From Merrian-Webster’s Online Dictionary

Main Entry: yo·ga

Pronunciation: \’yō-gə\

Function: noun

Etymology: Sanskrit, literally, yoking, from yunakti he yokes; akin to Latin jungere to join

Date: 1820

1 capitalized : a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation

2: a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being

From Wikipedia

Yoga …refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. The word is associated with meditative practices in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In Hinduism, it also refers to one of the six orthodox (āstika) schools of Hindu philosophy, and to the goal toward which that school directs its practices.

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga for detailed information.

From Jim Catapano’s Principles of Yoga

intense and violent martial art… (pronounced “cheez-bur-grr”)

From Miss Bite Size

Yoga, in our modern Western society, initially appears to be a harmless way to get in shape and reduce stress. Then you get sucked in by all the sweet, calm and earth tone-wearing teachers who can bench press a linebacker, bend (forward and back!) to see their own butt crack and trick you into believing you can too. You start out loving the exercise, then move on to obsess about releasing your hamstrings, breathing into weird body parts and quitting your normal daily activities (binge drinking, double quarter-pounders with cheese, judging your neighbor’s choice in jeans…name it) for something “profound.” You want to wear organic cotton, bring world peace and levitate. What the…?! You are an addict.

Beware. Do it only if you want to feel good, be healthy, have fun, meet awesome people who accept you as you are, share your joy with others and experience a glimpse of oneness with the universe. It’s a treacherous discipline. Approach with caution!