Yoga originated in India around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, the word originates from the Sanskrit yuj and translates into English as 'to join'. It is not, as some have believed, a religion, but a philosophy, encompassing exercise, and mental enlightenment through meditation. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main yogas, each with their different sub-divisions, though there are many other types.

Karma Yoga translates as acting without desires or emotional attachments to the fruits of one's efforts. It comes from advice given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers before the battle between the virtuous Padavas, and their less than righteous cousins the Kauravas. It is said that when Arjuna, full of sorrow at the prospect of his relatives bloodshed, his friend Lord Krishna gave him advice focussing his mind on the action, and away from the emotional attachment (though the advice was not specific to any single situation).

Bhakti Yoga concentrates on the selfless devotion to, and love of God (Bhakti) as father, mother, or friend that finds personal appeal in the heart of the devotee.

Jnana Yoga is the understanding of ones self. Jnana means knowledge, in this case self knowledge. The basic pillar of Jnana is the belief of the unity of the universe to be at one with the universe.

Raja Yoga is a practical guide to gaining purity of mind through meditation. This requires psycho-physical meditational techniques to repress any preconceived thoughts or experiences that might mirror or distort the thoughts that prevent you seeing your true self.

Calm and flexible

In the Western World, Yoga has become synonymous with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga this is the most popular and productive for improved physical health and well being.

The asanas are designed to keep the body fit, and with fitness come a rejuvenation of the spirit and soul along with a whole avalanche of benefits. Studies have shown that people who practice Yoga have; reduced anxiety, reduced blood pressure, are more resistant to stress, and have better heart and respiratory functions. These are very real benefits that any person can achieve.

Yoga exercises strengthen the body, give it more flexibility and more energy, at the same time calming the mind and giving it more tranquillity. Conventional exercising expends energy through strenuous activity. In Yoga classes, students claim they are more relaxed with a feeling of inner strength after Yoga. The key is in the performing the asanas with gentle and slow movements, taking up a posture gently, and holding it for several minutes whilst concentrating on breathing steadily and deeply, then coming out of that posture with grace and smoothness.

Dance, and particularly ballet, has much in common with Yoga. Many physiotherapists will give exercises to patients that are directly related to Yoga asanas, indeed many Doctors will recommend Yoga as part of a health regime.

When first seeing some of the asanas shown in book, TV, or class, many are put off by the thought of tying themselves into knots that more practiced, and maybe lithesome bodies attain. But yoga is for any age, and any state of body. It is important to realise that starting the actions is the step on the way to a more healthy body, even if at first one may need cushions or props to support and make comfortable those early stages. Only through repeated practice and gentle movements will the desired be achieved. A mountain is climbed one step at a time.

Yoga does not attempt to replace aerobic exercise. Aerobics will improve cardio-vascular fitness, help lose weight, and aid people with type II diabetes - improving blood glucose control.