did you notice any physical changes with yoga?

Yoga won't elongate your muscles - it's not possible. I do a lot of yoga but haven't noticed it changing my shape at all. It has improved my flexibility a lot though.

It COULD help. There are different types of Yoga. Find the one that fits your needs. And do standing shin stretches...they helped me when I started running and could barely walk the next day lol.

so it should help with my very sore shins i get from zumba? and my sciatic nerve too probably? that seems like i need to do it then!

The biggest benefits I have seen from yoga are stronger arms and flexability. I usually run every other day alternated with yoga. If I miss a yoga session, my run suffers because the yoga works the kinks out of my muscles.

I *feel* taller, more balanced, more graceful and more centered in my body.

^^^THIS.

It is well worth doing. It doesn't change the shape of your muscles but depending on the type it can firm you like any other muscle exercise. The increase in flexibility and balance will probably help prevent injuries when doing other things. I usually do hatha or vinyasa flow. I find both very soothing mentally and it also works all the kinks out from other exercises and stress. I have even done restore which is not strenuous but will sure stretch you out and is so relaxing.

Ok, so yoga has totally transformed my body, head to toe. I lost 35 pounds before I started practicing and another 15 after I started... but that was also partially major diet changes as well. I'm at my goal weight now and yoga really helps me to tone. My muscles are long and lean and I notice the difference mostly in my arms, shoulders, back, and thighs. My stomach is gradually toning up. Anyone who knew me before my little transformation can't believe my body now... I haven't been this toned since high school when I swam competitively. And actually, I didn't look like this when I was 16 either. I'm not perfect, but I'm so happy.

I highly recommend it... there are three billion kinds out there so you're bound to find one you love. You can't beat the flexibility you get or the peace of mind. The balance is a nice side effect as well. I personally practice Ashtanga yoga for about 60 - 90 minutes a day, 5 - 6 days a week. (That's the only exercise I do, besides walking.) However, if you are looking for a good calorie burn and muscle strength, choose a "vinyasa" style of yoga... linking breath to movement. You're never still very long and you will sweat like crazy. Work those chatarungas, baby!

Try it and see.

http://youtu.be/5zw0ji80bM4

Whenever I used to do yoga in school, I hated it because I didn't find it relaxing in the slightest I couldn't hold any positions and had a hard time with in. I'm naturally flexible and I dance. I wish I enjoyed it but endorphins refuse to be released even at the mention of yoga.

Everyone pretty much covered the benefits here but I wanted to stress as another has to find the right teacher and/or studio for you. Just like finding a dentist or doctor or therapist. You can try out more than one until you find one you resonate with and than you will enjoy it more. I practiced for years in my living room to my TV teacher. I tried studios but I thought I just didn't want to be with other people and preferred solo practice. But than I went to his live class and I was amazed. It really is the teacher that can make or break our experiences (even in the same style). I had trouble finding another teacher (since he is actually 3000 miles away) and I studio hopped. I finally found someone I enjoy as much as my other teacher and he's local. If only he taught more than once a week.

So it can be quite a journey finding the right teacher. But also you can do solo practice which I am known to do in the park. Sometimes following along to my yoga app on my android.