Practicing yoga helps a body by increasing strength, flexibility, and inner and outer balance. Yoga also aids anxiety, arthritis, digestion and sleep, and may even prevent disease. You don’t need fancy clothes or equipment to do yoga — just a quiet place. Check with your doctor first and then get started.
Many beginners find that taking a class is most helpful, but it’s not necessary. If you’re shy or crunched for time, or have no class nearby, an instructional DVD or online class is more than sufficient. You can get a good start with the few poses we've shared with you here.