Yoga is a word from the ancient language of Sanskrit and it means "union". And that is the essence of yoga, a practice to integrate mind, body and spirit. Yoga is not a religion, although it does encourage one to develop spirituality and a reverence for all life. Yoga is not just a fitness program, although it will improve your health. Yoga marries deep stretching with conscientious breathing and development of mental focus to create a practice that is life altering.
Yoga has roots in India over 5000 years ago. The exercises or asanas were developed to expel enough physical energy so that the mind could relax and focus. As yoga was introduced to the west, in about 1950, it has acquired an increasingly physical focus. The full benefits of yoga can be felt if one incorporates as many of the limbs of the practice as possible. These limbs include postures (asana), breathing work (pranyama), conscious lifestyle choices (yamas & niyamas), giving of oneself (karma), spiritual beliefs (bhakti) and mental study (raja).
There are many different kinds of yoga classes, but the underlying intention of any "brand" of yoga should incorporate these principles. And because all of us have different life experiences and different body types, one may have to try a few different "brands" of yoga classes to find one that suits. If you are one of those people who has tried yoga but felt it wasn't for you, try again. Power yoga or ashtanga yoga is fast paced and athletic as it was primarily developed to keep adolescent boys active and too tired to get in much trouble. Iyengar style yoga is a more careful but no less physically challenging practice that utilizes straps, blankets and other props to make poses attainable for almost everyone. Hatha yoga is a broader label encompassing a slower, softer and more meditative style of yoga. But of course, individual teachers and the level of the class bring infinite variety so shop around!
For more information and further study guidance, here are some websites that you may find useful.
