Are you of the belief that yoga is only for those who are already fabulously slim and look good in skimpy clothes that hug the body? Perhaps you're thinking that it's not possible to do yoga unless you're very flexible and easily able to move into positions that look impossible. Or you're a bit concerned that you'll find yoga is much more about naval gazing and meditating on the meaning of life than about health and fitness. It's time we debunked some of those myths for you because they could be stopping you from stepping out on a journey that could change your life.

Yoga is an ancient practice that aims to create harmony between body, mind and spirit. There are several different styles of yoga and each one has its own unique approach. Some styles focus strongly on the spiritual aspects of yoga practice, while others take a more physical approach. Most offer a combination of stretches and poses, and relaxation strategies. With such a variety, the chances are you'll find a style that suits you.

If your flexibility is a little limited – whether it's because of an injury or a lack of exercise – the Iyengar yoga style might be a good place to begin. Focussed on movement and the correct alignment of the body, this discipline incorporates the use of supports or props such as the studio wall, chairs or straps to help you enter and maintain postures. Movements are slower than some other styles of yoga.

Hatha is another excellent style for beginners who are unfamiliar with the practice and want to learn the basic yoga positions, or are perhaps a little unfit. It too is slow and gentle, with simple postures and flowing movements. In some areas, you'll find that once you've mastered the basics, you can move up to Dynamic Hatha and challenge yourself a bit further.

Bikram – sometimes called'hot' yoga – is also suitable for some beginners, particularly those who wish to lose weight. Undertaken in a heated room (usually 37 degrees) this yoga style has some 26 positions that are performed in sequence. The warm temperature combined with exercise loosens muscles and causes perspiration, which in turn assists the body to eliminate toxins.

Now to the naval gazing! Relaxation is a key aspect of yoga in general and it's hard to undervalue an aspect that has the ability to alleviate tension and improve your sense of well being. One yoga style that places a big emphasis on quiet meditation and harmony is Ananda yoga. Movements are slow and gentle. Kundalini yoga places an emphasis on the spiritual aspects of yoga, with poses and movements designed to improve awareness and heighten consciousness. Both offer a gentle means of exercise.

Yoga is for just about everyone. You'll find it a far different experience than that of going to your local gym or joining an aerobics class! Practitioners aim for peace and well being and tend to be focussed on themselves, rather than those around them during a session. If you are concerned about how you look, try some yoga pants that are loosely cut and comfortable. If weight is a big concern for you, why not speak to a Bikram yoga instructor to see if'hot' yoga might be suitable for you? And if it's flexibility that's bothering you, consider Iyengar yoga where you'll have additional support.

In worrying that you're too'fat' to join a yoga class you could be depriving yourself of a pursuit that could improve your fitness and flexibility as well as your overall sense of well being. Yoga may even help you to shed those extra kilos, so say goodbye to that excuse!

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