Feel The Stretch

Although yoga has been popular in modern society for decades, it has actually been practiced in ancient cultures for centuries - its philosophy is based upon the unification of the mind, body and spirit. This simple principal is evident in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is part of Ayurvedic Indian medicine. For those who choose to progress further into the field of yoga, more complex ideas emerge and must be understood as part pf a meditation of the body, mind and soul.

Physical exertion is determined by how much energy you put in, in order to get it back. Yoga isn't considered a cardio workout and its purpose is not to increase muscle-mass - instead, it works the entire body (including the all-important muscle inside the head) by encouraging participants to focus, balance and breathe to attain a higher inner peace.

For those who are used to working up a sweat in the gym, exerting energy to release stress, slim down or tone up, yoga may seem unnecessary. However, its medicinal strengthening power works to cleanse the body from the inside out, encouraging your muscles to stay long and lean. A regular yoga routine, incorporating multiple stretching positions, can increase flexibility and lubricate joints and muscles to protect against pain and injury. The result? A body which works in complete harmony.

Yoga is recommended for those recovering from illness or surgery due to its unrivalled healing powers - it is one of the few activities that stimulates and massages the glands and internal organs of the body. Cleansing and detoxifying, yoga can also provide better blood circulation, which removes unwanted particles from your body to boost energy levels and increase awareness, providing general good health.

While celebrity-endorsed exercise plans, trend-based workouts and faddy diets come and go, yoga has remained as popular as ever. The reason being? By exercising your mind, body and soul in an hour or under can transform your entire life, giving you a new appreciation for spirituality and the pressures of maintaining a healthy body. The results speak for themselves and as such, yoga is still practiced all over the world, by many different cultures.

If enlightenment, a toned body and a positive outlook for 2009 sounds tempting, yoga could be just what you're looking for. Make room in your busy schedule for regular yoga practice and you'll soon be reaping the benefits.