Yoga, meaning ?union? in Sanskrit (the classical language of India), is over five thousand years old, so what exactly is it? that makes this form of mind-body discovery exercise as popular today as it was back in 3000 BC? Well, according to modern scholars it?s all about balance and let?s face it, that?s something many of us struggle to achieve these days, thanks to our hectic lifestyles and especially with the global economic meltdown.
For some, yoga is simply an easy, low-impact way to keep in shape and stay healthy and it?s great for building strength, cardio-vascular fitness, flexibility and toning the muscles. But, as any real ?yogi? will tell you, yoga is a form of meditation which unites the mind, body and spirit and can be achieved by adopting a series of different postures.
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Neo, a renowned yogi and teacher told me ?In turbulent times stress can cause the mind to go into survival mode which, ironically, often prevents it from finding a way out of a difficult situation. Insight and solutions can be revealed in moments of quiet contemplation, reflection and deep relaxation acquired through yoga, meditation and silence.? 
As yoga began to develop, rituals associated with India?s ancient Vedic religion became incorporated into the practice for a more direct spiritual experience. True happiness, liberation and enlightenment are said to come from the union of body and mind and there are various yoga methods designed for reaching these goals. Or to put it another way, Neo says: ?When action meets relaxation, there arises an new integrity of being where you are able to say what mean, mean what you say and do what you say without being mean when you do it! Life unfolds one conscious step at a time.?
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Many classes begin with limbering moves and sequences which help to warm up the muscles and joints as well as preparing the body and mind for 'asana' or posture work. This strengthens and tones the body, improving the flow of energy and regulating physical systems of the body and breath whilst stilling the mind for meditation.
The postures used in a class will vary from teacher to teacher as well as depending on the abilities of the students, however the objective in asana isn't how far you can stretch or contort your body but to combine stability (stira) with ease and relaxation (sukha). 
There are hundreds of meditation techniques and styles but the ones you're most likely to come across are the ones which still the mind by focusing all your awareness on a single object, such as an image, a candle, a sound, a chant or even just your breathing.
Try it out for yourself at the Manolo Santana Raquets ClubWellness Studio, Marbella (www.manolosantana.net) or for more information on how to relax and unwind in the comfort of your own home, download one of Neo?s soothing guided relaxation for meditation CD?s or better still attend one of his special residential yoga and meditation retreats held in exotic locations around the world (visit Neo?s website www.yogawithneo.com)
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