Approximately 16.5 million Americans participated in yoga classes this year! Undoubtedly, even more people choose to do yoga in the privacy of their own homes. While yoga may carry the stigma of being "some weird New Age hippie thing," the physical and psychological benefits of the practice can't be ignored. For instance, a new study published in Pain Medicine magazine cited that yoga helps the elderly alleviate chronic pain by connecting mind and body in a powerful, almost inexplicable way. If improved circulation, relaxation, digestion, stress relief, muscle strength, respiratory strength, energy levels and mental clarity sound appealing to you, then look for a yoga class today!

Yoga classes encompass a wide variety of styles for a broad audience. You needn't be a body contortionist or professional athlete to meet the demands of a yoga class. In fact, many beginners receive individualized guidance from trained and certified teachers. It's all a matter of finding a yoga center and mentor you feel comfortable with. Consider that hatha yoga (sometimes referred to as raja yoga) and Iyengar yoga both leave room for corrections and assistance. More advanced practitioners look to Ashtanga yoga for a more strenuous workout, although these classes typically offer variations for beginners too.

YogaFinder, the largest internet directory of its kind, can match you up with classes, events, retreats, products, jobs and teacher training opportunities. You can get the yoga center address, phone number, website, browse available styles and read a general description of what's offered. This directory pulls results that others may not have and worldwide retreats are listed. The site is colorful, easy to navigate and very comprehensive!

Yoga. website lists studios and classes near you by address, phone number, styles, levels, cost and certification information. You can also check out yoga vacations, read articles, browse the store and participate in forums here. It's a simple site but can give you all the basic statistics quickly and easily.

FindYoga website is another expansive, well-designed site with multiple search engines to find yoga workshops, teachers, retreats, classes and training centers (within the US). If you're really busy, you can even search for classes by the days and times you have available! Results are listed by school, suburb, day, time, style, level type and teacher. There are many resources for people looking to learn more about yoga, get their corporation involved in a yoga program, or to find a mentoring program.

If yoga classes seem daunting, check out some yoga videos on YouTube.com or purchase a yoga DVD to try at home before arriving in class. Since this form is generally slow and methodical, most people have no trouble getting started.

Practicing Yoga and Pilates is nothing new. Its been around for centuries but has enjoyed a revival of interest in the past few decades. It is not just naturalists, Buddhists or Hindus practicing, it is now a mainstream form of exercise and relaxation. If you do not have a regular workout program or even if you want a change of pace, Yoga may be what you need. You can look good and feel good quickly. Are you ready to begin learning this ancient art? Click here to read more: Yoga For Weight Loss and at Yoga Books also at Yoga For Weight Loss