There is a continuing rise in disease and sickness in today`s fast paced, stressful world. Many are turning to alternative treatments to aid in healing and reduction of such conditions. One of the most effective of these is yoga body fitness. Stretching and breathing are two of the main components of this practice, and the resulting flexibility and calming effects are quite helpful in dropping the harmful effects of stress and environmental toxins. Yoga is great in achieving overall balance in mind, body and spirit.

Yoga began in the ancient East 5000 years ago, and it was coined from the Sanskrit `yug`, which means to join. Harmony of body and mind systems is created by utilizing various poses. These include pranyamas, mudras, shatkarmas, meditation, asanas, and bandhas. One goal of yoga has always been to enable the user to gain access to the universal consciousness. The body must be balanced also in order for this to occur. Stress and worry can then be easily shaken off. Deep breathing takes on a whole new meaning when practicing yoga.

More and more different types of people are turning to this practice as a means to achieve health that no other method has offered. Many illnesses and pain issues have been helped and even eliminated when using yoga body fitness. Of course, practitioners may not make this claim, but many studies have proven yoga`s effectiveness in this regard. This is also a welcome change to adding further medications to health issues. A lot of medications create conditions other than the one that needs treatment, and people on multiple medications can acquire completely new diseases from the reactions of all the drugs together.

A list of other yoga benefits follows:

1. Increased energy and stamina.

2. Overall body fitness and health are maximized.

3. The bodily systems are helped (digestive, circulatory, immune, nervous).

4. Abdominal muscles are toned, and the stomach is flattened.

5. Sexual fitness and virility are enhanced.

6 Toning of many muscles occurs (shoulders, abs, arms, legs, chest, buttocks).

7. Achieving relief and sometimes cure of some illnesses (hypertension, heart disease, sexual issues, diabetes).

Obesity is an ever-growing problem worldwide. Yoga results in weight loss and maintaining that loss. The body is also shaped and toned in ways that most other exercise regimens cannot accomplish. Yoga body fitness instructors make note of the increasing popularity of the practice; many say that it will only amplify. Another reason for this is because yoga causes people to feel better mentally and emotionally, as well as the previous mentioned benefits.

Anxiety and nervousness can be reduced by using yoga. The necessary energy to accomplish mind and bodily tasks is improved when doing yoga. Aching muscles and joints feel relief from pain and soothing benefits as well.

Finding a yoga body fitness class is easier than ever before. Most gyms have several yoga class options and times, and there are even businesses devoted solely to the practice of yoga. Most YMCAs and community recreation centers offer yoga classes as well.

Also, due to the current economic situation, most YMCAs have reduced joining fees, offer financial assistance, and allow people to join for free in some cases. This is to encourage people to start or maintain a healthy lifestyle regimen, without worrying about the cost. All of these types of providers will only employ certified yoga instructors or yogis who have been personally practicing for years. Safety is a factor when beginning yoga; skill and flexibility must be increased gradually to prevent soreness or injury.

Yoga body fitness can be explored and begun quite simply, and it can be the answer to many present day ailments.