Yoga began in India more than 5,000 years ago. This meditative practice is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Yoga is an Indian philosophy of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It was originally a spiritual practice and still practiced for spiritual purposes in many parts of the world today.

Now in modern times Yoga is often practiced purely as a means of exercise and to achieve mental relaxation.

There are hundreds of different yoga poses. There are also different names for the same poses because the poses are named by the yogi who has designed that particular school of yoga. There is no single set of yoga asanas.

If you are wanting to do yoga for exercise, perhaps to flatten your stomach or strengthen your arms or legs you need to know which yoga poses will help in those areas. The best way to learn yoga poses is to take a yoga class. Yoga classes are usually available everywhere. There are many fine yoga schools, but quite often schools and community centers have yoga classes available at a low cost.

Probably the most well know pose in yoga is the Lotus. Sit on the floor and cross your legs Indian style as you did as a child. Only with this yoga pose you are going to lift your right foot onto your left thigh and rest your left foot on your right thigh. Sit with your back nice and straight. Place your hands on your knees in a relaxed position. You are now doing one of the most famous yoga poses . This yoga pose is for mental relaxation and spiritual awareness.

If you desire a flat stomach, the Locust is one of the yoga poses you will want to learn. This pose is done lying on the floor on your stomach. Lift your legs in the air, reach your arms back toward your legs, and hold your head up. When your body is in the proper pose, it will be shaped like the rockers on a rocking chair.

The tree is one of the most beautiful yoga asanas that can strengthen your legs and improve your balance. One foot is planted on the ground while your other foot is pressed into your thigh. Beginners can hold onto a wall for balance. Once you learn to keep your balance raise your arms toward the sky and appear much like a tree.

There are far too many yoga poses to explain each one but this will perhaps get you started to an enjoyable yoga experience.