The husband of a yoga student recently asked me that if he were to do yoga, would it make him stop smoking. I responded, "No", because yoga doesn't really do anything. Semantics aside, yoga doesn't make anyone change behavior or habits.

I then went on to explain that yoga is simply a tool that helps to develop "self-awareness" by teaching how to first control your breathing, then to control the movement of your body, and ultimately how to control aspects of your mind.

There are many approaches to yoga which range from "aerobic" yoga that is suitable for younger and/or extremely fit people, to "classical" yoga that is directed to extremely flexible people, all the way to totally sedentary approaches based upon quiet sitting and meditation. On the other hand, ExTension and Recovery Yoga are western approaches totally based upon physiological principles and laws adapted from science and medicine.

As a process, ExTension and Recovery Yoga are done by learning a series of easy-to-do exercises that first focus upon the breath. From there, breath control is applied to various exercises that enhance both flexibility and strength. These exercises become your yoga foundations.

Although easy-to-do, the foundational exercises can be adapted to become both physically and mentally challenging; but only to the extent of what an individual is able to readily do. In other words, ExTension or Recovery Yoga teaches you how to do what you can do…not to do what you can't do. These differences may seem subtle, but are actually quite profound.

Although easy-to-do, the foundational exercises can be adapted to become both physically and mentally challenging; but only to the extent of what an individual is able to readily do. In other words, ExTension or Recovery Yoga teaches you how to do what you can do…not to do what you can't do. These differences may seem subtle, but are actually quite profound.

As you continue to build upon your yoga foundations, strength and flexibility increases which results in increased physical and emotional endurance. As your body and mind slowly adapts and allows for more advanced exercises, your yoga practice begins to affect how you think and feel.

As you begin to control your body through your yoga, you discover that it becomes merely a microcosm of your life. It then becomes natural to apply your increased control, awareness and understanding to other aspects of your life; including activities or habits you want to change or those that cause you physical or emotional distress.

In fact, anything that causes discomfort to your body or mind responds well to yoga. For instance, yoga is a great tool that helps you to lose weight, to reduce or stop smoking, to cut back on excessive drinking, and even to reduce depression.

And because you learn how to closely listen to the subtle messages your body gives you, your capacity for listening and loving increases; both toward yourself and others.

So, even though yoga has no power, practicing it is as close as you can get to a magical experience because I've yet to find another exercise system that provides so much benefit from such little effort.

Resources: with profound thanks to Sam Dworkis of www.extensionyoga.com.