Yoga is probably one of the oldest kinds of exercise. It has been around for over 5000 years. Yoga can be used for a variety of things from toning muscle, losing weight, reducing stress to increasing strength. A simple pad or a thick carpet is all that is necessary if you want to do it in the privacy of your home. Yoga can also be used for meditation and flexibility.

Initially it is a good idea to go to a class and learn how to do this properly with an instructor that can guide you down the correct path. Do not be afraid to begin in a group as everyone is starting from the scratch and it will only help. You learn a variety of new skills such as breathing and patience. The different exercises all meant to be done in a slow and elegant movements with stretching and organizating different poses as part of the plan. I guarantee you will notice a difference in how you feel and for the better after just one class. If this is something you cannot afford there are a multitude of beginners DVD’s for under $30 that will help act as an instructor in the privacy of your home.

Regular practice of yoga will have many healthy benefits and age is not a criteria as to if you can do this. These are exercises that you do which will be based on what and how much you can do. Even if you can only do part of the motion you will notice benefits after the first time. It may take some time but you will eventually extend your range of motion so you can do the complete exercise. Some of the more basal benefits of yoga are being in better shape, lowering your blood pressure and general calming effect on the body.

One of the major benefits is the lowering of blood pressure and if done properly you can increase you strength, muscle tone and strengthen your heart. You can easily personalize your routine to fit time and your goals. Yoga is a great compliment to a well balanced diet. Not only will you reduce stress and tone and strengthen your body you will aid in digestion as your body will be in better physical condition to digest food better and faster.

Yoga can be used in addition with other exercise such weight lifting fitness walking or bike riding. The yoga exercises are a great way in capping off productivity a day. Having a yoga routine that will relax you and reduce the stress before bed is a great start to a peaceful and full night of rest. You will feel better in the morning and ready to solve lives little bumps we all encounter. Having a yoga routine as part of your overall weight loss program and a well balanced diet will get you to your goal of burning fat much safer and quicker than doing nothing.

Mysore has gained a lot of fame recently for its yoga traditions and the world famous teachers. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the maestro of yoga, who initially introduced the Ashtanga in Mysore in the 1930′s, is considered to be the Guruji of yoga. Due to this reason, often times, Mysore is referred to as the Ashtanga city. Guruji, who passed away this year in May, has left a legacy behind, which teaches its students to achieve high levels of meditation based on the breathing techniques that allow maximum utilization of the lungs. These breathing techniques called Vinyasa are linked to a series of postures to accomplish serenity, flexibility and stamina.

Yoga lovers know and consider Mysore as the primary place to gain training that will let them follow in the footsteps of Guruji Jois. A vast majority of yogis travel to India to seek the conventional yogic preaching that Guruji taught at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in the town of Lakshmipuram, Mysore. This Institute is commonly referred as the yoga shala and was opened by Guruji in 1948. The institute offers a variety of classes for all, starting from the beginner’s level and moving to the advanced level. Classes at the shala commence early in the morning, as yoga is not just about exercise, it is about improving the way and quality of life.

A normal class consists of 25 – 30 students with an instructor available to help them through various routines. One of the key points of Ashtanga is that it is not instruction intensive. It encourages its students to meditate and accomplish different poses at their own pace. At times, a newcomer feels that an Ashtanga class is full of chaos as all the students are doing their own thing. However, on close scrutiny, it becomes obvious, that the class is actually more like a choreographed dance, where people follow a set pattern and breathing technique.

Guruji Jois has established an organization which is superior in all aspects of teaching. Each student learns the cycle of poses at his or her own personal pace. For new student, or for people facing problem with their routines, special assistance is available at the institute. Yoga lovers pay a monthly fee of $350 and a registration fee of $250. To obtain maximum benefit from the training, a three month stay is advised by the institute. After enrolling at the shala, students are required to discontinue all other forms of yoga training from teachers outside of the Institute during their stay in Mysore.

Mysore is a fantastic and intriguing city full of splendor. Its landscape is peppered with temples and palaces. Guruji Jois himself had the pleasure of working with the Maharaja of Mysore in the 1930′s. Mysore has become the yoga tourist capital of the world. Americans and Europeans find this destination to be a place where they can gain a potent mixture of culture and spirituality.