Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 5000 years ago.
The word "Yoga" came from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite or integrate."
Yoga is about the union of a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

In Yoga, the body is treated with care and respect for it is the primary instrument in man's work and growth. Yoga exercises improve circulation, stimulate organs, and put pressure on the glandular system of the body, which can improve health.

One of the advantages of Yoga is that it can be practiced almost anywhere, without special equipment, and by people of all ages. Using a mat, a blanket, or towel will provide support and added comfort when you do lying or sitting positions. It's best to wear loose or stretch clothing, such as shorts, sweat clothes, or leotards. Yoga is traditionally practiced barefoot, however, socks or soft-shoes can be put on. It is also best to practice Yoga on an empty stomach or about one or two hours after a full meal.

Basic Yoga classes usually incorporate the following poses.

Warm-up Exercises - conditions your body for safe transition into asana practice.
Standing Poses - for alignment of the feet and the body.
Sitting Poses - sitting poses allows you to infuse with the breath and prana, and to revitalize from a pose by giving you a calm and quiet feeling.
Twists - twist exercises releases the tension in your spines, relieves backaches and makes your shoulders more flexible.
Supine and Prone Poses - these poses releases tension in your abdomen and increase the mobility of your spine.
Inverted and Balance Poses - inverted and balance poses defies gravity and develops coordination, increase stamina and strength, and improves grace, agility and poise.
Backbends - backbends are the poses that benefit the adrenal glands and the kidney.
Finishing Poses - these are the cooling-down exercises for Yoga.