Yoga

     Dating back thousands of years, yoga is still one of the most popular fitness methods employed today by millions of people around the world. Yoga is great for stretching and strengthening your muscles, reducing stress, improving posture. The deep breathing exercises involved are good for relaxation and improved circulation. Yoga is also said to help with any number of ailments, from spinal injuries to recuperating from surgery. The best thing about yoga is that there is something for everyone with very little equipment. Its various forms can be practiced by anyone, including seniors, the disabled, and expectant mothers. For those looking to simply improve muscle tone or flexibility, yoga is a good option, as it offers an element of relaxation you wont find at a gym or in a high-energy workout.

     For those in search of a higher-impact form, ashtanga, or power yoga, is probably the best option. Another benefit is that yoga can be practiced anywhere, indoors or outdoors, at a studio, gym, or in your own home and you can use the simplest items as your fitness equipment. It is advisable that beginners take a few fitness classes with a licensed teacher in order to correctly learn the basics of breathing and the poses. After that, you have the choice of continuing in a group situation, or by yourself. There are tons of books and videos available to instruct you in any form of yoga you choose.