Many women try yoga for stress reduction, but they stick with it because it makes them feel--and look--younger, says Larry Payne, PhD, a yoga director at Loyola Marymount University and coauthor of Yoga Rx. Unlike traditional exercise, yoga blends moves that improve circulation, balance, flexibility, and strength with meditative techniques such as deep breathing. "My students call yoga a natural face-lift," he says. "It cleanses, relaxes, and restores."

Perform these age-erasing yoga poses in the order listed, 3 times a week for maximum benefits.

PROPS: You'll need several pillows, a wall, and a nonslip surface.

BREATHING: Use your breath to lead you into and out of each yoga pose, moving at a relaxed pace. Breathe deeply through your nose, imagining you have a wide elastic band around your waist. When you inhale, expand the band in all directions--front, sides, and back. As you exhale, pull the band back in.

Moving Meditation -- Warm up your joints and muscles

A. Stand with your feet together, toes forward, and knees slightly bent. Relax your arms at your sides, palms in. Lift your chest and roll your shoulders back and down. Look straight ahead and breathe deeply for 1 minute.

B. Inhale and raise your arms out to the side (palms up) until overhead. Exhale and bend forward from the hips, keeping your arms extended in front of you as your hands reach down to touch the shins, feet, or floor (as shown). Hold for 15 seconds. Inhale and rise, bringing your arms overhead; exhale and lower arms to sides. Repeat B three times.

Warrior -- Strengthens and stretches legs, glutes, abs, and arms

Stand with your feet apart, right foot pointing to side and left foot turned in slightly. Keep your torso facing forward. Exhale and bend your right knee. Inhale and raise your arms out to the side. Turn your head to the right and hold for 15 to 30 seconds.

Read more on Prevention.com.

See Part II: http://www.agoracosmopolitan.com/news/health/2011/11/23/1876.html