RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Advance stretching is not relaxing.

Stretching is fine. I don't go for yoga, as it is New Age garbage.

I'm not flexible,...except in bed.

People who "don't know anything" about yoga should probably refrain from calling it "a bunch of hooey".I was a doubter myself until I actually opened my mind and gave it an honest try.Nothing,I stress this:NOTHING has given me such fast and fantastic results.(I've tried many fitness techniques,I weight trained for years with good results,swim,hike etc.)After only a week of doing a few simple postures,around 20 minutes a day-I felt great and my flexability was dramatically increased.Adherants of Yoga will tell you,not only does it keep the body supple and strong,it also has a tonic effect on all of your organs and glands.Modern Medicine is just now beginning to admit the manifold benefits of Yoga (they can no longer deny it when thousands of people realize and tout it's results.)There are many different types of Yoga.Some are more relaxing and meditative,others are much more physical and more like a "workout".You need to do a little research or try a few styles to find the "right one" for YOU.Stretching is good,and it is very important to retain your flexibility as you grow older,especially if you want to remain athletic and active.Even young athletes benefit immensely from stretching.Yoga is an ancient yet highly effective technology.It can be a "spiritual" experience,but it requires no religious belief,and many people simply enjoy it's physical benefits.Other people find that it not only improves their overall health,but also helps them psychologically and spiritually.It has been proven,for example,to dramatically reduce stress-and we all know the kind of toll stress takes on our bodies as well as our minds.Last,but not least,Yoga is EASY.Don't let the seeming contortions of yoga masters intimidate you.Beginners need only go as far into an asana (position) as is comfortable.No straining!You will be amazed at how much you improve with a little patience and persistance.

Stretching is good. I don't know about yoga though; I think it's just a bunch of hooey.

Stretching alone can give your body up to a 20% increase in strength not to mention beter circulation and less muscle strain and stress to add to a great everyday activity. I swore by this when I was younger and ran cross country and track.

Hatha yoga is probably the most relaxing form of exercise you can get. It also might be the safest. It is great for young people to do some of these stretches before school in the morning. It is a great warmup before more strenuous activities, and, it's fairly safe for the aging as well.