American Yoga is actually a branch of Hatha Yoga.  Which is a subset of Raja Roga.   Before we dive into what Yoga actually is, let’s actually first reveal a bit of the benefits of American style yoga.  while for an ascetic, these benefits aren’t part of “the goal,” we have to remember that there is no good nor bad yoga.  Regardless of the practitioner’s intent.

 

The wonderful thing about yoga is that it can be done by anyone regardless of age, physical fitness or disability. Muscle stretching while posing and stretching the body in numerous positions for minutes at a time combined with heavy breathing is the entire routine in a nutshell.

Any variations to the routines would be the difficulties in the positions as the individual’s muscles strengthen thus increasing their flexibility. This progress of gaining strength is far from the only reason why so many individuals who regularly practice yoga strive to progress to the next level.

When someone says they “do yoga” in the United States or Canada, what they mean is they like exercising and stretching.  Well, unless while she is stretching she is contemplating how she is not her body and ultimately realizes everything she thought was real is just nonsense.

 

How to Pronounce Yoga and What Yoga Actually Means