The term yoga comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "yoke" or "union." This ancient practice can be traced back 5,000 years and is intended to unite the mind, body and spirit. On the physical level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands and tissues, keeping all the bodily systems healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyana) to quite, clarify and discipline the mind.

Cultivating a yoga practice is one way of living a life focused around health and peace of mind. In today's Western culture, most people refer to Yoga and Asana (postures) synonymously, most commonly coming to their mats as a means to lessen stress and find relaxation, strength and flexibility.

• Build strength
• Improve your posture and flexibility
• Create longer, leaner muscles
• Speed up your metabolism
• Lose weight
• Enhance your balance
• Recover from injury and chronic pain
• Reduce stress
• Have more energy and passion
• Experience a new level of emotional calm and mental clarity
• Open yourself to the process of transformation
• Enjoy life more fully