Yoga योग comprises of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. There is a broad variety of yoga schools, practices, and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The term “yoga” in the Western world often denotes a modern form of Hatha yoga, which includes the physical practice of postures called asanas. Yoga is practiced with a variety of methods, including Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Laya Yoga and Hatha Yoga. Raja yoga originally denoted the ultimate goal of yoga, Samadhi, but was popularized by Vivekananda as the common name for Ashtanga Yoga, the eight limbs to be practiced to attain samadhi, as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

The American College of Sports Medicine supports the integration of yoga into the exercise regimens of healthy individuals as long as properly-trained professionals deliver instruction. The College cites yoga’s promotion of “profound mental, physical and spiritual awareness” and its benefits as a form of stretching, and as an enhancer of breath control and of core strength.