Mind-Body Connection Resource Center

Yoga Anand Ashram About this site: Curious about yoga? Want to learn more about the philosophy behind it? The Yoga Anand Ashram has an excellent introduction to this ancient Indian mind-body system of body-strengthening postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. (http://www.santosha.com)   Pluses: Online issues of the semi-annual Moksha Journal and a feature that lets you send an article to a friend.   Minuses: Some of the links don't work, and some areas are still under construction.   Best feature: The Yoga Postures section lists dozens of common postures, with step-by-step directions, difficulty ratings, pictures, and even some animated illustrations.

Yoga Central About this site: If you are turned off by Yoga's "new age" reputation, or don't have time to take a class at your local Yoga center, why not take an on-line class in breathing, chanting, stretching, or relaxing at Yoga Central? Classes are free, brief, and cover the basics. (http://www.yogaclass.com)   Pluses: Links page points you to hundreds of sites where you can increase your Yoga know-how.   Minuses: A more detailed history of Yoga would help round out site.   Best feature: Discuss the benefits of inverted poses or the progress of your lotus position in Yoga Chat.

The Yoga Site About this site: The homepage promises readers an "eclectic collection of yogic connections." The site delivers this and more with a yoga retreat directory, extensive teacher directory, basic postures page, bookstore, publications, articles, and newsgroups. (http://www.yogasite.com)   Pluses: Brief primers on the subtle variations of yoga and links to various yoga organizations.   Minuses: Lacks instructions and illustrations of basic yoga postures.   Best feature: Yoga Therapy articles explain the scientific benefits of yoga and provide links to abstracts of scientific reports.