I have a long-standing remedy for life’s little aches and pains. Yoga is flourishing even after hundreds of years for a very simple reason — it’s a way to get and stay in shape that can be gentle for beginners and progressively more challenging as fitness improves. Yoga provides a way to really enjoy a workout while changing the whole body.

The slow stretching movements of Yoga can rebalance posture problems that cause back or other muscle pain. The bending and twisting postures maintain suppleness in the back while many of the upright, standing postures improve endurance in the legs and gluteal muscles. Yoga can also loosen tight knee and ankle joints. Outdoors enthusiasts like skiers, snowboarders, golfers, runners, tennis players, horseback riders, bicyclists, or hikers can all benefit from the improved flexibility and strength that regular Yoga practice develops. A regular Yoga workout also keeps sports injuries at bay.

These days, many people are attracted to Yoga for it’s spiritual and philosophical qualities. Focusing on deep breathing and tuning in to the specific muscle groups working in each posture offers the added gift of peace and tranquility. But it’s okay to approach Yoga on just a physical workout level with the goal of getting healthier and in better shape. Even though this seems like sneaking in the back entrance to the discipline when overlooking the spiritual nature of the practice, just focus on the moves and doing each one properly and you’ll notice rapid improvement in strength and flexibility.

Here are some tips for incorporating Yoga into your workout plans:

• Choose a beginning Yoga video workout to get the basics down
• Take a class from someone who has the kind of teaching style and expertise you enjoy
• Pick a time for your workout that you’ll be able to maintain despite a busy schedule
• Take it very slow at first, being careful not to strain or struggle with the Yoga postures. If you begin to quiver or shake, you’ve gone too far. Your progress will be faster and your experience much more enjoyable when you let the feedback from your body tell you how hard to push yourself.
• Try to stay focused on the specific muscle groups you are working in each posture. If you get distracted and find yourself daydreaming, clear your head and refocus your energy on the present movement.
• The key to staying fit is to enjoy the process. Take pleasure in each small gain in your overall fitness and remember that staying fit and healthy is an ongoing process.

– Pam Brooks