Questions About Yoga

I do yoga at home quite a bit. I have several videos that I rotate between. I do use a mat, but they are pretty cheap. You can wear whatever comfy work out clothes you like. You also don't need to be spiritual about it. The main thing is to quite your mind so you get the full relaxing benefits along with the physical ones. I've tried doing yoga without videos, but I like having someone telling me how long to hold a pose. There are lots of books and cards, if you want to make up your own routine.

I have done yoga at home with videos, Wii Fit, and a book that I checked out from the library.

To answer your questions:

Yoga is good for toning and stretching muscles (love it for the stretches!!).
Only one form of yoga incorporates the meditative (spiritiual) aspects.
The exercises aren't always easy but you get better at them. You don't want to rush through them. Learn how to do them properly. But a workout doesn't have to take a long time.
You can get a mat if you want but its not required.
Looser fitting clothing is probably best.

What does it do? It works on strength and flexibility. After I do weights and my muscles are sore, yoga is the day that works out that soreness.
Can you do it without being all "spiritual?" I'm not in the least bit spiritual
Are the exercises easy and quick? You can do anything from a sun salutation that is 15-20 minutes. Power and Bikhram can go up to 90 minutes
Do you need any special tools? There are yoga blocks if you're very inflexible or very flexible.
Do you have to wear special clothes? I just wear comfortable but not too baggy clothes
Do you have to have a mat? I have a mat. There are some poses that you push on the floor and on a carpet, I'd slide.

Thanks to all who reply.

What does it do? Increases flexability, tones, great for easing tired and tight muscles

Can you do it without being all "spiritual?" (No offense.) I know a lot of people who will not do yoga due to its religious background. Honestly I think you can do it either way. There is nothing in any of my dvds that mention spirits other than "use this time to awaken and revitalize your spirit"

Are the exercises easy and quick? I do a dvd daily called AM/PM yoga with patricia walden and rodney yee...it's 20 in morn and 20 at night. (find it on amazon) that is pretty quick. Easy? At first your body isn't used to moving and stretching ini certain ways but the longer you stick with it the deeper into poses you can get

Do you need any special tools? They use a strap sometimes to increase stretch...I use the belt off my bathrobe...does the same trick (so will a towel)

Do you have to wear special clothes? nope. Something comfortable that isn't restrictive....nothing like trying to sit on knees and lean forward (child pose) in a pair of jeans

Do you have to have a mat? I have a mat for when I go to a class or even outdoors when weather is nice. But when I'm at home I just use the carpeted floors. If you have hard floors I recommend a mat...you want to be comfortable

I've been practicing hot yoga for a year. A mat is very helpful to keep your feet from slipping. I would suggest wearing a tight-fitted top so it won't flop over your head during inverted poses. You can do yoga at home with a dvd but I suggest taking a few classes so you can understand how to engage your body during the poses. Yoga is not a static exercise where you simply stand in a pose. A good instructor will show you how to engage your legs, arms and core for a good workout and to avoid injury. Good luck!