With this yoga guide, you can delve into a sport as good for your mind as it is for your body—and become a part of the vast (and continually growing) yoga community in the US and beyond. Dating back to the 11th century Vedic Indian tradition, the practice of yoga didn't gain prominence in the Western world until the 20th century. Fast forward to the present day, and yoga communities are huge—and still showing steady growth. Yoga is as good for the mind as it is for the body, and its benefits include flexibility, weight loss, stress reduction, pain relief, and spiritual growth. This yoga book for beginners covers the origins of yoga including its philosophy, history, and the various styles of yoga schools as they apply to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Simpkins, neuroscience professionals with over 40 years teaching experience, address the curiosities and concerns of the beginning student, such as: Where do I begin? How do I find a teacher? How do I prepare for my first class? What do the unfamiliar terms mean? And much, much more Yoga Basics focuses on the yoga essentials of breathing, balance, and the yoga poses themselves. Meditation and relaxation techniques are also discussed to complement your yoga exercises or yoga workouts. This accessible and comprehensive introduction is everything you need to learn yoga with confidence and success.