The Sanskrit word “yoga” means union. When we talk about yoga, what we are really talking about is an exercise practice that is intended to unify your mental and physical health. Yoga brings together physical and psychological exercise to cultivate both physical and psychological health and wellness. It is an exercise practice that is built on a cohesive philosophy, and which is now supported by solid empirical research.
You could do psychological skills training and physical exercise as separate and isolated components. But with yoga you have the opportunity to train both aspects of yourself in an integrated way. Yoga practice is a zeitgeist that allows you to experience more significant and meaningful benefits through the interactive training of mind and body.
Yoga, at its core, is a practice intended to bring about unity of your mind and body. Through physical exercise, focused attention, and deliberate breathing, you can further a sense of connection between your internal and external self.