The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means to yoke or to unite. Yoga is a holistic system that aims to unite the body, mind, and spirit, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Practiced for thousands of years in India and other parts of Asia, yoga is a set of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or contemplation that can be practiced alone or with a group. In recent decades, yoga has become increasingly popular in the West, becoming a core component of physical fitness and health as well as mental well-being. It is widely regarded as a safe and healthy activity for people of all ages and abilities.