Finding balance - Practicing Yoga

Yoga is a valuable fitness activity which gives you many benefits such as improved muscle tone and strength, better balance and, of course, pretzel-like flexibility. This "mind-body exercise" has been the fitness buzzword for at least five years now and, according to recent statistics from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, more than 11 million Americans currently are practicing yoga.

Researchers found that a 50- minute session of Hatha yoga burns 144 calories, equivalent to a slow walk, and provides no substantial aerobic benefit . As for Power yoga, it burns about 237 calories in 50 minutes and boosts heart rates to 62 percent of heartrate max (HRmax), providing just a mild aerobic workout.

Yoga is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one, and that if given the right tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga, therefore, is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start Practicing Yoga - to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.