A good yoga practice has a lot to do with finding a good teacher. Here are some tips to help you move in the right direction. There is no credential or license required in order to teach yoga in the United States. While most yoga teachers are sincere and dedicated, it’s still a smart idea [...]

Madonna’s lean and mean look is almost as shocking as earlier revelations that she can actually act. What’s perhaps even more surprising is that she says her toned body is all due to yoga. Could the same graceful moves that melt away stress be more efficient than weights in building a stronger, shapelier body? That [...]

In hatha yoga, the energy of the body and mind is directly influenced by a force known as “prana”. Prana is the vital life energy that exists in different degrees everywhere in the universe. One purpose of hatha yoga is to increase this life force inside the body and mind, to enhance a person’s well-being [...]

Question: Should I be concerned about injuring myself during yoga practice? Answer: A qualified and caring teacher will share ways of practicing that are safe. Nonetheless, always pay attention to your body. Some days you may feel stronger or more flexible than other days. Learn to distinguish the pain of growth from the pain of [...]

Finding a good teacher can be like finding a good hairdresser or doctor. You need to ask around about teachers and try some different people. Ask if your teacher continues his or her own practice, how long they have been practicing and where they did their training. Most of the larger yoga schools offer some [...]

You should find an experienced teacher and check with your doctor before jumping into yoga if you are pregnant. To find out a qualified instructor, ask your friends, family and coworkers for referrals. Then check out your instructor’s credentials.  A good yoga instructor should be willing to discuss their training. The body changes drastically when [...]

A typical yoga routine includes warm-ups performed prior to the formal yoga postures. These stretches are beneficial whether you are a yoga student or not. They help to release tension while improving muscle and joint flexibility. Here are two yoga warm-ups recommended by Ronni Diamond, a certified Kripalu and Cardiac yoga instructor: Joint Warm-up Stand [...]

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise. It tones and strengthens the body by relaxing and releasing the tightness in muscles, creating flexibility. It also quiets and focuses the mind. Yoga will make you feel and look great! Yoga is best on an empty stomach, you should dress comfortably, bring a yoga sticky mat or [...]

You want to take a Hatha class. You have heard that Hatha limbers, relaxes and strengthens the body, while toning the internal organs and stimulating the endocrine glands–and you are ready to try it. Alternatively, maybe you took a few classes some years ago and miss the motivation and support a regular class provides. Therefore, [...]