Thinking that yoga isn't for you? Think again. Anyone can do yoga, and there are so many health benefits from the practice. I don't do a lot of yoga, but I am building it back into my daily fitness routine, a little at a time. Yoga is fantastic for balance, coordination, spinal alignment, relaxation, mental and physical wellness, and so much more.

It's great to pick a couple of basic poses to start with. Child's Pose is a favorite of mine (one that I use a lot in Pilates, as well). Child's Pose is a wonderful way to stretch, and to just relax, focusing on your breathing, and allowing the stresses of this world to melt away.

Bridge Pose (or Bridging in Pilates) is both a great pose/stretch, and exercise. If you drop your hips down to the mat, and then slowly push back up, you'll be working your abs, tush, and thighs, all at once. Do a set of ten or twenty reps a day (slowly- rolling down one vertebrae at a time), and experience the difference it can make in the way you look and feel. Bridge is also a great pose to go back to, any time you feel that you need to take a break during a Pilates or Yoga workout or class.

Another favorite Yoga pose of mine is Pigeon. It might look a little intimidating at first, and you may not be able to go all the way into at first, as well. This pose is fantastic if your hamstrings are tight. Listen to your body, and don't push it further than it's ready to go.

A lot of folks are afraid of Downward Dog, and it's one of the poses that I have trouble with, because I have a short torso, and a bad wrist. You may have no problem with this pose, depending on your personal felxibility. Use the image above as a guide, or better yet- practice with a friend, or take a class, to receive proper instruction. A Certified Yoga Instructor will be able to help you with your form. You may find that this is the pose teachers will have you return to through out a class, session, or workout. 

You can't forget about self care in all of this. Making time for your own health and beauty routines is imperative to personal health and wellness.

I am actively seeking Yoga routines for couples. My husband isn't really into Yoga or Pilates, but every now and then, he agrees to practice with me. We have found that it's actually a beautiful, spiritual experience for us individually, and as a couple. We sometimes take 20 minutes before we head to bed for the evening to do relaxation Yoga together, which is very peaceful, centering, and helps prepare our bodies for a time of rest. It's such a nice way for us to spend time together at the end of a stressful day. Why not give it a try with your guy? Check out more Couples Yoga Poses.