If you are brand new to yoga, learning to navigate etiquette and knowing what to expect from your first class may be overwhelming. Fortunately, most yoga communities are quite welcoming and will be glad to incorporate you into the fold. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about yoga. Why

Satchidananda Maharaj (Sri Gurudev), the founder of Integral Yoga, was a spiritual master and yoga adept. He became famous during his time in New York, which led to the birth of an entirely new system of yoga. After a life full of soul searching and studying with various yoga masters, Sri Gurudev created

Ashtanga yoga is a form of yoga that aligns both breath and movement in synchronization of asanas (poses) into a rigorous flow sequence. The name Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga stands for the eight limbs mentioned in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The eight limbs are Yama (moral observance), Niyama (inner integrity),

Yoga itself is often thought of as meditation in motion -- your asanas will quiet your mind and encourage inner peace. Meditation can also be practiced without yoga. While learning to sit quietly with yourself in meditation can seem a surprisingly daunting task in the beginning, with some practice you

Yoga and meditation are inseparably linked. In fact, all forms of yoga can be thought of as meditation in motion; focusing on each breath and the movement into each pose (asana) focuses and quiets the mind from whatever is going on outside. In fact, for those who struggle with meditation on its own,

Often referred to by experts as marjaryasana, the cat is a standard yoga pose used both in introducing yoga beginners to the concept of deep breathing, as well as a means of warming up the core for more advanced yogis. The posture is often used in conjunction with the cow, a pose also aimed at encouraging

Anusara yoga is unique because it is the first yoga school that does not come from India. In 1997, American John Friend founded Anusara, which means “flowing with grace” in Sanskrit, making it the most modern yoga school. Friend practiced Iyengar before founding his own yoga school. In 2012, Friend

Mention yoga to anyone who is unfamiliar with the practice, and you're likely, at some point, to elicit a mention of the downward dog posture. This standard move is utilized in nearly every subset, from Hatha to Vinyasa yoga, as well as every level, from beginner to advanced. Its universal nature makes

Bridge A bridge is a structure that connects two points. Bridges stretch over bodies of water, congested highways and through cities to connect people to each other. Without a bridge, different units that are separated by some sort of mass or space will have trouble working in unison. Bridges create

Ananda yoga is designed to harmonize your mind, body, and soul. It is generally regarded as one of the gentler forms of Hatha yoga. Although based on centuries old knowledge, it was founded in the 1960s by Swami Kriyananda, who followed Paramhansa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi, a classic

Dirgha pranayama or “three-part breathing” is usually one of the first breathing exercises new yogis learn. It is a great stress reliever, helping the mind to become calm, quiet and focused. This deep breathing exercise also flushes your internal organs with oxygen, which is often lacking during

Head to knee posture is a particular adaptation of the forward bending posture. In head to knee, you round your spine so that the forehead touches your straightened knees, using the hands as an aid. The Mechanics of Head to Knee Head to knee posture can be done in either a seated or standing position,

Bolsters are an excellent yogic prop for both active and passive poses. Especially in restorative poses or when recovering from an injury, using bolters can help you focus on proper alignment and relaxation in the poses, rather than straining for position. What Is a Bolster? Bolsters are round, densely

Balance is a core aspect of physical and mental wellbeing. When your body is well balanced you are less likely to fall and endure an injury. A good work-life balance also promotes mental wellbeing. Learning how to become balanced requires trust in yourself, your body, and your capabilities. As you start

The Bikram yoga style was developed by Bikram Choudhury, who derived a specific set of 26 poses from traditional Hatha yoga. These 26 poses are always done in the same order to enhance the physical benefits of going from one pose to the other. What Bikram yoga is most famous for, however, is the fact

The hot new trend in the world of yoga, aerial takes traditional poses to a whole new level, allowing participants to take on a degree of acrobatics rarely pursued in ordinary workouts. Although this variety of yoga is a better fit for more experienced yogis, it can, with the right modifications, be