Drawbacks: There are as many as six main branches of yoga, and then those branch out even more. Once you pick a yoga style, it may take time to get used to the terminology and the moves. If flexibility isn't your strong suit, you need yoga, but trying to get into and out of some of the moves may leave you feeling like a frustrated, discouraged pretzel. Yoga also has its own terminology and jargon, so you may feel as if you're trying to learn a foreign language as well as get your body into shape.

Insider information: Know yourself. Yoga classes range from moderately taxing to extremely challenging, so choose one that suits your abilities and fitness level. A good yoga instructor should appear calm and in control. Note whether the instructor explains the movements before doing them. She should also describe which muscles are being exercised. She should move around the room making corrections to your form as necessary. Choose a class that suits the level of spirituality you're looking for from your workout as well. If you're not into all that golden-ball-of-light stuff, then candles and prayers will just annoy you.

Sample Move: The Cobra

1. Lie face down with your arms at your sides, palms up, with your forehead on your mat or padded surface. Place your hands underneath your shoulders, palms down, with your finger-tips facing inward.
2. Tilt your head backward and begin raising your head, chest, and stomach off the floor. Push upward with your hands and slowly straighten your arms. Do not push this pose past point of moderate tension in your lower back, neck, shoulders or elbows. Hold position for 10 seconds.
3. Slowly tilt your head forward and lower back to the start. Relax, concentrating especially on your legs, back and stomach.