Noll Daniel, NYC yoga expert, says music is an integral part of his yoga classes. "I like to use music," says Daniel. "I find that it brings people more into the environment of the class, more into their bodies and it rids them of outside distractions."

More importantly, most kinds of music increase the all-important mind-body connection. "Music really helps bring about the emotional release that already happens in a class," says Daniel. "It really enhances the entire experience."

Music has become such an important fitness tool that some gyms in major cities are hiring DJ's to spin during peak hours, but don't expect to hear Mariah Carey or Jay Z filling the air in your next yoga class. "Most of the popular music you hear on radio won't be appropriate," says Daniel. "Rap music is not a good idea. Most classical music can be good, as long as it's not overly orchestrated. Then, it can be as distracting as heavy metal."

"I try to choose soothing, non-lyrical or foreign language music, with chanting or instrumentals, to create a more relaxing atmosphere, especially for slower postures, so people can concentrate on their breathing," says Daniel, whose musical choices tend to be unorthodox. His favorites include Dead Can Dance (chant-like, Gothic sounds) and most selections from Windham Hill and Narada (alternative and New Age labels).

While virtually all yoga practices can be enhanced via music, some classes are better suited than others, according to Daniel. "Power yoga, for example, is more conducive to adding music," he says. "When I have more experienced pupils and we really want to create a yoga party, I will use more upbeat, percussive music, turn it up a bit, and really get into it."

Still there is a time during yoga when silence is golden, according to Daniel. "During meditation time, there should be silence, so the individual can concentrate on their breathing and internal focus, and really be silent and still."

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