The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning "to yoke or join together." Some people take this to mean a union of mind and body

A 2008 market study in Yoga Journal reports that some 16 million peoplein the US practice yoga and spend $5.7 billion a year on equipment.

Hatha yoga is the type of yoga most frequently practiced in Westernculture. Ha means "sun" and tha means "moon."

There are many styles of yoga. A person's fitness level and desiredpractice outcome determines the type of yoga class to which they arebest suited.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there weremore than 7,369 yoga-related injuries treated in doctors' offices, clinics,and emergency rooms in 2010.

Common yoga injuries include repetitive strain to and overstretching ofthe neck, shoulders, spine, legs, and knees.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) believes therewards of basic yoga outweigh the potential physical risks.

Yoga is defined as having eight branches or limbs: Yama, Niyama, Asana,Pranayama, Pratyhara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi.

Practicing yoga has many potential health benefits including relieving lowback pain, assisting with stress management and increasing balance andflexibility

There is some evidence to suggest that pregnant women taking yogaclasses are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy andlabor