Yoga is a Sanskrit word which translates into the discipline of progress of uniting mind, body and spirit. An ideal routine consist of asanas, pranayama, and meditation. Yoga is more than just flexible postures. It is proper breathing; it embraces the realms of mind and spirited.

Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices originating in India. It is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy. In India and across the World, Yoga is seen as a means to both physical health and spiritual mastery. The aims of the yoga practitioners are extremely varied. Some are particularly inspired by the Spiritual Element that yoga provides; others by the increased Fitness and Flexibility that it results in. Some people find solutions to suffering from varied Health Disorders and there are others who achieve an All-Round Development of a calm, stress-free mind and a fit body.

Yoga methods encompass the entire field of our existence, from the physical, emotional and mental to the spiritual. Its methods include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breath control, as well as meditation.

Styles of Yoga:

There are many styles of Yoga, few them is discussed below:

Hatha Yoga:

The branch of Yoga that forms the main focus is called Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga begins by working with the body on a structural level, helping to align the vertebrae, increase flexibility, and strengthen muscles and connective tissue. At the same time, internal organs are toned and rejuvenated; the epidermal, digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems are purified of toxins and waste matter; the nervous and endocrine systems are balanced and toned; and brain cells are nourished and stimulated. The end result is increased mental clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of overall well-being.

Hatha yoga seeks to promote health and well-being through physical exercise. The regular practice of asanas, and breathing exercises (pranayama), makes the body strong, supple and healthy. It has a profound effect on the circulation and on the functioning of the inner organs, glands and nerves, keeping all systems in radiant health and leading to greater energy, better concentration, and a happier, more fulfilling life.

Ashtanga:

This is another popular type, and is considerably faster paced than the other schools. It could almost be considered a type of aerobic yoga, with quick, smooth transitions between poses.

Other styles of yoga are:

• Iyengar Yoga: strong, precise style of yoga for the fitness conscious
• Viniyoga: a gentler style with emphasis on healing
• Satyananda yoga: a gentle style of traditional Hatha Yoga, suitable for all age and shape.
• Bikram Yoga: a dynamic style of yoga, practised in a heated room.
• Kundalini yoga: focuses on the release of internal energy, using postures, breathing and meditation.

Benefits of Yoga:

Yoga is something you do according to your own needs and capabilities - not as competition with others in the class or on the videos. The most important thing to do is to practice some form of Yoga at least once each day. Doing yoga is beneficial in many ways:

• reduction of stress
• greater flexibility
• reduces stiffness
• proper breathing techniques
• better posture
• increased feeling of well being

Yoga is a very diverse practice, no matter which school you choose. People young and old can gain many benefits from regular yoga practices, and asanas can be adjusted to fit physical limitations and other complications.

In life, it is necessary to learn how to relax after a period of activity. People spend approximately one third of their time in sleep, trying to recoup the energy and vitality they expended during the day. Unfortunately, many never achieve this objective because they haven't learned the essentials of relaxation. Relaxation practices in Yoga are different than sleeping, but their benefits are similar, and the principles of deep relaxation can be applied with equal effectiveness to our sleeping hours as well as our waking ones. When properly done, deep relaxation can become a powerful meditation practice that helps to anchor and stabilize the mind's awareness in a pool of deep tranquility and peace.