Doctors and Yogis Agree

Doctors and yogis agree--yoga is good for you. It stretches and tones; and it's good for balance, circulation, flexibility and more. Not a bad deal for something so enjoyable.

Yogis do run some risks that folks on the treadmill don't--falling asleep with your feet straight up in the air is a recipe for serious pins and needles. For some, falling asleep may not be a risk at all, but just one more benefit to add to the list. But if you'd prefer to get on with your day, be aware that the relaxation pose is even more dangerous for inducing naps, especially if you're in the comfort of your own home.

You can lessen that risk by heading to the gym, recreation center, or yoga studio for your workout, where you have the added benefit of a guided instructor who can help you make sure you're doing the poses just right. Still, it's pretty fun when your DVD instructor addresses you directly with a calm, airy voice and says, "you should be proud of yourself and I'm proud of you too" or applauds you for breathing.

My favorite line from a DVD (I'm not making this up) is: "Imagine that you are being buffeted by clouds as you fly gracefully over fertile fields."

Some yoga poses are impossible to do while laughing.