The art of yoga blends fitness, well being, meditation and tradition into fluid movements of the body. This ancient tradition has been around for more than 5,000 years and began in ancient India. Yoga is spiritual, mental and physical and was practiced originally by yogis, or yoga practitioners. No one really knows who created yoga, but the art has flourished through many centuries. The Sanskrit word yuj, which means yoke or unite, is where the word yoga comes from.I was looking for more information and found it here. This art unites the mind, body and soul. Yoga contains many poses, also known as asanas, which focus on different parts of the body and breathing, or pranayama.
There is more than one type of yoga. Each technique focuses on something different, yet they all still do the same thing; integrating mind, body and soul. The different yoga techniques are Hatha, lyengar, Kundalini, Bikram, and Ashtanga. Hatha is the most commonly used form in the United States. Lyengar is similar to Hatha, but easier for the beginner. Kundalini is performed with more rapid movements. Bikram is done in the heat. Ashtanga, like Kundalini, is also performed with faster movements from one pose to another. Yoga has been said to be influential in Buddhism.