California lawmakers have come to the aid of home buyers with a new tax credit up to $10,000! It’s available to anyone who purchases a brand-new home, not just first-time buyers, and there are no income limitations*.

• Act soon – before state funding runs out. Buy now and you may qualify for the California tax credit of up to $10,000. These credits will run out fast – the last state credit was gone in less than 90 days! Get your reservation in now. That’s up to $10,000 in tax credit savings!

• Double your savings only at Trilogy. Get an additional $10,000 in seller incentives on top of the tax credits. That’s up to $20,000 in total savings!

Give yourself some credit by calling 800-685-6494 or by visiting any of our California locations to reserve your savings today!

Last week alone, we sold 5 new homes at Trilogy to happy buyers who realized the value and seized the opportunity. We don’t expect these 7 new home sites to last long either, so don’t miss this rare chance to buy one of our most popular home sites.

View a Map of the Newly Released of Home Sites, 809-815, Here.

Call 800.685.6494 today to set up an appointment to view these home sites!

Located 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix, the Encanterra country-club development features a stunning golf course, chic homes and many amenities.

As the Canadian loonie rapidly rises to even par with the American dollar and all indications are that the downward trend in the Arizona housing market appears to have bottomed out, opportunities for Canadians to own a piece of winter paradise couldn’t be better.

At least that’s what the folks at Encanterra are banking on. This Trilogy-developed country club—the name Encanterra means “enchanted earth” in spanish—located in town of Queen Creek, about 45 minutes southeast of downtown Phoenix.

Encanterra is a master-plan, single-detached home development centred around a private resort golf course designed by PGA Tour veteran and former Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman.

The Par 72 course, which stretches over 7,250 yeards from the back tees, is a classic risk/reward track with a variety of teeing options making it appealing to golfers of all levels. Most holes provide stunning views of Superstition Mountain to the north and South Mountain Park to the west.

“We don’t expect our members to get bored with this course,” says Chris Schwartz, head golf professional at Encanterra, of the course that was named one of 2009’s Best New Courses by Golfweek.

Heart of Encanterra

The heart of the Encanterra development is La Casa—not your standard golf course clubhouse.

This 60,000-square-foot complex, designed by award-winning architect Bing Hu, is the focal point of the Encanterra development. There are a slew of amenities and services on-hand:

• fully equipped golf shop
• athletic club
• indoor and outdoor pools
• spa
• four restaurants
• ballroom
• business centre
• concierge
• private lounges

Catering to Canadians

Encanterra caters to Canadians, both golfers and non-golfers. Amongst the wide variety of memberships being offered, the International Membership is available to seasonal Arizona residents.

After paying an initiation deposit of $20,000, monthly dues for international members are paid from November to April only. And during this time, these members are provided with access to all amenities within the club.

A similar membership for year-round access would involve a $25,000 initiation deposit and dues would need to be paid all 12 months.

And the monthly dues are shockingly low for a resort of this quality – $125 per month for the social membership and $300 per month for the golf.

“Seventy per cent of our residents right now are from Western Canada, Washington and Ohio,” explained Ben Keilholtz of Blue Star Resort & Golf Management, owners of Trilogy. “That’s why our six-month program for seasonal residents has been so appealing.”

Early Stages of Development

Encanterra is still in the early stages of its development. Approximately 200 homes have been built to date, while the final master plan has room for 2,400 home sites.

That said, the number of golf memberships is being capped at 500 – 450 for Encanterra residents and 50 for non-residents of the resort. (Non-residents would face a $40,000 initiation deposit along with monthly dues.) There are almost 100 golf members already.

“We really feel that the economy in Arizona here bottomed out in the first quarter of 2010,” says Jared Wright, membership director for Encanterra. “And we see some health returning to the real estate sector through the rest of 2010. But this will be a slow recovery. We will not see a really big rebound until 2011, but that’s why we’re suggesting people get in now.”

Planning & Packing
When planning a trip within the United States, visit the website of your destination’s local university. Most university websites have a visitor’s section with recommended hotels and restaurants in the area. This could be a helpful first step in narrowing down your sleeping and dining options.

If you’d like to get a taste of the regional food culture during your vacation, visit www.localharvest.org to find the local farmers markets in the area. Hundreds of markets across the United States are listed on this site, along with the days and times that they’re open and the types of food typically available.

Language can sometimes be a barrier when you’re planning a trip abroad, especially if you prefer small, unique accommodations, like inns, convents, or bed and breakfasts. Before you call a bed and breakfast in Florence – where the proprietors may not speak English – visit translate.google.com. Type in your request in English (“We would like to reserve a room with a bathroom from August 8-12.”), and translate this to the language of your choice. Fax your reservation request to the bed and breakfast, and the staff can then fax a confirmation back, which you can translate to be sure that your request was understood.

If you’re planning to visit multiple cities or countries during your vacation, save money by flying “open jaw” – which means flying into one city (London) and flying home from another (Madrid) – instead of booking a round-trip flight. Travel expert Rick Steves recommends saving countries that offer the cheapest shopping – and the greatest health risks – for the end of your trip.

If you’d like to book a cruise and you don’t mind a little spontaneity, search for a deal on www.lastminute.com. Or, visit www.smallshipcruises.com to find some unique trips using smaller cruise operators.

If you’ve been delaying a European vacation because it’s just out of your vacation budget reach, consider traveling overseas by boat instead of plane. Cruising to Europe can be far cheaper than paying for airfare plus nightly hotel rates. Plus, you’ll pay just one up-front price in US dollars to cover your room, meals, and transfer costs if you book a trip on a US-based cruise line. Bon voyage!

If you have a furry friend at home, you know that boarding a dog or cat can add up quickly when you’re spending several days away from home. The typical cost of boarding a dog or cat is $15-20 per day, and when taxes and fees for services like bathing, special foods, medications and exercise are added in, your total can easily reach well over $100 for a five-day trip. Save this money for souvenirs by trading pet-sitting services with a friend or pet-loving neighbor. You’ll both appreciate having some extra room in your vacation budget.

Make a list of everything that’s in your suitcase, and keep it with you when you travel. If the airline loses your luggage, this list will come in handy when you’re replacing the contents of your bag.

Keep your doctor’s business card in your wallet. On the back of the card, list all of your medications and pertinent medical information. This may help you to get the proper treatment in the event of an emergency.

If you’re spending a week or more in one spot, pack a box with bulky items and mail it to your destination a week before your trip. Since most airlines are now charging a fee to check even the first bag, the post office is almost always a cheaper option. If the box is going to a hotel or time-share, call the front desk to let them know that it’s coming and ask them to hold it until your arrival.

Getting There
In the hustle and bustle of the security line at the airport, it’s far too easy to leave a valuable or two behind. To avoid losing your most important belongings, place your watch, wallet, and cell phone in your shoes before passing your items through the X-ray machine. This way, you can be sure that you won’t walk away without retrieving your valuables.

If your flight is oversold, it can be tempting to volunteer to be “bumped” in order to receive a free flight for a future trip. Before you offer up your seat, keep in mind that free flight vouchers often have restrictions that can make them nearly impossible to redeem (as I have found from personal experience). Many are only valid for one year, have a number of blackout dates, are non-transferable, are subject to booking fees, must be redeemed by mail or at airport ticket counters, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the airline’s policies before hopping off a packed plane.

Have a safe flight. While the chances of being involved in a plane crash are slim to begin with, you can increase your peace of mind in the air simply by picking the right seat. A study conducted by Popular Mechanics determined that passengers sitting in the rear of the plane are 40 percent more likely to survive a crash than those who are sitting in the first few rows. This statistic might make it easier to bypass the perks – and higher price tag – of First Class seating!

At Your Destination
If you find yourself driving in circles in an unfamiliar town, there’s a simple way to avoid hearing “Sorry, I don’t live here. I’m just visiting.” The next time you roll down your window to ask for directions, only approach people who are walking their dog. Chances are good that dog walkers live locally and know the area well.

If you only need a car for a few hours during your vacation, it may not make sense to rent a car for a full day or more. Instead, look into a car share program like Zipcar (www.zipcar.com). Zipcars can be found in cities across the United States and can be rented for cheap hourly rates. You can rent a car in Chicago for $9/hour, or in New York City for $10/hour. There’s a one-time $25 fee to join, and an annual fee of $50, so you’ll get the best bang for your vacation buck if you use Zipcars during at least a few vacations each year.

Thieves tend to target tourists, so it’s best to try to look like a local whenever possible. Before you park your rental car on the street or in a lot, buy a local newspaper and keep it on the dashboard or on the passenger seat. A burglar is less likely to break into the car if it looks like it belongs to someone from the area.

We all love to explore the restaurant scene when visiting a new city. But, it may make sense to check off some of the more upscale restaurants on your list by visiting them for lunch. In many cases, you can enjoy an exceptional meal for about 30% cheaper than you’ll find for the same entrees on a dinner menu. Plus, you’re less likely to spend your money on expensive alcoholic drinks in the middle of the day. Your dining out budget will stretch much farther if you splurge at lunch and enjoy a simple dinner.

Traveling Abroad
When traveling around Europe, carefully compare the costs of traveling by car versus train. If you’re traveling alone or with one other person, purchasing a multiple country rail pass may make the most sense. For larger parties, however, autos can give you the best bang for your buck. Four people sharing a car can travel more cheaply than four individuals buying four rail passes. Even when gas prices are steep, cars get great mileage, and distances between sights are short.

Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, wearing a money belt can set your mind at ease. You don’t, however, need to keep every dollar or euro in your belt – as this can make it a hassle to pay for a postcard or scoop of gelato. Use your money belt as your main money storage, for select deposits and withdrawals throughout your trip. Keep a few bills in your pocket or wallet for small purchases throughout the day.

In a foreign country, use ATMs rather than travelers checks to get the best possible rates. Keep in mind, however, that with ATM transactions come transaction fees, so try to make fewer and larger withdrawals (and store the cash safely in your money belt, or your hotel safe).

Converting monetary rates can leave your head spinning. Instead of doing mental math every time you make a purchase in a foreign country, print out a currency-conversion cheat sheet at www.oanda.com. Keep this handy so that you can see at a glance how much you’re spending on souvenirs.

Souvenirs
The best kinds of souvenirs are those that evoke vivid memories of an amazing vacation. If you want to document your travels, but don’t want to carry a journal around with you, make a point of buying a postcard each day of your trip. Write down a few quick sentences about your day on the back of the card– what you did, what you ate, a favorite moment – and on the last day of your trip, mail all of the postcards home. You’ll have a priceless – and yet inexpensive – collection of souvenirs in your mailbox shortly after you arrive home.

Foreign coins can make unique and beautiful souvenirs. Instead of dumping extra coins in the junk drawer when you return home, attach a piece of magnetic tape to the back of each coin to make instant fridge magnets. You’ll think of your vacation each time you open the door to reach for the bottle of milk.

Ticket stubs can also make fantastic souvenirs. Keep the tickets from your favorite museums, theaters, and attractions, and bring them to your local office supply store (or Kinkos) to have them laminated. You’ll have a new collection of bookmarks that will always remind you of the good times that you had on vacation. (This works well with foreign paper currency, as well!)

The golf swing is arguably one of the most difficult athletic actions to perform. It requires you to draw the golf club through a long range of motion with proper technique and exact timing. Any error in swing plane, timing, or sequence will cause your golf swing to suffer, and suffer it will. Unfortunately, the result of your golf swing suffering will be errant shots, poor golf scores, and frustration on the golf course.

Often, amateurs are at a loss for why their golf swing results in errant shots. Countless hours are spent at the range in an effort to improve their swing. Hundreds or even thousands of dollars are spent on lessons each year, not to mention the purchase of new equipment. It all adds up to a lot of time and money spent on improving the golf swing. Unfortunately, for some amateur golfers, their handicaps and score never improve. This leads to one question: “Why is my golf game not improving?”

If this question lingers in your mind, the answer could be staring right back at you in the mirror. A lack of improvement may have absolutely nothing to do with the driver you’re swinging, the teaching pro helping you with your swing, or even your practice routine. It could all have to do with you! Yes, you: the physical body swinging the golf club.

The golf swing requires your body to encompass certain physical qualities to execute the mechanics of the golf swing correctly. These physical qualities are certain levels of flexibility, muscular strength, balance, and power. If you are lacking the minimal amounts of flexibility, balance, strength, and power to execute the golf swing correctly, compensations will occur even before you swing the golf club.

For example, let’s look at your flexibility. The golf swing requires you to draw the golf club through a large range of motion. The backswing requires a full shoulder turn to set the club in the correct slot for the downswing, and the finish position is almost a mirror image of the backswing.

In order to perform these parts of the golf swing correctly, the muscles of your body must be flexible. An inflexible body in which muscles are “tight” creates restrictions in movement. These restrictions in movement will impede you from creating a full shoulder turn and balanced finish position. This causes compensations in the mechanics of the golf swing.

The entire body needs to be flexible for the golf swing. Certain muscles more than others are involved, and if these muscles are “tight” they will directly affect your swing. One such set of muscles is your hamstrings.

The hamstrings (back side of your upper leg) are often “tight” and cause problems to many people, not just golfers. However, they have a profound effect on the golf swing – and it is not a good effect. Hamstrings that are “tight” are in a shortened position. The shortened position of the hamstrings has a direct effect on the position of your hips. Your hips will be “tucked”, directly affecting your posture. This can hamper the ability to place oneself in the correct position at address within the golf swing, not to mention maintaining a proper spine angle during the swing.

Additionally, “tight” hamstrings place an undo amount of stress on the lower back. Large amounts of stress on the lower back cause fatigue and soreness, and increase the possibility of injury. If you are a golfer that has ever experienced lower back pain, you know the effect it has on your ability to swing the golf club correctly.

A combination of a postural change and undo amounts of stress on the lower back just begin to scratch the surface of the effect inflexible muscles can have on the golf swing. Just as you address swing faults, you must address flexibility faults. Flexibility faults can be addressed through golf stretches.

Golf stretches enhance the flexibility of your body in relation to the golf swing. Golf stretches often return “tight” muscles, such as the hamstrings, to their proper length. This gives your body the ability to perform the biomechanics of the golf swing correctly. If you are one of the many golfers who are not finding golf swing improvement through practice and instruction, take a moment to look at the body swinging the golf club. This very well may be the root of your golf swing problems. Fix your flexibility faults through golf stretches and find yourself on the road to lower golf scores and more enjoyment in the game of golf.

Are you interested in learning some new golf stretches? Click here for a basic golf stretching routine that can easily fit into your daily schedule.

The event is designed to be fun for the novice, but compelling for the more competitive players. There will be 2-person teams playing a scramble format, which means you always get to play the best shot, but there are only two to choose from!

Thanks to partners like Ping, The Arizona Diamondbacks, XONA Resort Suites of Scottsdale, Outback Steakhouse, Van’s Golf Shops, Artistik Design Studio LLC, Boxgroove, An Elegant Smile, XTRA Sports 910 and Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, they will be offering great tee gifts to all who participate. Additionally, there will be an awesome collection of prizes from golf rounds to fancy dinners for those who play well or perhaps just those that get lucky!

Looking for format and other important information? Click here.

Want to register right now to reserve your spot?  Click here.

Beyond being simply the centerpiece of the beautiful community, Los Meganos is the next evolution in the active adult experience and the most anticipated new resort clubhouse in greater Northern California’s East Bay Area.

At Los Meganos, more than 34,000 square feet of amazingly appointed interior experiences awaits, all of which make Los Meganos the new standard for wine country resort living.

To view more photos go to Trilogy’s Picasa, or to find out more about the club visit Club Los Meganos’ Website.

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” – Helen Keller

It is common and comforting knowledge that good friends can provide us with a helping hand, a sympathetic ear, or a good laugh just when we need it. It may be surprising to learn, however, that good friends can also help us to live longer lives. Recently, a study conducted by the Centre for Ageing Studies at Flinders University in Australia followed nearly 1,500 older people for a period of ten years. This study found that those who had a large network of friends outlived those with the fewest friends by an astounding 22%. Though it’s easy to recognize the emotional importance of the friends in our lives, it’s interesting to consider the physical health benefits that we receive from our social relationships, as well. Understanding these benefits may help us to see the importance of giving, receiving, and truly appreciating the gift of friendship.

Good Friends are Good for Life

Current research consistently supports the theory that as our social network gets smaller, our risk for mortality increases. Apparently, there is quite a strong correlation between the two – almost as strong as the correlation between smoking and mortality.

“There’s no doubt,” says Laura Cousino Klein, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State, “that friends are helping us live.” One study, conducted by David Spiegel, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, showed that women with breast cancer who participated in a support group lived twice as long as those who didn’t. They also had much less pain. Another study, reported in the journal Cancer, followed 61 women with advanced ovarian cancer. Those with strong social support had much lower levels of a protein linked to more aggressive types of cancer. Lower levels of this protein also boosted the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Women with weak social support had 70% higher levels of this protein in general, and two-and-a-half times higher levels in the area around the tumor.

But how can friendship have such a powerful impact on the length of our lives? Researchers suspect that good friends discourage unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and heavy drinking. The companionship provided by friends can also prevent or improve depression, boost self-esteem, and provide physical and emotional support. Also, as people age, they often become more selective in their choice of friends, so they tend to spend more time with people that have a positive effect on their lives.

Research conducted by Dr. Sheldon Cohen, a Psychology Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, concluded that strong social support helps people cope with stress. “Friends help you face adverse events,” Cohen explains. “They provide material aid, emotional support, and information that helps you deal with the stressors. There may be broader effects as well. Friends encourage you to take better care of yourself. And people with wider social networks tend to feel they feel they have more control over their lives.”

Other studies have shown that those with a small social network tend to die sooner after having a heart attack than those with a strong circle of friends. “People with social support have fewer cardiovascular problems and immune problems, and lower levels of cortisol — a stress hormone,” says Tasha R. Howe, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at Humboldt State University. “Why? The evolutionary argument maintains that humans are social animals, and we have evolved to be in groups. We have always needed others for our survival. It’s in our genes. Therefore, people with social connections feel more relaxed and at peace, which is related to better health.”

In addition to lengthening our lives, friends also help us to enjoy a better quality of life. The “Nurses’ Health Study” from Harvard Medical School found that the more friends people had, the less likely they were to develop physical impairments as they aged, and the more likely they were to be leading a joyful life. The results of this study were so significant, the researchers concluded, that not having close friends was found to be as detrimental to one’s health as smoking or being overweight.

‘Fight or Flight’ Versus ‘Tend and Befriend’

In many cases, friendships between women are different than friendships between men. “Female friendships are more geared to empathy, while male friendships are more geared to companionship and altruism,” states Margaret Gibbs, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. “Male friendships are more about helping each other – mending the lawn mower, that sort of thing. Women’s friendships tend to have a more emotional content – listening to friends’ stories and coming up with helpful solutions.” This different kind of relationship may make female friendships even more powerful in terms of increasing longevity.

A landmark UCLA study suggests that friendships between women can counteract the negative effects of stress. While several decades of stress research – mostly conducted on men – concluded that stress triggers a hormonal cascade that prepares the body to either stand and fight or flee as fast as possible, this new study suggests that women tend to have a broader response than just “fight or flight.” Apparently, when women experience stress, their bodies release chemicals that encourage them to make and maintain friendships with other women.

Dr. Laura Cousino Klein, one of the authors of this study, explains, “When the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress responses in a woman, it buffers the ‘fight or flight’ response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women instead. When she actually engages in this tending and befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. This calming response does not occur in men because testosterone, which men produce in high levels when they’re under stress, reduces the effects of oxytocin. Estrogen, on the other hand, seems to enhance it.”

The “tend and befriend” theory may explain why women often outlive men. Numerous studies have found that social ties reduce our risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. When researchers looked at how well women functioned after the death of a spouse, which is one of life’s biggest stressors, they found that those who had at least one close friend were more likely to survive the experience without any new physical impairments and without a loss of vitality. Those that considered themselves to be without friends were usually not as fortunate.

Finding Time for Friends

If our friends can keep us healthy and add years to our life, why can it be so hard for us to find time to be with them? “Every time we get overly busy with work and family, the first thing we do is let go of friendships,” explains researcher Ruthell en Josselson, PhD, “We push them right to the back burner. That’s really a mistake because friends are such a source of strength.”

Unfortunately, according to the recent study, “Social Isolation in America,” published in the American Sociological Review, Americans have fewer friends than they had in the past. The authors found that from 1985 to 2004, the number of Americans who feel they have someone with whom they can discuss important matters dropped by nearly one-third. The number of people who said they had no one they could discuss such matters with tripled to nearly 25%. The study also found that the percentage of people who talk about important matters only to family members, as opposed to friends, increased from 57% to 80%. Those who depend solely on their spouse for these talks increased from 5% to 9%.

Interestingly, close relationships with children and relatives, in contrast to close relationships with friends, have been shown to have almost no effect on longevity. Of course, family ties are important and emotionally beneficial; they just seem to have little effect on survival.

In addition to enjoying the camaraderie and company of good friends, knowing the significant health benefits of friendship might encourage us to make more time in our lives for our friends and confidantes. This knowledge might also inspire us to reach out to someone in our community that seems to be alone, creating a new bond and potentially giving the gift of longer life to a new friend.

Those who include yoga as part of their regular fitness routine reap rewards ranging from increased flexibility to improved mental clarity to a greater ability to heal after surgery or illness. Though at one time this ancient Eastern discipline seemed more like a fitness fad in America, it has now proven its staying power as an effective workout for body, mind, and soul.

From newborns to ninety-nine year olds, from bodybuilders to business professionals, it seems as if almost anyone can find something to like about the practice of yoga. Some are seeking a spiritual experience, while others are hoping for abs of steel. With so many different forms of yoga available – and each with unique benefits – how will you know which one is right for you?

The many different types of yoga come from a common tradition, so there isn’t one “right” way to practice. The type that gives you the physical and mental rewards that you’re seeking is the right type of yoga for you. To give you a sense of some styles that might suit your personality and preferences, read on for a brief description of eight common types of yoga practice. With some exercise experimentation, you’re sure to find the type of yoga that keeps you coming back for more.

Open Your Heart with Anusara Yoga
Anusara means “following your heart,” and the poses involved with Anusara Yoga are considered to be “heart-oriented.” This popular style of yoga is centered on the uplifting philosophy of looking for the good in all people and all things. Therefore, students of all levels of ability and experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. Instead of trying to control the body and mind from the outside, the poses originate from a creative feeling from within. “Once you set your physical foundation — the correct placement of your hands and feet — you can let go of everything and open up to something greater than yourself,” explains Bobby Lane, an Anusara teacher and owner of Align Performance Health and Fitness Center in Dallas. In a typical class, your teacher will begin with a brief incantation, and will then present a theme for you to reflect on as you move through a variety of asanas (poses). Your teacher will probably offer frequent adjustments to your body as the class moves along. Try Anusara Yoga if you’re looking for hands-on instruction and a welcoming, openhearted approach.

Start Fresh with Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga literally means “eight-limbed yoga” (referring to the path of internal purification through eight spiritual practices: moral codes, self-purification, posture, breath control, sense control, concentration, meditation, and contemplation). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. The one-breath-to-one-movement approach creates intense internal heat, resulting in a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Some believe that by ridding your body of toxins, you are better able to approach life with a clean slate. In a typical class, you’ll be moved through a series of flowing movements that do not allow much time for hands-on adjustments. Since Ashtanga is taught in a series that increases in difficulty, beginners should start with a “Mysore-style” class, which offers individual instruction.  Try Ashtanga Yoga if you’re looking for a challenging workout – and you’re not afraid to sweat!

Heat Things Up with Bikram Yoga
If you can’t take the heat, you might want to stay out of the Bikram Yoga studio. But if you can challenge your body to adapt to a sauna-like atmosphere while moving through a series of twenty-six asanas (postures), you may find yourself feeling better than ever. The Bikram poses are designed to scientifically warm and stretch muscles, ligaments, and tendons, in the order in which they should be stretched. Through this progression, fresh, oxygenated blood is moved systematically to one hundred percent of the body, restoring all systems to healthy working order. Why is the room kept at 105F degrees and 40% humidity? The heat increases muscle flexibility, removes toxins, and boosts the heart rate. Recovering couch potatoes and elite athletes alike may find the heat shocking at first. Therefore, studios often recommend that beginners attend class every day for a week to build up their tolerance. Try Bikram Yoga if you enjoy a set fitness routine – and you really like to sweat!

Build the Basics with Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga places a strong emphasis on alignment and technique, encouraging students to focus on executing each pose with as much precision as possible. The use of props is encouraged to help each student to achieve perfection in all of the postures. While precision and perfection are emphasized, it should be noted that Iyengar is not strictly for those with years of yoga experience.On the contrary, it is a style that is meant to be practiced by all students of all abilities. Each student is simply encouraged to execute each pose with as much precision as possible for his or her unique body. Regular practice of Iyengar Yoga is said to integrate the body, mind and emotions. “If you study Iyengar, you can go into any other style and protect yourself from injury,” explains Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., author of six books on yoga, including A Year of Living Your Yoga. In a typical class, the teacher will explain each pose at length, so expect to hold some of your positions for a good amount of time.  Try Iyengar Yoga if you want a greater understanding of the yoga poses.

Find Healing with Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu yoga encourages you to listen and respond to your body’s unique needs. You know your own body, and you know the level of intensity that it can handle. Therefore, you are in charge of your yoga experience. Kripalu is meant to be a tool for self-empowerment and personal growth, as you practice tapping into your inner-self, rather than relying on guidance from outside authorities. At the start of a typical class, you’ll take a moment to adjust your breath and find your center, before beginning with a gentle warm-up. Your teacher will then take you through a series of asanas, in which you’ll be invited to flow into stretches that feel natural to you as you go deeper into the poses. This process is called “meditation in motion.” Since your own body holds all of the answers, there is no wrong way to progress in a Kripalu class, and no two students will progress in the same way. Try Kripalu Yoga if you want your intuition to inspire you.

Tune In with Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is known as the “yoga of awareness,” and is often associated with the image of a serpent. This style of yoga “aims to uncoil the energy that sits at the base of the spine and bring it up through the various chakras,” according to Abbie Barrett of Body + Soul Magazine. The goal of this practice is to teach students the art of relaxation, self-healing and elevation to compensate for the adverse effects of daily stress. In a typical Kundalini yoga class, the movement within each posture is more repetitious than in other forms of yoga. The instructor will usually begin and end the session with chanting, and will often include meditation and deep breathing exercises.  Try Kundalini Yoga if you are looking for a deeply spiritual yoga practice.

Increase Your Energy with Power Yoga
Power yoga is probably the style that brought the practice of yoga to its current level of popularity. When people began to see yoga as an effective way of working out, it was introduced to an increasing number of gyms across America. “The practice is really based on the balance of strength and flexibility,” explains Baron Baptiste, founder of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. “It’s challenging, but it also respects your level of fitness.” Power yoga focuses on getting into shape to boost both your physical and emotional health. However, power yoga most often appeals to people who are already quite fit, who want to further tone and sculpt their bodies, and who feel that less is more when it comes to chanting and meditation. Classes vary widely from teacher to teacher, but you can most likely expect an aerobic workout, where you move through the poses at a quick pace.  Try Power Yoga if you want to get into serious shape, and perhaps find balance in other aspects of your life.

Find Inner Peace with Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda Yoga is known as the “yoga of synthesis,” and it boils the broad teachings of yoga down into five main principles: exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and positive thinking. All of these principles are aimed at achieving peace of mind and a well-balanced Sadhana (spiritual discipline). “One of the biggest steps for the beginner is to be centered, relaxed, and aware,” says Srinivasan, director of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch in New York. “This depth of awareness brings immediate joy and clarity, and encourages the student to continue with his or her practice.” Sivananda yoga follows a set structure of relaxation, warm-up, and breathing exercises (normally performed over a series of eight to ten classes), as students are gradually introduced to twelve classic yoga poses.  Try Sivananda Yoga if you see your practice as a path to spiritual discipline and fulfillment.

With so many variations to choose from – each appealing to different personalities and offering unique health benefits – there is probably at least one form of yoga that will feel “just right” for you. Enjoy experimenting with different styles as you find the practice that fits your mind, body, and spirit.