What is Yoga and History of Yoga?

What is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing.

A regular yoga practice can promoteTrusted Source endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility, and well-being.

Yoga is now a popular form of exercise around the world. According to a 2017 national surveyTrusted Source, one in seven adults in the United States practiced yoga in the past 12 months.

History

The first mention of the word “yoga” appears in Rig Veda, a collection of ancient texts. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “union” or “to join.”

Yoga can be traced back to northern India over 5,000 years ago.

Indian monks spread their knowledge of yoga in the West during the late 1890s. Modern yoga teachings became widely popular in Western countries by the 1970s.