Celebrated by a-list celebrities like Madonna and Lindsay Lohan, the ancient practice of yoga has really taken off in the past few years. Baby yoga, hot yoga (Bikram), and couple’ classes have popped up in studios and gyms across the United States and traditional Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa (flow yoga) classes remain popular among everyone from newbies to “yogis,” or serious devotees.

And it is popular for a reason: if you are looking to get in shape, build muscle and achieve a leaner body without logging hours on the treadmill, yoga is one of the most effective – and enjoyable --- fitness options available. Regular practice not only means a fitter body: it also reduces stress-related pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Classes also usually incorporate meditation, which most doctors believe has important health benefits.

Common yoga poses can be practiced at home, but anyone new to the practice should probably attend at least a class or two to achieve proper alignment and avoid injury.