Human beings are constantly looking to be better. We are always searching for interesting things to do, ways of being healthier, fitter and more focused towards our daily routine. That is why everywhere we look we find nutritional centers, organic food stores, health care clinics and other similar facilities.

Physical activities have also evolved at an astonishing fast pace. Gyms are no longer for people who want to sculpt their bodies, they have become centers that gather several disciplines designed to exercise in very different ways. However, the most common and popular is still yoga.

Its method has spread like a virus and people talks about how to do yoga with friends and family all the time. I think this happens partly because it is a low impact activity (which makes it accessible for almost everybody) and also because it is a blend of physical, mental and spiritual work out.

But what is all the fuzz about this ancient art? Why do people can’t get enough? Why is everyone talking about it? Is it as good as they say? You will have to find out for yourself. In the mean time, here is a brief description of what you will do if you decide to start taking lessons:

Positions

If you have never done yoga and you think that it’s really easy, I urge you to reconsider that thought. The positions that your body will have to perform require strength, agility, flexibility, balance and a lot of concentration.

Even if you are used to physical activity, you will feel a little bit awkward during your first sessions. The abilities required are not hard to master but you have to take things easy because you will have a bit of trouble with flexibility and balance.

Meditation

Another great thing about yoga is that after the posture session is over, you usually have a meditation session. This part is really great because it takes your body and mind to a very peaceful state which helps you get through your daily activities.

Sometimes the instructor reads a passage while the students are in a lotus position with their eyes closed, and sometimes the class will just be silent while everybody spends a moment breathing in and out and listening to soft music or another sound made by the instructor.

Some interesting facts

• Yoga is a very complex, interesting and self improving activity. It is not just postures and meditation. The philosophy behind this discipline is very ancient and also involves mantras, chakras, energy and breathing exercises.
• There is a misconception that hatha yoga and sex are interchangeable concepts. This belief comes from bad researchers who claim that the origins are in “medieval sex cults”.
• Tantric practices are designed as tools to access the divine essence.

If you want some more information on how to do yoga, you will find a lot of resources online. You may also ask about yoga, to the people related to you to find out if this activity is adequate for you. But the most important thing is that you share your experience with us. How has this discipline changed your life?