Yoga has so many different forms and passionate devotees that it can be intimidating if you're just getting started.
But whether you're aiming to nail a handstand or simply looking for a place to find some balance, yoga is a great form of mental and physical exercise.
To access the benefits yoga has to offer, it's important to figure out which type — vinyasa, hatha, heated— is the right match for you. You'll also need to find the right level of class to fit your skills so that you avoid injury and still get a challenge.
Here's what I wish I'd known when I got started.
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I love yoga because it quiets my mind, makes me feel strong, and challenges me to do things I'd never thought physically possible.
Research shows these benefits aren't all in my head.
Dozens of studies have linked a regular yoga practice to stronger, more flexible muscles, a healthier heart and, a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
One of the reasons yoga is so good for you is because it can be a form of aerobic exercise, or "cardio."
A wealth of recent research suggests that any type of exercise that raises your heart rate and gets you moving and sweating for a sustained period — known as aerobic exercise — has a significant, beneficial effect on the brain and body.
"Aerobic exercise is key for your head, just as it is for your heart," says an article in a Harvard Medical School blog.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider