Yoga - By Category
Beginning Yoga Practice
If you've been thinking about taking a yoga class at your local studio or gym, here is the basic information you'll want to have before beginning yoga.
An Index of Yoga Poses
The heart of any yoga practice is the performance of yoga positions (called asanas), each of which has specific physical and and mental benefits. For each pose here you will find instructions, photos, and the benefits of the pose. The poses below are listed alphabetically by the English name. The subtopics below allow you to find poses by the Sanskrit name, area of anatomical focus (such as legs or spine), and by photo. You can also find suggested sequences of poses.
Yoga Styles
You may know that you want to practice yoga, but be baffled about all the different types you've heard of or seen listed on the schedule at the gym. Although all these types of yoga are based on the same poses, there are some major differences between them. Find the style of yoga that will best suit your body and personality here.
Yoga Audio, Books, and Videos
Yoga videos and audio recordings are a great way to continue your practice at home, and yoga books act as sources of reference, inspiration, and instruction. Yoga videos and audio are even available online.
Yoga Equipment and Clothing
Even though yogis practice non-attachment to physical objects, there are a few things it's useful to have when starting your yoga practice. Essential yoga equipment includes yoga mats, yoga clothes, and yoga props.
Yoga and Your Health
Yoga is therapeutic for many injuries and medical conditions. Yoga therapy can provide relief from stress, as well as many other mental and physical ailments. But always consult your doctor before beginning a new yoga therapy.
Home Practice
Are you attracted to the idea of starting a home yoga practice, but you don't know where to begin? Here are some ideas and guidelines for practicing yoga at home.
Lifestyle
You may start doing yoga just to get a good workout, but it's not unusual to discover a short time later that your life has been suffused with yoga's spirit. Here are some ways you can live mindfully off the mat as well as on.
Yoga Breathing Exercises - Pranayama
Yoga Breathing Exercises, which are called Pranayama in Sanskrit, may be done in association with yoga poses or just while sitting quietly. Here are some of the most common types of yoga breathing exercises and their benefits.
Yoga Meditation, Philosophy, and Ayurveda
The practice of poses is only part of the yoga picture. Yoga meditation is also an important part of your practice, as is the ancient philosophy behind yoga, and Ayurveda, yoga's sister discipline.
Advanced Yoga
If you're already love yoga, this is the place for you. You'll find information for on advanced yoga poses, yoga retreats, yoga certifications and yoga teacher training.
Yoga Glossary
Don't know your pranayama from your asana? One of the hurdles to starting a yoga practice can be easily overcome just by learning the basic yoga vocabulary that comes up again and again in yoga classes. Use this yoga dictionary to prepare yourself.
Yoga Frequently Asked Questions
This yoga FAQ is an index to the most frequently asked questions about yoga. A great place to start getting answers to all your basic questions.
Practicing Yoga During Pregnancy
Doing prenatal yoga can be a wonderful way to put time aside for yourself and your baby. Although most gentle types of yoga are appropriate during pregnancy, there are a few things to avoid in order to make your pregnancy yoga experience safe and enjoyable.