Yoga Your Own Way

A Nationwide Yoga Tour

Do the words vinyassa, hatha, asana, and chakra make you want to scratch your head instead of inspiring visions of restorative headstands? If yoga is a complete mystery to you, read on.

To mark September as National Yoga Month, yoga health experts and teachers are visiting 10 U.S. cities and offering free classes, workshops, and music to all.

"The main mission is to take yoga to everyone, so people can witness how yoga can transform their minds without a lot of money or time," says Vera Alexander, Executive Director for Grants & Media of Yoga Month. "Yoga is accessible and easy for everyone to do."

Even athletic types can benefit from a yoga practice, says Alexander, an avid runner. "I found that yoga helped with my joints and mobility," she says. "Once you're exposed to yoga, you'll see how it really helps you."

Chanting and meditating not your style? No worries. "Practitioners can choose their own style," says Alexander. "There are more hybrid classes available, like dance and yoga and acrobatics and yoga. You can merge yoga with what you're already doing."

If cash is an issue, there are donation-based classes, community classes, and free online videos, says Fisslinger. All you need to bring is yourself.