Yoga is an ancient, Indian art and science which seeks to promote individual health and well-being through physical and mental exercise and deep relaxation. Although known to be at least 3,000 years old, Yoga is not a religion and fits well with any individual's religious or spiritual practice. Anyone of any age, religion, health or life condition can practice Yoga and derive its benefits. B.K.S. Iyengar is a world renowned Yoga master, now in his 70's, who still practices and teaches Yoga in his native India. Iyengar Yoga, one of the most popular forms of Yoga practiced today, places special emphasis on the development of precise and careful body alignment, muscular balance, and maximum spinal extension.
Yoga involves techniques for stretching, strengthening and relaxing the body.
Yoga increases lung capacity and makes breathing more free. Yoga is also excellent for stress management, helping to develop both awareness and the ability to be calm and still. B.K.S. Iyengar developed a method of teaching Hatha Yoga, known now as Iyengar Yoga, which emphasizes developing strength, endurance and correct body alignment. He devised the use of props as a means of individualizing poses to each person's body type and physical needs. Unlike many other forms of exercise, Iyengar Yoga is neither goal-oriented nor competitive.