First, what is yoga? Yoga is a form of exercise that teaches a series of postures and exercises as well as proper breathing techniques. It attempts to restore your body to a balanced state and to preserve overall wellness. Contrary to the beliefs of some people, yoga is not a painful process. If you are overweight, suffer from high blood pressure, arthritis, or spinal disk injuries, you should consult your physician before doing yoga. If you are given the "ok" to yoga, be sure to tell your instructors of your health problems.

Yoga has many benefits, including the following:

• enhanced awareness of your body


• self-acceptance of your body


• increased concentration skills


• improved memory and mood


• improved hand-eye coordination


• cardiovascular efficiency


• higher energy levels


• increased range of motion in joints

There are many types of yoga. Here are a three faster paced types of yoga that will help you get a great workout, as well as relax your body:

• Iyengar: this type of yoga is focused mostly on proper body alignment. Poses are held for long periods of time and the movement from one posture to another is slower than some other styles. Since it focuses so much on correct body alignment, it is also a good starting point for beginners before moving into faster paced styles.
• Ashtanga - This is a very fast paced and intense style of yoga. It goes through a series of postures connected with proper breathing techniques. Each posture flows directly into the next one, so it is very demanding on your body. Ashtanga can be a good choice for physically fit individuals who like a challenge.
• Power Yoga - This is an intense workout that is a form of Ashtanga. The positions do not necessarily follow a particular sequence every time. You move from one posture to another which requires a great deal of strength and stamina. Power yoga is best suited for athletic, well-conditioned individuals. Even if you are in excellent shape, you will find power yoga to be very challenging.

If you're just starting out with yoga, you'll need to be sure that you have the proper equipment. Good Yoga mats improve balance and coordination. Most of us are not balanced, and therefore do much of what we do asymmetrically--for instance, we may be stronger on our right side and weaker on our left. With greater stability, there is less compensation. Yoga mats are the key to comfortable positions. Yoga mats that properly support your body are essential for your enjoyment and success. Many mats are very similar in what they have to offer, so there isn't necessarily a "best" mat to buy. There are, however, a few things you should look for in a yoga mat.

• It should be slip resistant


• It should have a comfortable amount of cushioning (you can usually choose from a few levels of thicknesses)


• It should be washable (usually by hand with mild soap)


• It should be large enough for your entire body to stretch out on it


• It must be tear-resistant