The term yoga can be interpreted in many ways. Many think of yoga as a form of exercise. Others define yoga as a spiritual path. It could even be said to stand for God. The way that I look at Yoga is that it is the experience of unity. At first glance this idea of unity is easy to gloss over as it is used so commonly that the meaning is lost. But I mean unity in terms of the end of one's perceived experience as a distinct, separate individual.
Yoga improves strength, stamina, flexibility, circulation, body awareness, sensitivity, balance, coordination, breath, attitude, endocrine function and digestive function. This is just an abbreviated list to give you an idea of yoga's potential and value. While some of these aspects of the body and mind can be improved with other forms of exercise, yoga starts with the premis that body, mind and spirit are one. All yogic techniques from posture to breath work to diet are done with the object of experiencing this oneness. It is not necessary that you practice yoga for these reasons, but recognition of this unity will deepen if you continue to practice honestly. In other words, this union or unity or bliss that Yoga refers to is not a mythical, fantastic dream that the naive have imagined. It is a reality that can be experienced by anyone at any level of ability.