Hi Eva.

I have been doing yoga for the best part of ten years, and it works for me.

One of the reasons there are so many types of yoga is because people use it for different things. Many of the newer, more dynamic styles are more directed towards physical fitness than the more traditional styles, which are more directed towards the mind, or the spirit.

I would definitely recommend finding a teacher, if you can. Avoiding over straining and injury is paramount. However, there is a mass of stuff online and in the bookshops.

I have developed a technique that is directed towards what I want to achieve personally, and most people end up doing this, though I still drop in and take the occasional yoga class. Another person can more easily see where your technique needs improvement. You will always be learning.

I use yoga for fitness, posture, and to keep the body supple, but my main drive is to help deal with depression. I spent years suffering from this, drank heavily, took drugs, did therapy, took antidepressants. Only yoga has worked, and that is why I stick to it. That, and they fact that I enjoy doing it. The ritual is engrained in my life.

How much to do? I do a lot. A quarter hour warm up, about 45 mins practice, and a short warm down, so something over an hour a day, and this is about how long a class takes, but don't worry. You would probably start at about 30 minutes. The golden rule is to take it very, very easy. If you have any doubts, just back off. Its a marathon, not a sprint. Its about how you will be next year, not next week.

Well, good luck. Go for it. I hope it works for you.