What is Yoga

For most people who’ve never tried it, the word “Yoga” immediately conjures up a mental picture of a bunch of skinny people in spandex, contorting themselves into impossible pretzel-like shapes and humming “Ohmmmm” in unison. And while complicated poses or chanting are sometimes involved, Yoga can actually be a valuable tool for those looking for a great way to relax and get into shape – the spandex is optional.

The word Yoga comes from a Sanskrit word, meaning “to unite.” The practice of Yoga dates back more than 5000 years, and began with the ancient Yogis. The Yogis, an order of high Hindu priests in India, believed in the importance of man being in harmony with himself and his surroundings. They ate vegetarian meals, wore as little clothing as possible, and focused on learning about themselves, nature, and their place in the universe.

To help them in this search for enlightenment and integration, the Yogis developed exercises that strengthened their bodies, as well as their minds and spirits. These exercises revolved around finding balance through breathing, meditation and movement: the three main structures of Yoga.