There are many great reasons to add yoga to your exercise routine. Yoga improves muscle tone, flexibility and balance, and it helps you relax and reduce stress, thanks to its signature pranayama breathing (which just means steadily inhaling and exhaling through your nose). Some studies have even found that yoga can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and chronic pain better than traditional therapy alone.
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Ready to give it a try? Here are eight beginner poses -- called "asanas" -- recommended by yoga instructors.
"8 Yoga Poses For Beginners" originally appeared on Everyday Health.