Yoga Basics

Free Tips and FAQs
If you're wondering why you should try yoga in the first place, this page will tell you. It'll also give you a free monthly pose, with tips, and aren't we all suckers for anything labeled "free"?

What Are Yoga Postures?
They're called Asanas, and you'll find the most common ones here in a pull-down menu. Not only do you get a definition of each pose, but there's also an animated silhouette which shows you how to do it! There's also an fuller index which is illustrated by photographs. Highly recommended.

Yoga: The Big Picture
Hatha Yoga is only a small part of what yoga is. Here is a page that touches on yoga's origins, and lists some of the more popular yoga styles.

Yoga and Pranayama - an Introduction
This page explains the differences between yoga and other forms of exercise, and points out the benefits of pranayama.

Your Yoga Plan
Are you a student? Housewife? Working or pregnant (or both?). Here's a pull-down menu that will instantly give you a set of yoga postures that are geared towards your lifestyle and fitness level (obviously not a replacement for a real class...but fun nevertheless!).

10 Reasons to Practice Yoga
Not convinced that Yoga is for you? After checking out this page, you'll have no leg to stand on (unless you're doing Tree Pose ).

Baby Get Back! Park Two
The back especially benefits from practicing Yoga. This two-part series focuses on postures for the back and spine - Part Two is for those with healthy backs.

Better Balance Through Yoga
Yoga in general is a great way to improve your balance. But there are also poses which are specifically geared towards developing better balance. Here's how to get the most out of them.

Hatha Yoga Class "Rediscovered"
From About.com's Healing site - the author of this inspiring and enjoyable little article discovers that her winding road of fitness (and lack thereof) leads her back to Yoga.

Shavasana 101 - What's So Hard About Playing Dead?
The Corpse Pose is more than just lying around. A proper Shavasana can get you in touch with your innermost self. This article shows you how.

The American Yoga Association
This nonprofit organization is a resource for both yoga students and teachers. Best of all, it offers a free online yoga lesson every month!

When Your Practice Is a Pain
Although it doesn't happen frequently, it is possible to injure yourself during Yoga practice. Here are some suggestions on how to avoid hurting yourself.

Yoga
Here is an excellent introduction to Yoga.

Yoga - Quick Tips
Subhamoy Das, About.com's Hinduism Guide, offers suggestions on how to get the best out of your Yoga routine.

Yoga Styles
And you thought that basic hatha yoga class they offer at the local YMCA was all you needed to know. It's is a lot more complex than that - in fact, it's a lot more complex than what you'll find here! But this quick-reference guide crisply defines the most popular styles in the hatha yoga tradition.