Although it seems like a hot new trend, yoga actually began around 5,000 years ago in India. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, and it means to "yoke," and is generally understood to mean the act of bringing together the mind, body, and spirit. Although yoga includes exercise it is also a lifestyle for which exercise is just one component. Disciplining your mind and body as well as connecting with your spirituality are the main goals of the yoga lifestyle. Even though yogis (serious yoga practitioners) have known the benefits of yoga for thousands of years, the western medical community is just now realizing the many health benefits of yoga. A recent article published by the Harvard Medical school concluded that, "The evidence is growing that yoga practice is a relatively low-risk, high-yield approach to improving overall health." (click here for full article) The Mayo Clinic also suggests that a regular yoga practice can do all of the following:

* reduce stress,
* help with weight loss,
* improve mood,
* help manage chronic pain,
* decrease frequency and intensity of migraines,
* improve outcomes for cancer patients,
* and many other benefits…

So, you want to try yoga out but are concerned that you won’t be able to do yoga or won't "fit in"?
Watch this inspiring video...