[DARISC]

I've practiced Hatha yoga for years. Consider the flexibility of a 6 mo. old baby. Then consider that we lose more and more of that flexibility over time simply because we don't put our limbs and spine through that complete range of motion that we have at 6 mo.s of age; we get older and stiffer.

Finally, consider that that range of motion can be regained over a period of time simply by putting one's body into various postures daily.

Progress comes very slowly at first and care should be taken not to strain while attempting a posture - slowly, over time, flexibility will be regained, excess weight will drop off as one will become attuned to their body and no longer eat excessively and will naturally lose the desire to eat unhealthy foods - they will no longer give you comfort; they will make you feel, to one degree or another, ill.

The postures (asanas) are basically stretches, entered into and left in a very slow and deliberate manner which tones and stretches muscles and ligaments in the process, are coupled with deep breathing excercises.

That's all it involves - no apparatus, just a basic mat and 30 minutes or so each day. It does require a self disciplined commitment because at first you may be convinced that yoga is not for you because you can't even come close to assuming some or even any of the positions. Persevere, and you will be able to.

It will take months or much longer for some postures and there will be days when you slip back to where you've lost a lot of the flexibility that you had gained. But this is normal and referred to as plateaus - you'll reach one, the next day fall back, then the next day will advance again beyond the plateau reached two days prior.

If you dedicate yourself, in a month's time you'll not think of having to do your daily yoga routine; as one gets thirsty for a drink of water, you will thirst to do your yoga. There are many positions to learn, from basic to advanced, so boredom is never a problem.

My wife and I began in grad school - I gave up after 3 days, she didn't. A year later I tried again, persevered, got hooked and have been doing it ever since. I learned from her and the book she used (neither of us used an instructor, which is not to say that one should not) and a few years ago ordered a reprint to have for old time's sake. It's written for women but really is no different for men: Richard Hittleman's YOGA 28 day excercise plan. Read and follow his plan religiously for 28 days (I guess the 28 days was the female marketing hook) and I guarantee you'll be hooked for life.