Can't do Yoga? Think again

Even though yoga is popular, it can be daunting to people who aren't bendy and buff. But don't fold up your yoga mat just yet. It's got benefits for people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Here are four people who prove that yoga isn't just for a certain "type" and reasons you might give it a try.

Yoga's Physical Benefits

Yoga is good for flexibility, balance, and functional strength, It can also be a stress reducer. Yoga can also have other health benefits. Researchers at Simmons College in Boston found that hatha and relaxation yoga can help with controlling weight, lowering blood pressure, and improving mood. Yoga has also been shown to ease hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in healthy women, as well as in breast cancer survivors.

There are yoga programs designed for different needs, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. Some hospitals even offer yoga to help patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, and other illnesses.

Yoga poses encourage all the range of motion that the body's designed to do. So when you're doing them mindfully and slowly, your body can learn through all the movements.

Tips for Trying Yoga

If you're out of shape or have disabilities, check with your doctor before starting yoga or a new exercise program. And keep these pointers in mind:

• Choose a style of yoga that suits you. Not all yoga classes are alike. Some are more vigorous than others; others may emphasize meditation.
• Find a teacher you like. Classes that are billed as "intro" or "beginner" can attract a wide range of skill levels. You can sign up for a private one-on-one session customized to your needs.
• Go at your own pace. You can modify yoga poses using blocks, straps and other tools so that you don't overstretch. Ask your instructor for help and for modifications that suit your needs.
• Listen to your body. If you're forcing yourself into a position that's painful, that's a signal to stop.

Don't compare yourself to others. It's not about being as flexible as everyone else -- or as the people you see in yoga magazines. Those images are people who have been doing yoga for a long time and are master yogis. Yoga is about doing what is right for you.

For more information, visit The British Wheel of Yoga website here.