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There are many ways to benefit from practicing yoga. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj'. The word yuj' means to unite or join. When people practice yoga, they aim to unite or join mind, body, and spirit. The ancient practice of yoga was born in India close to 26,000 years ago. People still use it for health and spiritual reasons. With its components of exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation it can aid in many physical aspects ranging from flexibility to a healthy respiratory system as well as benefiting the mind emotionally and spiritually.

Benefits from yoga can be seen and felt by practicing just one time a week. However, increasing the practice of yoga will increase the benefits. One particular benefit of yoga that is increased with practice is flexibility. Although stretching alone can increase flexibility, yoga is especially good because it "has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the radar screen' let alone exercised" ("Benefits of Yoga" 1). By doing just a few poses such as downward-facing dog' or bridge' you can greatly improve your body's flexibility. Improving your flexibility can prevent injuries in everyday activities including exercising, bending or lifting, and can also prevent injuries from accidents such as falling.
Another aspect worth taking a closer look at is the effects yoga can have on the respiratory system. A common component learned in yoga is the complete breath'. The complete breath consists of inhaling to the lungs' full capacity and completely exhaling. It is much more difficult than it sounds, but can be mastered with practice. And when it is mastered it is said, "the practice of the complete breath will make any man or woman immune to Consumption# and other pulmonary troubles, and will do away with all liability to contract colds, as well as bronchial and similar weaknesses' ("Hatha Yoga"2). This was true for me when I made the complete breath a regular part of my yoga routine. I was never sick and could exercise longer without becoming short of breath, even during activities such as running. The complete breath can be especially helpful for those who are bed-ridden or don't get around very much. This is because it can be done in any position, doesn't involve movement, and can decrease the risk of fluid developing in the lungs which is a common problem for those who are bed-ridden. According to Hatha Yoga: The Yogi Philosophy of

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