We won't talk long ... we know you have heard about yoga. We love it. We recommend it. It is quite simply the best exercise any person can do. Here are few things you might not have known about yoga:

The earliest recorded description of yoga is in the Sutras of Patanjali, but it is believed to be thousands of years older than this.

The most widely practiced styles of yoga, Ashtanga and Hatha, were taught by two men who were both students of the same guru.

While it has always been practiced by a small group of devotees in India, it is experiencing a new wave of popularity among middle- and upper-class indians - because they are imitating westerners.

Ashtanga is sanskrit for the number eight. This is because the physical postures (asanas) are just one of eight habits recommended for those seeking spiritual awakening.

There is debate among yogis and scholars about which comes first, but yoga asanas and meditation have always been meant to be practiced together. More commonly, the asanas are done first to prepare the body for meditation.

While many of the postures are physically challenging, the mind should always remain focused on the breath. The ability to pay attention to your breath in uncomfortable postures induces a profound relaxation of the muscles and nervous system.

Many yoga classes include breathing exercises called pranayama. There are hundreds of different patterns that are prescribed - individually or in combinations - for their specific, drug-like effects on the body and mind.

Clinical trials have shown that yoga can effectively treat many illnesses. Examples include asthma, insomnia, anxiety, depression, low back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and even epilepsy.

While yoga classes can be expensive to attend regularly, a DVD can be followed at home on most nights. As few as 2-3 classes per month ensure that you are holding the postures properly - and renew your commitment to your practice.

More than anything else, the quality of your life is determined by your state of mind. This makes yoga and meditation the best way that you can improve your life.