It is no surprise that yoga has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. Not only does the ancient art reduce stress and lead to deeper spirituality, it also greatly benefits physical health.

Yoga improves posture, increases intake of oxygen and enhances the function of the respiratory, reproductive, digestive and endocrine systems. Yoga also does wonders for mental health by deepening the mind-body connection and reducing stress. Practising yoga on a regular basis can fight depression, eliminate insomnia and calm the mind in general.

With all of these benefits, it is also no surprise that yoga is rapidly gaining popularity across North America. Classes, clothing, books, videos and magazines - you name it - yoga's got it. There are even yoga conferences designed to bring like-minded individuals together to practise and learn about the ancient art.

From Nov. 21 through 23, Toronto will be home to the largest yoga conference to take place on Canadian soil - The Yoga Show and Conference. This comprehensive event will feature 175 exhibitors, 108 yoga classes, 35 demonstrations, 31 highly esteemed instructors, 15 seminars, three concerts and one yoga dance performance.

Because yoga means different things to different people - for some it is purely physical while for others it is an all-encompassing way of life - a broad range of styles will be addressed at the conference.

For those seeking a primarily meditative and spiritual experience, classes in Anusura, Sivananda, Kundalini and Kripalu yoga are best suited. Although all five styles differ in origin they each focus strongly on transformation and enlightenment.

Those interested in a physically challenging workout that generates heat and detoxifies the body will do best to seek out seminars on Bikram (hot yoga) or power yoga. Both styles push the practitioners' limits of strength and flexibility. Beryl Bender Birch, who developed power yoga and authored the best-selling book by the same name, will be sharing her vast knowledge during the Yoga Show and Conference.

Practitioners seeking a physical challenge as well as a deeply spiritual experience should look to Jivamukti, Iyengar and Ashtanga. These forms demand strength while expanding the students' meditative focus. David Life, co-founder of Jivamukti yoga, will lead a variety of seminars on this highly popular style during the conference.

Experts in every style will be available throughout the three-day event, to guide participants along their chosen path, ensuring that the first Yoga Show and Conference makes for a vibrant community where participants can derive benefits from both individual and collective practice.

In addition to the classes, an exhibition show floor will feature 175 exhibitors showcasing a large variety of yoga products and services. Everything from yoga wear to yoga retreats to in-home meditation and yoga spaces will be on the show floor. Of course, since the body also requires nourishment the vegetarian café will offer yogis and yoginis the chance to sample eats and treats from some of Toronto's best vegetarian restaurants.

Those interested in attending the first Yoga Show and Conference have a number of options. A three-day pass, which includes a maximum of 12 classes or 24 hours, is $500. Two-day registration for the conference allows for a maximum of eight classes (16 hours) and costs $370, while a one-day pass includes four classes and is $200. Single classes are available via pre-registration at $60 per class.

In addition, there is a pre-conference intensive workshop that will provide the opportunity to study with a teacher's teacher, taking the participants even deeper into the process and practice of yoga.

Evening activities round off the day and include an opening night celebration featuring concerts with Swaha and Rasa, the Dharma Moon World Fusion Party featuring hip Buddhist band Drala and Bollywood vocalist Falguni, as well as an evening with legendary chanter Bhagavan Das and famed British yoga dance group Tripsichore.

The ambitious and exciting event is being produced by Ahimsa Productions, a Toronto based company dedicated to creating a series of international yoga events. In addition to the Yoga Show and Conference, Ahimsa Productions founded Early Yoga Education, a not-for-profit organization with the aim of providing yoga teachers for children in school.

With more than 20,000 anticipated visitors, The Yoga Show and Conference promises to be one of the largest and most exciting yoga events in North America to date.

A description of classes, exhibitors and instructors as well as registration for The Yoga Show and Conference can be done on-line at www.theyogashow.com.