Yoga as exercise

Yoga as exercise uses physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation to support fitness and well-being. Its styles vary in pace, intensity, and emphasis on alignment or meditation.

Asana: A posture or seated position used in yoga practice. Postures form the visible physical core of exercise-oriented yoga.
Hatha yoga: A broad tradition of yoga emphasizing physical postures and breath control. Many exercise classes use its posture-and-breath approach at a measured pace.
Physical activity: Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that increases energy expenditure. Exercise-oriented yoga is one form of physical activity, though intensity varies.
Pilates: A system of exercise emphasizing controlled movement, posture, and core strength. Pilates also uses deliberate body control but lacks yoga's traditional breath and contemplative framework.
Pranayama: Yogic practices for regulating the breath. Breath control often accompanies postures and shapes the pace of practice.
Vinyasa yoga: A yoga style that links postures into flowing sequences coordinated with breath. Its continuous sequences can provide a more vigorous workout.
Flexibility: The ability of a joint or series of joints to move through a range of motion. Regular posture practice can improve flexibility in some participants.
Tai chi: A Chinese practice of slow, coordinated movements often used for health and balance. Like gentle yoga, it trains balance and attention, but uses distinct movement traditions.
Vinyasa: A way of linking movement and breath in flowing sequences. Flowing transitions make breath and movement continuous.
Power yoga: A vigorous, fitness-oriented style of yoga built around demanding sequences of postures. It emphasizes strength and stamina more than gentle relaxation.

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Kundalini yogaNarrower topic: Kundalini yoga is practiced both for spiritual aims and for physical or mental well-being.