1) Always warm up – it is important to do a full stretch and warm up before you attempt to do the splits. If you don’t do this you are in danger of pulling a muscle. Do some nice gentle full body stretches, or do your yoga routine before you start doing any splits.

2) Try the Kneeling Lunch stretch – go down on your knees as if you were about to propose and then stretch one of your legs backwards. You’ll normally feel a stretch in your hamstring. Make sure your hips are square and you don’t let your front knee go over your toes. Hold this stretch for around 30 seconds or so- you should feel a stretch but not any pain. If you feel pain you are stretching too far. Be sure to do this on both legs.

3) Lying Back Leg Stretches – next lie on your back and gently stretch one of your legs towards your face. Keep both legs straight and your back firmly on the ground hold this stretch for around 30 seconds and then change legs.

4) Get a Partner to Help – another way to increase flexibility for splits is to get a partner to help you. Repeat stretch 3 above and get your partner to help push your leg back (not too hard though!)

5) Full Splits – You may not want to try this immediately if you are not flexible yet. Do the above stretches every day until you feel that you are able to try the full splits. Just go into the position mentioned in stretch 1 above, but this time ease your front leg into the straight position. Use your hands to support you. It may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, but just hold the position for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch so far that it hurts.

Practise all these exercises on a daily basis to increase flexibility for splits and you’ll be doing the splits in no time!

Visit Yoga Body Naturals for your free 7 day course on improving flexibility.

Some people resist trying yoga.  This may be because they believe it’s some kind of weird religious thing or that they must change their lifestyle completely.

While yoga was indeed used in years past mostly by hippies, theractice has evolved into a more mainstream system.  All types of people use yoga for its ability to help the physical and mental states.

There are several different types of yoga.  Most people just think of yoga as being one standard set of poses, but it’s not quite that simple.

Western yoga is generally just defined as “yoga”.  There aren’t usually any types mentioned.  Western yoga often uses a mixture of different yoga types, and different instructors may even come up with their own poses or mix their own unique blends.

There are in fact six types of yoga traditionally practiced, plus a new type, bikram yoga, that has been rapidly gaining in popularity recently.

The six traditional types of yoga are:

1. Hatha
2. Raja
3. Karma
4. Bhakti
5. Jnana
6. Tantra

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They Provide Variety – I don’t know about you, but I get bored pretty easily. Doing exactly the same practice over and over again would drive me crazy. Instead of enjoying the relaxation that comes from yoga, I would probably be irritated by having to do the same program every time I practiced. To deal with my need for diversity, I have an assortment of yoga DVDs and I usually pick a different one each time I practice. I choose one that fits my mood and then get to enjoy the practice thoroughly.

Enjoy Favorite Classes – Even though I like variety, I also have some favorite programs. With yoga videos, I get to enjoy my preferred ‘classes’ as often as I like. It’s like visiting with an old friend – you know what to expect and it’s very comfortable.

They Are Time Efficient - Like you, I never seem to have enough time. Going to a yoga class adds up to two hours to my practice time when you consider driving to the center, finding a parking spot, registering, and getting my space in the class. Sometimes, I can’t fit in the extra time into my schedule, so I use a video instead.

They Are Convenient - Yoga videos are very convenient because they are always ready when you are. You might want to practice at a certain time, but there isn’t a class available. I know this is the case with me. Very often yoga classes in my area are offered at times that don’t fit my schedule. So instead of not practicing at all, I use one of my yoga tapes and I’m all set to go.

You Get to Practice With Renowned Teachers – There are many gifted teachers in yoga and it is a thrill to practice with them. One of my favorite power yoga instructors is Bryan Kest. The only problem is that his studio is in California and I live in New Jersey. It’s pretty hard to practice with an instructor who lives 3,000 miles away from you. By using one of Bryan’s yoga DVDs, it is like he is right there with me in the room.

You Choose a Practice Based on What You Need - Yoga DVDs allow you to focus on what you need at a specific time. You can choose one that focuses on stress reduction, one that helps you build your upper body, one that helps build your core. You can also pick one that suits your specific physical situation such as pregnancy yoga or yoga for seniors. You decide what you want and you choose the video that meets that need.

It’s Easy to Modify Postures - Lately, I have been dealing with an injured foot that occurred while I was running. As a result, I can’t put any pressure on the front of my foot. That means I have to modify a number of poses such as Plank Pose — I need to put my knees down so I don’t bear my entire body weight on my forefoot. Sometimes it takes a lot of extra movements to get into a posture because of this injury. I would find it very uncomfortable to have to do all of these modifications in a regular class with other people around. By using one of my yoga DVDs, I can easily modify the posture to meet my physical needs and I can do it in the privacy of my own home.

Now you can see why I think yoga DVDs and videos are so great. They are easy, convenient, and they can add breadth to your practice. Try some and see for yourself. You might grow to love them too.

Standard Yoga Accessories
Clothing – Your clothing should be comfortable and breathable and allow you to move freely. You don’t want anything that is going to get in the way of your movements or that will bunch up or create a distraction. For instance, oversized, loose fitting tee shirts can fall towards your face during some inversion poses and cause you to pay more attention to whether or not anything is showing, than to the actual asana. If you are taking a class, your instructor might want you to wear something form fitting in order to check your alignment.

Shorts are often a good choice, if the whether permits, because you tend to get very warm from doing the asanas and your body temperature heats up. In some types of yoga, such as Bikram, shorts are really a necessity because of the level of heat in the room.

Although yoga is usually practiced barefoot, some people wear cotton socks or soft yoga shoes.

Yoga Mat – Yoga mats are typically used during practice, especially in a class. They offer some padding so you are not lying or sitting directly on a hard floor. They also provide some level of sanitation, since a number of postures require you to put your head on the floor.

A mat also gives you traction during your poses. When your body heats up, you have a tendency to sweat, which could cause you to slip if you were directly on a floor. The mat helps minimize potential slipping and can add to the safety of your practice. There are a variety of different mats you can use.

Optional Yoga Accessories
Yoga Mat Bag – It helps you carry your yoga mat to and from class. Some of them also have room for other items such as a change of clothes, your keys, and wallet.

Yoga dvds – If you are not taking classes, they can provide you with wonderful instruction, often from top teachers.

Yoga Props – There are a variety of props that can help you with your form, especially if you are a beginner.

One of the least mentioned, but what I feel is one of the most important yoga accessories, is a water bottle. During your practice, your body will likely sweat and release toxins. Water is necessary to help you flush out the toxins and replenish any lost fluids. After your practice you will probably be thirsty, so cool, refreshing water will seem like a wonderful reward after all your hard work.

When you begin practicing, you may decide to just buy the standard items. As you advance, you will very likely decide to purchase some other yoga accessories to help you develop and grow.

B.K.S. Iyengar introduced the yoga prop as a means of supporting proper alignment of the joints and bones during postures. Maintaining proper alignment is key to reducing the possibility of injury and to allowing you to get deeper into the poses. Props are especially useful for beginners, for people who do not have a great deal of  flexibility, for those who are recovering from injuries, and for those with special physical  needs.

Typical Yoga Props

Yoga Block – I use this yoga prop often, especially when I am doing a Forward Bend and my hamstrings are not yet flexible enough to allow me to comfortably touch my hands to the floor. Yoga blocks are a great aid to help you maintain proper alignment in challenging poses. You can stack several blocks to gain height or use them to support you in certain poses.

Yoga Strap – Another yoga prop that I use often is a strap. Straps can help you reach limbs such as feet and hands during certain postures where you have limited flexibility. They help you maintain proper alignment and help you lengthen your body. I always use a strap for one of my favorite poses – Cow Pose – because I am not yet able to grasp my hands behind my back. The use of the strap allows my arms to be  comfortable so I can fully relax forward in the pose.

Yoga Ball - This yoga prop is extremely versatile and it is one that I use several times each week. It is great for developing core strength because you need to recruit significant muscle fibers when doing postures in order to keep the ball from rolling and you from falling. It can be very useful for beginners and those recovering from injuries because it helps with support and alignment. A yoga ball is also great for stretching because you can get an extended range of motion.

Blankets - Although I don’t often use them, blankets can offer many benefits. They can help support you in poses, they provide padding, and they also provide warmth so you can be very comfortable in restorative poses.

Less Common Yoga Props

Backbend Benches – They help to support you during backbends. They reduce straining and allow your spine to maintain proper alignment while increasing flexibility in your shoulders, chest and the front of your body.

Eye Pillows – They are soft cushions that you place on your eyes to help you focus inward and achieve a greater sense of peace and calmness during relaxation poses.

There are times when using a yoga prop can help you deepen your practice, and during those times, you might want to consider using one or all of these props. At other times, you might not feel the need to use them. The important thing is to pay attention to  your body and to respond to what it needs each time you practice.

Sticky Mats – These yoga mats offer a covering for your practice area, as well as some stability for you when doing poses. They are thin, lightweight, and come in a variety of colors. Some of them have guide marks on them to illustrate proper hand and foot placements. In order for these mats to be sticky and prevent you from slipping and sliding, you need to sprinkle them with a small amount of water and let them air dry. You can use these mats for most types of yoga

Ultra Double Thickness Mats – These yoga mats are basically sticky mats that are ultra thick. They provide both stability and cushioning which is useful in certain poses. They can be a great choice for Astanga practitioners who often jump from one pose to another. I personally love the ultra thick mats because of the extra cushioning they provide. It is the only type I take with me to classes.

Travel Mats - This type of yoga mat is great to throw in your suitcase or carryon luggage when you are on the go, so you can practice no matter where you are. Travel yoga mats are very thin. You would use one either on a carpeted floor or on top of a towel or blanket on a floor that isn’t carpeted.

Cotton Mats – These yoga mats are excellent for those types of yoga that traditionally cause you to sweat a lot such as Astanga or Bikram. Because they absorb sweat, they help keep you from slipping and sliding during these heat-producing practices. They work best when they are sprinkled with a small amount of water. The damp mat gives you a good amount of traction so your hands and feet stay where you place them. Many of them have lines in the patterns, which can help with your body alignment.

Cotton mats also provide cushioning. They can substitute for blankets by helping to bolster your body during certain asanas. Some people use cotton mats over sticky mats during their practice.

Yoga Mat Bag - A yoga mat bag is a great accessory for carrying your yoga mat or mats to class, work, or anywhere else you need to go. Many have extra space where you can put your keys, water bottle, and tee shirt. The bag protects your mat and helps make it easier for you to transport your yoga gear.

Now that you know about the different yoga mats that are available and what each one does, you choose the right mat or mats for you.

Kneel upright, with your knees slightly narrower than hip width apart and your hips, shoulders, and head stacked directly above your knees. With your hands, press down against the back of your pelvis.

On an inhalation, tuck your chin toward your sternum and lean your head and shoulders back as far as you can without pushing your hips forward. Firm your shoulder blades against your back and lift the top of your sternum. When your chest is maximally lifted, gradually release your head back.

Before you arch all the way back and place your head and hands on the floor, bring your palms together in front of your sternum in Anjali Mudra. Then separate your hands and reach them overhead toward the floor behind you. Bring your hips forward enough to counterbalance the backward movement of the upper torso and head. Keep your thighs as perpendicular to the floor as possible as you drop back. Place your palms on the floor, fingers pointing toward your feet, then lower your crown to the floor as well.

Press your palms, lift your head slightly off the floor and raise your hips, opening your front groins as much as possible. Lifting your pelvis as much as possible, lengthen and extend your upper spine and walk your hands to your feet. As you do, lower your forearms to the floor. If possible, grip your ankles (or, if you’re very flexible, your calves). Draw your elbows toward each other until they’re shoulder width apart, and anchor them firmly on the floor. Extend your neck and place your forehead on the floor.

Take a full inhalation to expand your chest. Then, exhaling softly but thoroughly, press your shins and forearms against the floor; as you do, lengthen your tailbone toward the knees and lift your top sternum in the opposite direction.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds or longer, further expanding the chest with each inhale, softening the belly with each exhale. Then release your grip, walk your hands away from your feet, and push your torso back to upright with an inhale. Rest in Child’s Pose for a few breaths.

Step by Step

* Sit on the ground, bending both knees and bringing your feet together.
* Using your hands, open your feet up like a book. Use your muscles to press your knees down towards the floor. This will help to open your hips up even more.
* Lengthen your spine, drawing your belly button towards your spine. Relax your shoulders and gaze either in front of you or towards your feet.
* Stay here for 5 breaths, and then slowly begin to fold forward, drawing your torso towards your legs. Remember to try and keep your spine straight.
* You can keep your hands on your feet, pressing your knees down with your arms, or if you want more of a stretch, extend your arms out in front of you. Stay here for 5 breaths or as long as you want.

Your hips will love you for this. Plus your lower back gets a little stretch, and I found doing this pose before and after a run or bike ride prevents me from having tightness in my lower back later.

Kneel on the floor (on a folded blanket to pad your knees, shins, and feet if necessary), with your thighs perpendicular to the floor, and touch your inner knees together. Slide your feet apart, slightly wider than your hips, with the tops of the feet flat on the floor. Angle your big toes slightly in toward each other and press the top of each foot evenly on the floor.

Exhale and sit back halfway, with your torso leaning slightly forward. Wedge your thumbs into the backs of your knees and draw the skin and flesh of the calf muscles toward the heels. Then sit down between your feet.

If your buttocks don’t comfortably rest on the floor, raise them on a block or thick book placed between the feet. Make sure both sitting bones are evenly supported. Allow a thumb’s-width space between the inner heels and the outer hips. Turn your thighs inward and press the heads of the thigh bones into the floor with the bases of your palms. Then lay your hands in your lap, one on the other, palms up, or on your thighs, palms down.

Firm your shoulder blades against the back ribs and lift the top of your sternum like a proud warrior. Widen the collarbones and release the shoulder blades away from the ears. Lengthen the tailbone into the floor to anchor the back torso.

At first stay in this pose from 30 seconds to 1 minute. Gradually extend your stay up to 5 minutes. To come out, press your hands against the floor and lift your buttocks up, slightly higher than the heels. Cross your ankles underneath your buttocks, sit back over the feet and onto the floor, then stretch your legs out in front of you. It may feel good to bounce your knees up and down a few times on the floor.