And another question..
What's the point in yoga, how does it help?
Maybe it would come in handy in my situation

So what is a good workout or cardio(im totally clueless) dvd that can get me in shape and help me tone up.

Any dance like hiphop or something that can get me into shape also?like i herd britney use to dance 4 hours a day and she had an awesome bod…so something that can do the same for me??

and a yoga video…for begingers….what would you recommed??

p.s. im buying thiss all ofline off of HMV

thanx

Hatha yoga poses are called Asanas. The Asanas are used in combination with meditation and the breathing techniques known as Pranayama. Together they work the body to improve strength and flexibility as well as overall health, which is one of the reasons it is so popular. Hatha is a hybrid of the Sanskrit words “ha” which means “sun” and the word “tha” which means the “moon.” Together, they refer to the way that Hatha’s yoga poses often bring together opposites currents in the system.

Of the eight limbs of yoga, Hatha focuses mostly on the third, which is Asana, and the fourth, which is Pranayama. These pose and posture techniques coupled with the breathing patterns are used to clear out your body’s energy channels, known as the Nadis. This, in turn, removes obstacles that could hamper other limbs helping to improve your well being.

Hatha History

Hatha has been around since 15th century India when a yogic sage, Swami Swatamarama, detailed Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the most important yoga texts. The original intent of this form of yoga was to help support relaxation of the body and to support the “contemplation of one reality.” Many of the classic Hatha yoga poses that were used at its inception, in fact, are still in use with it today. According to those first practitioners of Hatha, the postures can lead to the best in not only physical well being, but also the best state of mind you can  possibly attain.

Your Hatha Path

Before beginning your journey into Hatha yoga, you need to be prepared just like with any other form of yoga. There are some basic tips that can help you have an easier, more effective, and safer experience as you begin this original yoga style.

First, remember to breathe normally while you are in and move between each of the poses. Your breaths should be deep and smooth. Try to feel your diaphragm opening and expanding as you switch from one posture to another. Hatha rarely, if ever, uses the shorter and harder yoga breathing, so stay smooth and deep.

Second, do not force any of the stretch positions in Hatha. Start with the easier ones and make sure you are moving easily and naturally into each pose and that you are holding it for 15 to 30 seconds. This will ensure that you get the most out of your yoga and minimize your risk of injury. Be patient with your body and do not attempt the more difficult poses until you are sure you are ready.

Finally, concentrate on your breathing. One of the big focuses in this particular yoga is the breathing which leads to much of the mental health benefits. Use the exercise to relax and become at peace with yourself in the moment. That is what Hatha yoga poses are intended to do for you.

Hatha has been in practice for over 600 years. Longevity like that is rare even in yoga, and can be a sign of success and true belief. If you are considering this form of yoga as for yourself, then remember: never strain, take the time to make sure you are ready for a given pose, and to concentrate heavily on your breathing. Following these tips will help you to attain the superior mental and physical well being that Hatha is said to provide.

First off, always go to yoga class with an empty stomach. It is always advisable to never eat a heavy dinner before doing any type exercise and that is especially true when it comes to yoga. After all yoga is all about bending and stretching as well as twisting and lengthening. You wouldn’t want to eat a big meal right before attending class because with these types of movements would result in cramping up or feeling nauseous if you should exercise on a full stomach.

If you have a bad back or sprained ankle, then let your yoga class instructor know about your limitations before class. Once your class instructor knows your condition then she will let you know what adjusted versions of the yoga poses that you need to do or let you know to skip any poses that may worsen your condition.

When attending yoga class, be sure to leave the outside world at the door when you come in. The whole purpose of the yoga class is to help you to forget the ever day stresses of life so that your mind can be completely focused on yoga. You sure don’t want to have any distractions such as a cell phone or pager to disrupt your focus as well as your fellow classmates.

Bring your own towel and yoga mat if you need to and don’t wear any perfumes or strong scents.  Always try to be on time for class was well as not leave early. If the yoga class is for sixty minutes then you want to get everything that you can out of the whole time for the class and not miss anything. Also remember that coming in late for class will disrupt everyone else including your yoga class teacher.  Follow these few general tips and you will greatly benefit from your yoga practice.