Yoga is a type of exercise that is originated from India. It has been practiced for over 5000 years and it is believed to have a lot of health benefits. Some of the known benefits are improved flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, maintaining a balanced metabolism, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury.
Yoga also helps relieving stress and anxiety. Yoga can be practiced by anyone young or old, fit or unfit. Many people think that yoga is just stretching but 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. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The poses are a constant, but your approach to them may vary depending on your fitness level and goals.