Yoga has grown tremendously in its popularity in recent years. Once a practice reserved for the truly earthy people, it now has enveloped society and improved countless lives. From muscle conditioning and strength training to flexibility and stress relief, yoga has become a staple in virtually every gym across the nation. So, if it has invaded all of the public workout spaces, why not have it in your own home?

At-home yoga practice, with instruction coming on-line, on DVDs, and even on some video gaming systems, has made learning the ancient art form easier and more accessible. Thus, using it as a supplement to your normal at-home routine will give your body some much needed variety, allow your mind to separate from stress and achieve some semblance of peace, and it will help to restore its energy for future training sessions.

You can incorporate yoga into your warm-up and/or cool-down during your normal workouts, or you can dedicate one day's training per week to a more rigorous approach. You may also elect to do a restorative, stretching-based yoga session on your rest day. This will let you activate the muscles, maintain a sense of flexibility, and stretch out for the next week's work.

To begin, try working on some basic poses.

Staff Pose - Basic pose that serves as a beginning and return point for other poses.

Cobbler's Pose - Normally follows Staff Pose in a cycle; thus, it too opens to other moves.

Child's Pose - Relaxation position that eliminates movement and muscle stress.

Downward Dog - Core yoga position that seeks to stretch the entire body from the fingertips to the heels.

Upward Dog - Long stretch that drives the chest and shoulders up and encourages posture and breathing.

Cobra- Full body stretch that seeks to widen the chest and emphasis deep breathing.

Corpse Pose - Normally the final pose in a session, as it encourages total relaxation.

Overall, including yoga is ultimately a great way to give your normal routine some spice, and it will, if invested in properly, give you as much mentally as it does physically. Be careful because you may just fall in love with it.

If you are like me and you constantly try to make your workouts more efficient, then listen to the advice I received several years ago: train with your eyes wide open. When I first heard this, I chuckled because I thought about the idea of lifting weights or running on a treadmill with my eyes shut; yet, when I took the time to think seriously about the words, I came to the conclusion that it meant something quite poignant.

In short, I have used the phrase to remind me to be aware of what I am doing, why I am doing it, and how it will impact my body. Since then, I often reflect on my workouts and draw conclusions about whether or not I am getting things done the best way. So, if you are like me, think about these two concepts below, no matter if you are just starting out or have years of experience.

The Do:

Begin all activity in moderation. The advice here seems obvious for novices just getting their bodies going. However, most newcomers do not heed this warning. Instead, they charge in looking to create that beach body in a matter of weeks rather than establishing a healthy approach that makes exercise a lifestyle and not a crash course. Take the time to allow muscles to adjust, learn proper form, and truly gauge your body's abilities and needs.

If you are a seasoned gym rat, the advice still has merit. If you begin a new routine or integrate a new lift, be patient and don't load up too soon. You'll get more out of it in the long run if you show a more conservative initial approach.

The Don't:

Do not treat momentum as your friend. While it may allow you to pull or push more weight, making it a staple in your form is a big mistake. Momentum destroys form, thus it hinders your muscles' growth potential. If you need momentum to finish those last few bicep curls, then you have chosen a weight that is too much. If you need to bump the bar off your chest during a bench press, then once again you have gone too far. Just concentrate on isolating the muscle and making it work alone. This way you will see real results, and you'll, in all likelihood, avoid needless injury.

Kathy Smith is another fitness instructor who has been around the industry for a long time. She is still putting out new products but one of the best workout videos that she produced was done in the 80s. Kathy Smith's "Ultimate Video Workout" is just like it sounds: the ultimate workout video. Even though it was made in the 1980s it will definitely still have you sweating today.

The "Ultimate Video Workout" was Kathy's first workout video that she came out with. It was released in 1984 which was a year after Kathy came out with her first aerobic book called "The Ultimate Workout." Having been Kathy's first workout video, it can be said that this workout video is what led the way for Kathy and her long career in the fitness industry.

The "Ultimate Video Workout" features a strength training portion as well as an aerobics section of the workout. The workout is designed to get your heart rate up to burn calories and fat in a quick amount of time. The exercises are not complicated but they are intense. This workout targets every area and muscle of the body. You will work your arms down to your calves during the different sections that Kathy instructs. The workout ends with a stretching portion to cool down after the rigorous exercise.

One thing to mention about this workout video is that it may not be for beginners. Although Kathy does give alternate exercises and levels for the strength training portion of the workout, the aerobic portion of the workout is intense. Beginners may want to start with a different Kathy Smith workout or at least take it slow in the beginning.

The "Ultimate Video Workout" can still be found on VHS on sale at different places, but it was recently released on a new workout DVD called Kathy Smith's Strong, Sleek and Slim. This workout DVD also has two other older workouts from Kathy Smith as well.

Kathy Smith's "Ultimate Video Workout" is definitely an 80s workout that has stood the test of time. You may even find that the workout has you sweating and breathing harder than newer videos you may have done. You just have to get past the leg warmers and cheesy 80s clothing!

Every person loves beach muscles, the ones that attract attention all summer long. Men and women alike enjoy having toned bodies, and most love the idea of having "guns." The arms are signs of strength and pride, and, while the tricep is important to balance arm symmetry, the muscle that makes the ego pop is the bicep.

Perfectly rounded biceps that sit up on the arms like baseballs stuffed under tight skin aren't simply genetic; in fact, with a good nutritional plan and an intense workout routine, one that does not allow too much rest and focuses on form over weight, can make biceps grow to impressive sizes on virtually anyone.

Best of all, no gym is needed. Just a few sets of dumbbells or resistance bands and you're on your way. Try the following short but highly intense workout. Twice a week lay the weights out on the floor, crank the iPod, and get to work. You'll love the pumped feeling afterward, and the results will come soon.

After jogging in place, doing a set of jumping jacks, and stretching the arms and shoulders, just do...

1. Eighteens: With lighter dumbbells, begin with your hands at your sides. Curl both upwards to 90 degrees and then back down. Do this six times, then complete a full curl of your shoulder. Let the weight come back down to 90 degrees and complete six reps like this. Finally, do six full curls to total eighteen. Adjust the weight as needed.

2. Single-Arm Cross-Body Curls: Alternating arms, curl the weight inward across your chest, up to the opposite shoulder.

3. Hammer Curls: Alternating arms, pull the dumbbell large side up to the shoulder. Return in the same fashion. Use a challenging weight.

4. Seated Concentration Curls: With a lighter weight, place your elbow on the inside of your thigh. Curl the weight up toward your shoulder.

Rest for 30-60 seconds between sets. Repeat the cycle as you get stronger, and vary your weights to challenge yourself. Be consistent and focused. In no time, you'll see your arms grow.

Now that the new year has fully set in and people have started to pursue their resolutions, possibly the same health-based ones they chased last year, with real intent, the time has arrived to think about not just going to workout, but exactly how you should do it. Plenty of advice exists as to what programs to follow, what nutritional table to adhere to, or what cardio plan to use. Yet determining these crucial parts are certainly not the only ideas you need to review before truly succeeding in changing your body. Check out the following to get the most from your training.

The Do:

Too many people feel the need to race through their sets when lifting. They let the weight come down quickly, press or pull it out or up even faster, get to that magical number, which for some reason is normally ten, and then replace the bar on the rack and move on. Somehow they have learned along the way that speed and grunting equal quality. Not so fast! Instead, slow down...a lot. Take each rep calmly, getting a good negative (bringing the weight down) to create a nice burn, and a quality positive (pushing or pulling the weight up or away). Controlled, methodical work will give you far greater rewards in the long term, as form and function have to outweigh pace and quantity. Not to mention, you'll amass far fewer injuries.

The Don't:

Despite the temptation, never skip a workout. You can modify it or massage it a bit to fit the day if something has come up, but do not skip it entirely. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned gym rat, this is a bad habit to develop. What it creates, aside from the mental softness it may show, is a backlog of workouts. If you are on a planned program, skipping forces you to adjust further workouts to compensate for your inactivity that day. Do not allow yourself the excuses that inevitably creep into your brain. Make the workout a serious priority each day. It is the only way you'll feel healthier and more productive.

If you want an 80s workout video that will have you sweating and also may have you drooling then you need to check out The Soap Star Workout. This workout video features prominent soap star actors and actresses from the 80's instructing you on how to get lean and fit with exercise.

John Martin from One Life to Live was the mastermind of this workout and hosts the workout video. He recruited fellow soap stars Charles Shaughnessy from Days of Our Lives (who is still very active in the acting business), Jacklyn Zeman from General Hospital, Kin Shriner from General Hospital, and Holly Gagnier from Days of Our Lives to instruct the workout and to teach the moves. If you were a fan of soap operas back in the late 80s or early 90s you most likely recognize these names and most of them have gone on to star in other television shows and movies.

The workout video contains a low-impact aerobic routine that gets your heart rate up and your body working. The moves are easy to follow and can be accustomed to both beginners and more advanced people. The workout routine works the entire body and is great for shedding fat and burning calories. It's a good substitution for a cardio workout when you want something different.

Besides the good looking faces (even if they are dressed in 80s clothing and have some funky hair) the music is also an added bonus to the workout. The Soap Star Workout features some motivating music that will have you flying through the workout and having fun. You may not even notice that you are sweating until you turn the workout off.

The Soap Star Workout is a fun workout that may just get you reminiscing about the 80s while working up a good sweat. The great thing about this 80s workout video is that not only is it fun but it still will give you an excellent workout to burn fat and calories more than 20 years after it was released. It has stood the test of time in the fitness world.

In a fast-paced world, one that wants a result and then immediately moves onto the next situation, people tend to fail when it comes down to taking the proper amount of time to get a job done correctly. Unfortunately, this approach often makes its way into people's exercise routines, and it can have some pretty detrimental effects.

For many, they allot a small amount of time each day to getting in their workout. Rather than warming up and cooling down adequately, they hustle into the training without truly preparing their bodies for the rigors of the workout. As a result, people struggle with training and get less results than they would have had they completely prepped the muscles to work. Also, injuries can occur and keep people from being consistent with their training.

So, keeping in mind that a great warm up is a necessity, try these quick exercises before you begin your at-home workout.

1. March in place (30 seconds): Use arms and legs in a fluid motion.

2. Jog in place (30 seconds): Be sure to pump the arms harder and get the feet up off the ground by focusing on your knees.

3. High Knees (30 seconds): Still jogging, drive the knees upward to the hip.

4. High Knees Out (30 seconds): Instead of straight up, drive the knees up to the outside of the hips.

5. Heels (30 seconds): Kick heels toward the buttocks by focusing on pushing the knees downward.

6. Neck Rolls (4 rotations): Slowly roll the neck from shoulder to shoulder.

7. Arm Circles (30 seconds): With arms straight and to the sides, start with small circles and get larger.

8. Hamstrings (both legs 30 seconds): Form a triangle with your legs, the floor and your hip. Keep feet flat on the floor and lean forward down the leg. Then switch.

9. Quads (30 seconds each): Standing, pull your heel to your buttocks. Drive the knee down. Do not let the leg go to the side. Stand tall.

10. Jumping Jacks (1 minute)

In less than 7 minutes, you'll be ready to go!

If you are familiar with the health and workout industry you may know who Joanie Greggains. You may know her from her radio show or her popular exercise show Morning Stretch. What you may not know her from is the 1980's workout video Joanie Greggains' Super Stomachs.

Super Stomachs was one of Joanie's first workout videos but just because she was just starting out in the industry doesn't mean that her video won't give you a fantastic workout. If you want a flat midsection then her tape can help you achieve it.

The great thing about this workout video is that it is only 15 minutes long but is super focused and will have your stomach muscles hurting in no time. Joanie designed the workout to help you strengthen and tone your stomach while helping to melt away belly fat as well. It just doesn't focus on one part of the stomach but has exercises for every part of the midsection, including the love handles and the lower abdominals.

Super Stomachs is a good choice for both beginners as well as advanced people. Joanie gives alternate options for the exercises that are both easier and harder for all types of levels. This makes the workout even better because you can grow with it and you most likely will never outgrow the workout because of the more advanced options.

You have to remember that this workout video is from the 1980s so the music choice may not be what you hear on the radio today but it is still upbeat and gets you moving. Although the music may be out of date, the exercises are not. These moves are not your basic crunch or sit-up. Once you get past the music and clothing choices you will find one of the best workouts for your stomach.

If you really want an abdominal workout that has proven the test of time, then Joanie Greggains' Super Stomachs may be the right choice for you.