Peaceful, serene, strong, relaxed, pure — this is how you will feel after participating in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. This ancient method is based around the idea of “flow” and connected movements. Like most forms of yoga, it’s not just a series of “stretches” or exercises — but rather, a combination of philosophy, moral code, meditation and healthy habits. Muscle definition or flexibility may attract athletes to a yoga center, but for others it’s that spiritual yoga meditation that entices — resulting in a calmer mind, improved circulation and more energy.

Through active, fluid movements, six different positions and specially timed inhaling and exhaling exercises, students of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga hope to reach a state of internal cleansing, mental clarity, strength in body and connectedness with the universal soul. By following the “eight limbs” of yoga, outlined by Indian sage Patanjali Maharishi, students practice the following: moral codes, self-purification and study, posture, breath control, sense control, concentration, meditation and contemplation.

In the beginning of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a yoga instructor will help students master “external cleansing practices.” They learn about morality and study, while practicing specific postures and breathing. Instructors help beginners find the correct positions and inspire students to live a just and moral existence. Next, after days of mastering the proper poses and gaining strength, students will learn to control their minds. Through posture, breathing and focusing, the practice purifies the body, nervous system and mind over time.

In practice, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga involves six specific postures (otherwise known as “asanas”) that are always completed in the same order. In the opening asana, there are ten standing “Sun Salutations” or “The Primary Series,” which is intended to align and detoxify the body. The “Intermediate Series” works on the nervous system by opening and clearing internal energy pathways. “The Advanced Series A, B, C and D” helps students achieve maximum flexibility, strength, definition and humility. Teachers emphasize the mastering of each level before moving on, with special focus and attention given to each step of progress.

The ujjayi (meaning “victorious breath”) method of exhaling and inhaling, combined with the fluid, dynamic asanas, heats the blood and generates a detoxifying sweat, or what is known as “internal cleansing.” Advanced methods of breathing techniques (bandhas) teach students how to “lock” or “seal” energy and redirect it to one of the 72,000 energy channels within the body. To obtain maximum benefit from the asanas, learning to lock in positive energy is crucial. Nine different focus points seek to purify and stabilize the mind, facilitating concentration.

Once perfect form is achieved, a true understanding of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is found and the six spiritual poisons (desire, anger, delusion, greed, sloth and envy) will dissipate. It is said that the mind will become unshackled and true happiness and understanding will pour in. With life moving so fast, the practicality of yoga meditation attracts roughly 16.5 million Americans each year.

The world is a fantastic place filled with diversity and new discoveries at every turn. One of these discoveries for the Western world came in the form of Yoga. This ancient practice was known primarily in Eastern religions such as Buddhism or Hinduism but has since become a very popular form of exercise. It is more than that though. It is a process of centering the mind and body into one fluid machine that is highly aware of itself and surroundings. Yoga can be performed by anyone of any age and is great for those beginning their trek into a healthier lifestyle. If you are ready to begin your trek, click here for more information: Kids Yoga and at Laughing Yoga also at Yoga Pants

There are many kinds of yoga exercises, all which seem to have derived from the original eight stages of reaching a state of bliss. The most popular kind of yoga is Hatha-Yoga, which focuses on the poses and breathing techniques thereby helping to encourage good health.

No fancy or expensive equipment is needed to practice yoga exercises. A positive attitude is all you need to bring. Clothing does not have to be special either. It best to wear loose fitting and nonrestrictive clothes.

You do not have to join a yoga class as any quiet spot in your house is perfectly fine to practice yoga. Ensure that there are no distractions, it is quiet, clean and has plenty of air flow.  A soft mat may be handy together with a blanket and a pillow which will help give you some form of support and added comfort for the laying or sitting down positions. Yoga is normally practiced barefoot, so you don’t need any expensive shoes though you may wish to wear some socks or soft shoes.

Try not to eat a heavy meal for at least two or three hours before doing any yoga exercises. You do not want to have a full feeling as you are moving through the exercises. You can eat some fruit or an energy bar and drink a glass of juice an hour or so before doing yoga. Drink plenty of water as you perform your yoga exercises as you will tend to get dehydrated.

Many people like to practice yoga first thing in the morning as it helps to revitalise the mind and body using the postures and breathing techniques. Others prefer to exercise at night to help unwind from a busy and stressful day. It is perfectly fine to do both. Yoga can be performed anytime and anywhere, you just have to find best time.

Basic yoga poses always start with easy poses, building up to the more difficult poses. Never strain yourself, and pause when you feel pain or fatigue. Relaxing in between difficult exercises is also considered to be beneficial.

Daily yoga exercises is optimal. You can do as little as 15 minutes of fitness exercise and 15 minutes of breathing and meditation each day and you will start to reap the benefits.