If Your Life Is Spinning Out of Control - Maybe You Should Give Yoga a Try!

Yoga was developed in ancient India around 4000 years ago. Today, traditional yogic lifestyle is built around five principles: relaxation, exercise, breathing, diet, and positive thinking and meditation. In today's frenetic world, yoga works to reduce stress and anxiety and improve energy levels through concentration on deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation.

1. Balance. As we age, our centers of gravity often shift, causing problems with balance. One in three people over 65 fall each year, and the risk of falling increases as you get older. Steadiness, eye-to-hand coordination, and dexterity improve with the regular practice of yoga.

2. Alignment. Yoga positions stretch our bodies in new ways, causing our bones to realign themselves as they were when we were young. You become more aware of your body's posture, alignment, and patterns of moving.

3. Posture. New alignment helps us stand taller and straighter. One of the sure signs of aging is a stooped, shuffling presentation. Learn again to stand tall and proud.

4. Flexibility. Muscles shorten and tighten over time. All the bending and stretching leads to more flexible joints and tendons. Range of motion and resiliency increase.

5. Energy. Deep breathing and physical exertion gives us more energy. Sleep improves.

6. Metabolism. Higher energy boosts metabolism, making it easier to burn calories. Weight loss is often the result.

7. Strength. Regularly practicing yoga positions increases muscle tone and strength.

8. Endurance. Deep breathing and relaxation increases endurance.

9. Improved lung capacity. A key component of yoga is deep breathing through the nose, helping to build lung capacity.

10. De-stressing and calming. At the beginning and end of every session, practitioners are encouraged to breathe deeply and let go of the stresses of daily living. It is designed to draw your focus away from your chaotic day.

11. Concentration and focus. Doing the poses correctly requires focus and concentration. Attention and memory improve.

12. Better mood. You feel better, calmer and more at peace.

13. Lower blood pressure - slower heart rate. Cardiovascular efficiency increases.

14. Decreased cholesterol & triglycerides.

15. Boosted immune function.

Everyone - young and old, male and female - can benefit from the practice of yoga. There are different types and levels. If you are a beginner, look for a class in easy yoga. There are different levels of difficulty for most poses. Start easy and work up to the more demanding. Of course, you should consult with your doctor before embarking on any new exercise activity.

You don't need much in the way of special equipment - just a mat and a yoga block. Give it a try - you'll be amazed at how much better you feel in just a few weeks. And you'll understand why yoga studios are popping up all over the country.

Whitney Smith is a direct marketing consultant and copywriter specializing in health, beauty and anti-aging skin care. She is the editor of an on-line newsletter for BioLogic Solutions, a leading provider of quality, doctor-recomended anti-aging skin care products. Check it out at http://www.biologicsolutions.com.