According to Web M.D. yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years and today, nearly 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits. Yoga can be intimidating and overwhelming for those who have never done it before. Here are a few reasons why (and how) you can get past your fears and try some yoga exercises, classes, and DVD’s for beginners.

Yoga has many health benefits. It helps improve your flexibility despite your age, it strengthens your core so your posture is improved, lung capacity improves due to the deep and mindful breathing, stress levels decrease, and concentration increases.

If you want to try out a few moves at home before venturing out to a group fitness class, some great DVD’s to try are:

Yoga for Beginners and Beyond
This 3 DVD set offers everything you need to get started and has 40 minute routines that focus on the different physical and mental aspects of yoga.

Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners
This DVD includes two full length workouts and works on pose training to achieve the perfect form and how to avoid harmful moves.

Once you gain confidence and strength, attending a group fitness yoga class is your next step to embracing the numerous benefits of this art of the body and mind.