If you are looking for a mild form of exercise that increases your strength and flexibility, look no further. The benefits of yoga include a low-impact fitness and provide a constant relaxing element in your life. Millions of people rely on yoga, and it is popular for a reason. 
It has been practiced for more than 5,000 years around the world. From the Mayo Clinic, yoga is a mind-body practice. It brings together the physical and the mental to help manage stress and anxiety. Other than these obvious benefits, it also helps to manage major health conditions by reducing high blood pressure, improving mood, relieving pain, and helping sleep habits.
There are different types of yoga. You will want to be clear on what you are looking for before signing up with a yoga studio or purchasing an at-home DVD. According to catalogs.com, the four most popular types of yoga are:
Hatha yoga is the most widely practiced type in the U.S. and is excellent for beginners. It is a gentle practice where you move slowly and smoothly through dozens of poses (called asanas).
Kundalini yoga emphasizes rapid movement through the poses and emphasizes breathing, chanting, and meditation. It has a more spiritual feel than Hatha and focuses on energy balance in your body.
Bikram yoga is practiced in a room (sometimes unventilated) heated to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The idea is that muscles will loosen and sweating will cleanse the body and remove symptoms of disease and chronic pain.
Ashtanga, or power yoga, is designed to build strength and endurance. It is an aggressive workout where you move quickly from one pose to another.
I’ll tell you… I’m not sure I could do bikram yoga. It’s just too hot, but I do love Vinyasa style yoga at only 95-98 degrees. Which type is for you? I would love to hear!
Hatha is my favorite. I know I’d pass out in Bikrim. Just way top hot for me. I get warm enough with gentle yoga. My daughter loves it, so each to his own.
Wonderful overview of yoga! I love yoga and find it so relaxing.