Yoga is one of the alternatives to traditional, repetitive-motion based exercise systems becoming increasingly popular.  It bears similarities to both Pilates and Tai Chi, both of which are also experiencing increased interest.

The similarities between the three forms of exercise are in stark contrast to the way Americans have been accustomed to exercising.  Instead of focusing on specific muscle groups, all three practices affect every muscle in the body.  Pilates and Yoga both focus on stretching and holding muscles to increase their strength and size.  Yoga and Tai Chi both come to America from Eastern philosophies, though most Americans practice stripped down versions.

Yoga has its roots in ancient India and is a philosophy designed to lead an individual towards enlightenment.  Influences of Yoga can be found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and many other spiritual traditions around the world.

The term Yoga actually refers to a family of different spiritual traditions in India, which are still alive and thriving today.  What most of us know as Yoga is actually Hatha Yoga, which traditionally includes moral discipline, physical exercise, breath control and meditation.  Generally speaking, American Yoga practices focus mainly on the exercise portion, with some training in breathing and meditation.

Physically, the poses of Yoga are surprisingly demanding.  Many people have snickered at the contortionist like poses and wondered how in the world that can be considered exercise.  This bias, of course, is simply a reflection of comparing something unfamiliar to something familiar: repetitive-motion based exercise systems.  Basically, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the way we’ve normally exercised is the only type of effective exercise.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

When an accomplished weight trainer decides to take up Yoga and approaches it with the attitude that it’s benign and simple, the results can be almost comical.  Despite their ability to do incredibly intense power lifting sessions, Yoga positions can easily make their muscles scream for mercy.

Yoga uses the body itself to provide the resistance necessary for muscular development.  A steady practice of Yoga isn’t going to turn you into the Incredible Hulk, but it will definitely strengthen and tone your muscles.  The physique of an active Yoga practitioner is more in line with a Bruce Lee style physique.

One massive advantage that Yoga holds over traditional exercise is the nearly automatic meditative effects it produces.  If you have no experience with meditation, you may hold the stereotypical misperception that it is a trance state of some sort.  In reality, meditation is a state of hyperawareness of the present moment.  Someone who is trained in meditation can easily meditate while doing repetitive-motion based exercises; someone doing Yoga almost has no choice but to meditate.  Holding the positions of Yoga requires constant focus and attention on your body, your breathing, and the environment around you.  This is a powerful form of meditation and is frequently a surprising side-effect for practitioners who started Yoga just for the flexibility and strength benefits.

The results of Yoga extend far beyond the physical improvements and simply make your life a more content and joyous experience.  Yoga reduces stresses, fights illness, aligns your internal energy and allows you to experience your connection with the rest of the world.  In other words, give it a shot and surprise yourself with how drastically your life with improve.