Yoga helps you connect your mind, body and soul. It is a great way to direct energy to the different areas of the body. It is not a way to work out, but it is good for the overall health of the body, neurological system and metabolism. At the physical level, there are immense medical benefits of different yoga positions. It helps in increasing the flexibility of the joints in the body. It helps to lubricate the joints, ligaments and tendons of the body. It is the only activity which can stimulate and massage the internal organs of the body and keep one healthy. It detoxifies the various organs and helps in optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. It leads to increase in energy and delayed aging process. Benefits of Yoga for Men It is being introduced in many pro and university sports program as a cross-training activity. Basketball star Kareem Abdul Jabbar, has made it popular among men, by his decade long practice. Many men smirk at the idea of carrying out the various positions and stretches. According to many men, it is a 'girly thing' to drop into a pose. But initially it was mainly practiced by men, before it became popular among women. It has many medical benefits for men that makes their bodies stronger. The postures help the body to realign, increase flexibility and ease pressure on the joints. It helps in increasing concentration power and improves breathing. It helps build up strength in the muscles without adding extra bulk. It also helps increase endurance factor in the body. It also helps in decreasing muscle soreness. It stretches the muscles and helps release the tension and flushes the lactic acid build up. It is the best activity for runners after an endurance jog. It builds up energy levels that are depleted after a strenuous workout. The exercises increase the lost vigor and revitalize the tired body. It helps in balancing the mind and increases clarity and focus. Men become calmer and less self-absorbed. It helps to oxygenate the body and create more energy in every muscle, joint and organ. It helps men build leaner and stronger bodies. Few postures for men are mentioned below:

• Marjariasana
• Bikram Yoga
• Tikonasana or triangle Pose
• Forward Fold Pose
• Downward Facing Dog Pose
• Crescent Lunge
• Boat Pose
• Bow Pose

Benefits of Yoga for Women Women have to face more emotional pressure than men. Women are under constant mental and physical stress. Hormonal changes play havoc in a woman's overall health. Yoga helps women overcome these problems to some extent. Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps can try it to relieve tension in the back and the sexual organs. It helps in stretching and increasing the circulation in the reproductive organs and relieves cramps, cleans the liver and balances the hormones. Few poses are known to stimulate flow of spinal fluid and adjust the mood swings. It tones the ovaries, glands and fallopian tubes and help women conceive. It also helps reduce morning sickness. It helps in strengthening and relaxing the pelvic muscles. Many women opt for it during the last stages of pregnancy to deliver their baby without any complications. 'Cat pose' and the 'Fish pose' assist the mother in developing physical strength and mental focus which is needed during labor. It helps improve the eating disorders in women. It helps promote a healthier body image in women. Few postures for women are mentioned below:

• Cobra Pose
• Tiger Stretch
• Frog Pose
• Plough Pose
• Camel pose
• Archer Pose
• Baby pose
• Lotus Pose

Yoga Benefits for Kids It helps make the children more flexible and coordinated. It helps increase self-esteem in children as they gain control over their minds and bodies. It helps children learn self-discipline with the help of certain poses, which make them breathe and think in certain ways. It helps children control stress and relax. It helps them calm down and focus in their studies in a better way. It helps develop their creativity and imagination. They become more aware of their surroundings and their instincts are sharpened. Children practicing yoga eat better and choose healthier foods over junk food. Children develop better emotional responses and compassion, teamwork and leadership skills. It improves their digestion power and strengthens their immune system. Hyperactive children practicing it, learn to direct their extra energy and build stronger concentration power. It has also proven to be beneficial for children suffering from down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. It induces a person to discipline his body, breathing and thoughts. Therefore, many children learn to discipline themselves without any adult controlling them. Few postures for children are mentioned below:

• Sunrise/Sunset Pose
• Butterfly Pose
• Lion pose
• Warrior Pose
• Tree Pose
• Eagle Pose
• Natarajasana
• Dog Pose

Psychological Benefits It helps the mind and body to calm down. It relaxes the body and decreases the feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. Many experience increase in attention span and concentration power. People learn to control aggression and exercise self-control. Practicing it helps ease stress and improves memory power. Many people who practice it have experienced an increase in their learning ability and retaining power. Yoga not only boosts stamina but increases immunity. People of all ages can reap benefits from it. It helps in lowering blood pressure, maintaining pulse rate, increasing cardiovascular endurance, gastrointestinal functions, metabolism and decreases pain. It helps prevent many diseases and reduces symptoms of many existing diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, menopause, constipation, etc. Practice it under skilled guidance and enjoy a stress free, healthier life.