I started yoga when I was 30 years old, over ten years ago, as a way I thought I could diet.  I fell in love with the movement and philosophy and soon devoted my time and life to learning and teaching yoga.  After studying and practicing in Japan for five years, I went to India to learn from the masters.  Until then, I only saw it as a physical exercise, but my time in India opened my eyes to the inner teachings as well, and I go back to study and refresh myself whenever I can.  Yoga has made me stronger, both physically and mentally, but I think it is important that everyone feels comfortable and even can feel better from their first time in the studio.  Yoga should be inviting, not intimidating.  I hope you come and try it and stay with it as I have.  Naoko Izumi is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, which acknowledges the completion of a yoga teacher training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS).