Which Type of Yoga Is Best for You?

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Welcome to yoga

By Holly Pevzner

Finding a yoga class used to be simple. Your choices were few because, well, there weren't that many people looking to get their om on: In 2001, 4.3 million Americans were hitting the yoga mat; just over a decade later, that number has almost quadrupled to about 16.5 million.

Some of yoga's popularity has to do with its (well-deserved) reputation for being an excellent stress reliever. But a big part of yoga's popularity surge is it's just plain good exercise.

Want to take advantage of yoga's benefits? Read on for everything you need to know, whether you're a first timer or a regular looking to take your poses to a whole new level.

Additional reporting by Leslie Barrie and Rozalynn S. Frazier.

Next: Step 1: Find the right style