Since my introduction to the benefits of YOGA compliments of Wayne Dyer I have taken the time to study the practice and become certified as a Instructor. Learning the history of Yoga the different branches and breathing techniques to heal the mind and body. What I like the most is having a MOVING meditation. A dance that stays the same and once you know the flow you become almost lost in mindful meditation where you become very present in every moment breathe to breathe . Yoga practice is diverse and their are many different FLOWS. Each incorporates a different sequence different breathe work and even different pacing of the actual poses. Here is the list of Yoga Practices that you may have seen. YIN - YOGA -like it sounds feminine slower softer gentler form of YOGA. YIN YOGA is known for being a Healing form of yoga intended to gain more flexibility by holding the poses or staying in a particular pose a little longer then other forms of yoga to build flexibility in the muscles and on the joints rather than it’s opposite YANG. YOGA- which is more masculine in nature. Sometimes referred to as POWER YOGA and poses are done more quickly with a powerful momentum building the entire sequence to a relaxing recovery final pose. YIN/YANG just like it sounds. HATHA YOGA. One of my favorites this is a series of repetitive poses using hatha breathe to heat up the body to allow the muscles to relax become more flexible and move quickly from one pose to another. BIKRAM is similar to HATHA but BIKRAM incorporates adding the element of HEAT and HUMIDITY to a particular room to create a space where your body can get the most benefits adding the heat increases the amount of toxins that are removed out of the body while you sweat. This HOT YOGA is my Saving GRACE. The intense heat is something to get used to for sure if you are new to Hot Yoga. I am 10 plus years strong and for me that complete feeling of taking a 88 minute HOT YOGA class is probably close to that of a RUNNERS HIGH. The feeling of lying on your Yoga Mat with a Cold Towel placed on your head with the hint of Lavender if your studio happens to offer that added touch is Priceless. If you have not tried a YOGA class just know this. All YOGA is not the Same. If you like to have FUN with YOGA and need the Music like I do to keep you in the flow of the class. SUMIT YOGA or a Power Yoga class is probably what you are looking for. If you just want to stretch your muscles and take it easy. YIN is likely where to begin. True Strength comes with being flexible and being able to endure in life through anything. This is nothing against the people who enjoy the gym and lifting weights to gain muscle mass. I have seen my fair share of Muscle Men and womenover the last 13 plus years take a HOT YOGA class and they cannot do it. They are so tight and stiff from building all that bulk that it almost WEIGHS them down and what is that old expression the BIGGER THEY ARE THE HARDER THEY FALL. YOGA teaches you inner strength to breathe and endure through the challenging heat and poses it creates flexibility in your body to remain AGILE and YOUTHFUL for years to come. Your body builds muscle through yoga in a proportioned manner. Small repetitions and using the weight of your own body to build a healthy muscle mass you can carry around without getting BIG and STIFF. See you on your MATT.