Can yoga make you healthy and fit?

The growing popularity of yoga worldwide can be attributed to the simple fact that yoga makes people feel good... and as a consequence, often look good too. Testimonials abound of people who have gotten in shape and found new levels of health and fitness that began with starting a yoga practice. One reason: yoga puts you in touch with your body, and once you learn to observe and listen to what is going on in your body, you naturally do more things to make your body feel good, and less to make it feel bad.

But beyond the touchy-feely stuff, science has also proven that yoga works to improve physical and mental well-being. Numerous studies have shown that regular yoga (and meditation) practice can lower blood pressure, decrease stress hormones, and elevate mood at a level comprable to anti-depressant medications. In 2004, the studio in New York City where I did my teacher certification was part of a study to evaluate the exercise benefits of vinyasa yoga. The study, which took place at Adelphi University, showed that a one hour session of flowing vinyasa-style yoga can burn up to 540 calories - as much as one hour of running.

But that's not all! See here for 38 ways that yoga keeps you fit.