The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit, what is commonly referred to as "yoga" in the West can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.

Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.

Why do yoga?
The short answer is that yoga makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same time.

Benefit of Yoga:

  • Increasing Flexibility - yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the 'radar screen' let alone exercised.
  • Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons - likewise, the well-researched yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.
    Surprisingly it has been found that the body which may have been quite rigid starts experiencing a remarkable flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously work upon. Why? It is here that the remarkable research behind yoga positions proves its mettle. Seemingly unrelated "non strenuous" yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.
  • Massaging of ALL Organs of the Body - Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those - such as the prostate - that hardly get externally stimulated during out entire lifetime. Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.

» Is it normal to experience soreness after yoga?
Some soreness is normal following your first few classes. However, a nagging ache or intense pain is not.
» How often should I practice yoga?
I would suggest starting by practicing yoga 3-4 times per week, 30-60 minutes per day. It is best to start slow and gradually build up the duration per day and per week. Your body may change a lot the first year of yoga, and you need to listen and adapt/adjust your practice to work with your body. Most importantly do not push yourself, and do what feels good for your body.
» I am wondering if yoga will tone my body in the same way as working out?
Yoga does tone and strengthen the body, but not in the same way as working out. To build strength in yoga focus on holding the postures longer and longer (without strain) and possibly move on to more advanced postures. There is also a style of yoga called "power yoga" or ashtanga yoga that moves very quickly between postures, which builds strength and endurance.
» Is it possible to use Yoga to help lower back pain?
Yes yoga can help. Try knee down twist, child, forward bending poses, half and full wind relieving poses. I would also suggest strengthening your abs and core body strength using upward boat, triangle, and some belly down (prone) poses (being careful not to strain the back muscles).
» Is it difficult to do yoga being overweight?
Yoga can be difficult for any body type. Being overweight is going to make it a bit more challenging on a physical level, but yoga is as challenging as you make it. Do not try to fit your body into the pose, but adapt the posture for your body. Accept where you are at and do not judge or criticize yourself because you cannot it perfectly. I would recommend practicing Kripalu or Viniyoga as these are on the gentle side and also are able to modify the posture for your body type.