I love yoga.  However, I'm no yogi or expert.  I pretty much take 1 or 2 classes a week and then I use an app on my i-phone, Pocket Yoga, that I use at home.  I just love the simplicity, the strength you develop and the calmness it brings me before I begin my day. 

Yoga is so much more than being "zen" or wrapping your feet around your head.  It is now considered a valuable tool to keep one healthy, fit and centered.  It can also help:

• Burn calories and manage or lose weight
• Improve flexibility
• Promote good posture and can decrease back pain
• Strengthen every muscle in your body
• Reduce stress, blood pressure and help manage depression
• Enhance mental focus, concentration and clarity
• Increase confidence and creativity
• Promote better sleep
• Improve balance

Personally, it has certainly helped me with all of the above, but noticeably, my arms have never been so toned and my core as tight.  Plus. I really feel great after I am done.

The best way to start yoga is with instruction in a class.  That way, you know if you are doing the poses correctly.  It also helps to do yoga in front of a mirror to make sure your form is in line.

Check out some basic types of yoga:

Iyengar- emphasizes precision, detail and alignment in the form of breath and posture control.  This is best for those seeking therapeutic results or treatment of specific conditions.

Vinyasa/power yoga- students flow from one pose to the next in a dance-like rhythm, tied to the breath.  This can be dynamic and often challenging.

Ashtanga- Similar to vinyasa, but refers to a specific, fixed sequence of very physical and dynamic poses that are held for a shorter time.

Restorative- gentle supported poses with loots of attention to individual needs.  Good for those recovering from injury or illness.

Hatha- a gentler, more centering approach to the practice of postures.