2. DECIDE IF YOGA IS RIGHT FOR YOU

While yoga is for many a fantastic way to exercise, it definitely isn't for everybody. Some people get bored, others don't think it's worth the money, and many don't have the time to make a commitment to it (to really get into yoga, you have to do it more than once). So we've come up with 5 categories for you to consider: health, difficulty, lifestyle, time, and money.

Health: First off, there are many reasons why participating in yoga is good. It strengthens your cardiovascular system, for one, and we know how important that is. It also strengthens your muscles and stretches them out, which can help avoid muscle aches from any previous workout or just daily living. Sitting at a desk all day can round the spine and constrain the neck; yoga helps make up for that. Yoga is especially ideal for people that are overweight, elderly, pregnant, or all three. It's gentle, so it doesn't shock the body.

There are mental health benefits too. Yoga promotes a feeling of clarity and serenity -- there's a reason many people who do yoga seem so relaxed and focused. When you're trying to balance on one foot with the other foot held up three feet in the air, you learn how to center the mind on just one thing. This can be helpful in all sorts of situations. You also will become more centered and focused, your body will be more limber and those little creaky pains will dissolve, and you will wake up each day feeling calm and refreshed. You will also have something in common with yoga-crazy stars like David Duchovny, Julia Roberts, and Ricky Martin. Our recommendation: enjoy!

Difficulty: Pretty much everyone can do some aspect of yoga. However, if you do have any injuries or are pregnant, please tell your teacher before starting your first class -- there might be some things to avoid. However, in general, even the novice can find some position that feels good. You don't have to put both legs behind your head on the first day (or ever). However, if you simply do not enjoy stretching of any sort, then you probably won't mesh with yoga classes.

Lifestyle: You may be wondering, "But I like a good steak and really really enjoy all my material possessions, including my new Benz. Can I still do yoga?" Well, sure. Although some people adopt vegetarianism or veganism as part of a complete yogic lifestyle, you are under no pressure to change anything. Take what you want, and just enjoy. After a few months, you will become so selfless and "deep" that you will probably sell your new Benz to help the less fortunate.

Time: Most classes range from an hour to an hour and 45 minutes, and for home practice we recommend at least 45 minutes. Since much of the benefit of doing yoga comes from the deep breathing and focusing on the sacred experience, trying to sneak in a 20-minute series might not give you enough time to shed the weight of the world that rests on your shoulders. So you need to give yourself time to let go of that repressed anger at your boss, take a deep breath, and start moving. If you can't take an hour or two out of the day, then yoga might present a problem to you.

Money: You might be a crazy workaholic, or you might just be cheap? In either case, you might not be so hot on getting into the yoga culture if you can't spare an hour or a couple of bucks. Yoga classes generally cost about $12 a session (the price of a movie and a package of Goobers!). However, you can often get discounts in package deals, like paying $90 for 10 classes. Another point: you don't HAVE to do yoga in a class. You can try yoga in your own home all by yourself. But if you want our advice, we absolutely recommend trying out a class before twisting your body into a pretzel on your own. At least you'll have somebody to sue.