are referred to as asanas. And there are a whole bunch of them. In fact over 8 million according to some sources. Many of them have very interesting names, such as the One Legged Pigeon, the Sun Salutation and the Spinal Twist, to name just a few.
The purpose of these asanas is to increase flexibility which in turn opens up the flow of energy through the body. They also aim to put pressure on the internal organs in the body, thus improving their efficiency.

The art of breathing correctly is called pranayama, and this is another essential part of practicing yoga. In short, it aims to maximize your lung capacity by breathing in deep through your nose. When we breathe, we take in the prana, which can be explained as life energy, similar to what is called Qi in China and Japan.

As for necessary equipment, the list is very short. Loose-fitting clothes are recommended. Shoes and socks should be taken off during the session. A yoga mat will provide a soft surface to work out on.

That's all you need to get started. Good luck!


Niclas Ericsson is accomplished writer and photographer, speaks 4 languages, and is a member of Mensa.

e-Samsara carries a full line of yoga mats, dvds, and accessories.

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