"What are the basic yoga poses and what can yoga do for you...?"

There are a lot of misconceptions about Yoga, so before you look at the basic yoga routines it is important to look at what yoga is and what it is not.

Yoga originated in India and the word yoga in Sanskrit means union. The union is the connection of the mind, body and spirit. For some, they dismiss yoga because they believe it to be a religion.

Yes, there are spiritual techniques within yoga, but they can be used by you, no matter what faith you are. Even if you have no faith, you can still improve your inner harmony. In other words, reduce stress, improve breathing and bring balance to your life.

Another belief is that yoga is just an exercise routine. While you will improve your muscle tone and bring balance to your weight i.e. lose weight if needed, this will be done because of the whole and not as a fitness program.

While to the casual observer, the basic yoga poses may look like a stretching and flexibility class, much more is taking place. The purpose of the yoga routines is to bring balance to your body. When the body is strong and flexible and the mind is focused, you will be amazed what is possible. 

As you become more comfortable with practice, you will find that your experience will continue to develop and change so you will continue to get something new out of it.

Yoga is a positive option, as no matter what shape you’re in now, you can practice yoga.

Meditation and yoga can be a great way to relieve stress, lose weight & get fit

• Click the image for the best yoga routines
• Anyone can do the basic yoga poses, so click the image above