This time of year, people tend to make New Year's Resolutions.  I've always thought the notion was a little silly, myself.  Why wait for some arbitrary "beginning" to improve yourself?  Your mind and body don't run by the calendar.  Anytime can be the right time to change for the better.

For us in the Northeast, this time of year does not obviously lend itself to active change (or activity of any type, really, besides cuddling by fireplaces, knitting, and drinking warm chocolatey and/or alcoholic beverages).  That said, midwinter is as good a time as any to change your diet or start a workout routine. 

In a climate like ours here in Boston, winter is a time of self-reflection and regeneration.  Symbolically, it is a quiet time of gestation, preparing us for the rebirth of the coming spring.  If you look at it that way, it makes perfect sense that the seeds you plant during these seemingly lifeless months will grow into the person you will be in the year to come.

Getting in shape/losing weight always hangs out near the number one spot in those Top Ten New Year's Resolutions lists.  Since it's relatively safe to assume that the readers of a wellness blog are interested in, well, wellness, I'm going to go ahead and wager that many of you have goals of improving or maintaining your physical health in 2010. 

Starting a yoga routine can be one of the most effective ways to jump-start your fitness goals.  But if you've seen some advanced yogis in wild poses like the one above, you may find the prospect a bit intimidating. 

Our massage therapist Jared was a busy student who didn't think he had time to work out.  "I hardly exercised," he tells me.  "I would run a couple of miles every few weeks, but I didn't have anything close to a regular workout routine.

"A lot of my friends and clients were into yoga, and it got me interested.  People would come in to be massaged because of injuries sustained while they were trying to get into this or that pose.  I really started doing yoga hoping to better understand the needs of my clients.

"When I took my first class, I was shocked by how these people could move.  That first time, I was struggling just to get into the basic poses.  I knew I wasn't doing any of them right, but I also knew the second time would be easier.  Sure enough, at my second class, I could nail most of the basic poses, and felt the workout much more."

Jared started taking a yoga class once per week at Karma Yoga in Harvard Square.  By his third class, he started noticing changes in his body, both in class and in everyday life.  "I noticed while I was doing normal things, like opening doors, or even walking, that my movements were more controlled and fluid.  My stride was more confident and controlled.  I used to sort of drag my feet and shuffle around. 

"I used to be very clumsy.  All of a sudden, I was more aware of my body.  The more I've practiced, the more in control of my movements I feel.  I don't trip over myself or bump into things anymore.  And I noticed I was getting more flexible.  It wasn't as difficult to bend over and pick something up.

"I'm also much stronger physically now.  It's been great - so much better for me than weight lifting, which shortens muscles.  Yoga lengthens as it strengthens, and also teaches you how to use those muscles practically."

Another major benefit of yoga that becomes immediately apparent to most people beginning their practice is the awareness and control of breath.  "I have much more endurance and don't get out of breath as easily as I did before," Jared notes.  "Also, when I do get out of breath, I recover much more quickly."

It's true that some of the most advanced poses can take years of practice to achieve, but the basics can be learned relatively quickly and easily, and each pose can be modified for the individual's ability level.  Because of this inherent "customization" factor, every yoga practitioner will get the workout that is most beneficial to him or her.  Jared has learned to adjust his poses slightly as his ability level increases.  "Every class, I notice I can do a little more."

Jared's tips for fledgling yogis:

*Go with a friend, especially someone who practices yoga.  It'll help you feel less awkward, and you can ask them your questions. 

*Let the teacher know you're new.  They will usually give you extra help and instruction to get you started right.

*Tightish clothes are better than loose.  There are a lot of upside-down positions, and baggy clothes will fly up. 

*Everyone has to start somewhere.  Remember, don't be too hard on yourself, and above all, be flexible.  Listen to your body and its abilities.  Take it slow.  You'll be a pro before you know it.