To many, yoga appears low-key and relaxing. Yet most people who practice yoga appear long and lean. Is it yoga that creates this desirable physique? Yoga might not subject your body to the same physical pounding as many other workouts, but it can definitely contribute to weight loss. If you are carrying a few extra pounds, yoga can help you discover the most healthful and happy body you are meant to have and give you the tools to maintain it without dieting.

Dr. Bill Wheeler, VP Development of Body Wise International and staff nutritionist to past American Presidents, professional athletes, says three things are required in order to lose excess fat: inspiration, supplementation, and perspiration. Even professional athletes occasionally need to lose a few for optimal health, or to achieve peak athletic performance. Yoga helps promote the development of your most healthy body in these ways.

Yoga will strengthen your core and increase the distance & accuracy of your drive in golf, or the speed of your tennis serve. Stronger leg muscles to help you land ski, volleyball and basketball jumps more safely. You may find that yoga assists you in the ability to stay calm & in control of your emotions during the most intense, adrenaline-filled moments of your game.

Although injuries from yoga occasionally occur, the absolute best way to avoid them is to allow your body sensations and slow movement into postures to be your guide: observe & note the difference between an intense (enjoyable) stretch and shooting pain. Shooting pain is never good and should be avoided at all costs. Remember, anytime your muscles begin to feel stressed our natural reaction is to tighten and to hold our breath- this is the most important time to breathe deep and soften into the posture.

Yoga teaches mental focus, emotional calm, and compassion. Regular practice gives you time to focus on yourself, clear your mind of expectations and judgments and change how you think about yourself, which will positively influence your relationships with yourself and others. Yoga will prepare you to combat stress and anxiety in daily life, which can control your hunger and emotional eating.

Yoga can be a cardiovascular workout. It can build lean, toned muscles while also stimulating your endocrine and digestive systems. Key postures to include in your yoga workout are Sun Salutations, Warrior II, Powerful Pose, and Seated Spinal Twist. Sun Salutation will get your heart pounding. Warrior II and Powerful Pose will build large lower-body muscles. Seated Spinal Twist compresses and massages abdominal organs, and stimulates circulation and efficient function.

To experience the full benefits of yoga a full series of postures & regular practice is recommend. Here are a few you can try at home to wet your yoga appetite:

Camel
Camel pose will stretch and stimulate your neck, where the thyroid gland (weight control centre) is located. Standing on your knees, press your palms into your lower back, fingers facing down. Pressing toward the floor with the heel of your hands as you inhale, elongate your spine upwards through the crown of your head. As you exhale, slowly tip your head back, visualizing a line across the ceiling with your eyes. With each inhale lift the centre of your chest towards the ceiling and allow your gaze to lower further as you exhale. Hold this pose at its deepest point for three to five deep breaths. With time and practice, you will be ready to reach one hand at a time behind you and grasp for your ankles.

Corpse Pose
The Corpse Pose slows your thoughts and calms emotions, allowing you time to "take-stock" and visualize the happiness and satisfaction you deserve in your life. Choose a short, positive, and easy to remember statement of encouragement that makes you feel good (a Mantra). Lay down on your back, arms by your side, palms facing upward. Your feet separated slightly, allowing your toes to fall away from one another. Bring your awareness to your breath (through your nose), filling your lungs, allowing your belly to rise towards the ceiling. When you exhale, allow your belly to fall, letting go of used breath. Starting with your toes, feel each of your body parts relaxing, softening and becoming heavy. Continue all the way up to your head, and as the sensations in your body begin to subside, leaving only your long, deep inhales and exhales begin to repeat your mantra silently. Enjoy this posture uninterrupted for 5-30 minutes.

Powerful Pose
Standing with your feet hip-width apart, extend your arms straight out in front of you to shoulder height Inhale, engaging your abdominal muscles and as you exhale sit your hips down and behind you. Keep your knees forward, inch your knees backwards, so that they are no further forward than your toes. Breathing deeply, allow your hips to go a little bit lower, challenging your balance. Hold for three breaths and then inhale as you stand, pressing your heels firmly into the floor.

Debbie Horovitch owns www.YogaWhereYouAre.com, a private yoga company that specializes in yoga for beginners (including professional athletes), and sends qualified instructors to students' home, office or hotel suite for a tailor-made practise.