Yoga is a spiritual and physical practice rooted in Indian philosophy that has existed for thousands of years, according to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. There are several different styles of yoga that range from gentle, meditative experiences to more physically intense formats. The mind-body exercise typically consists of doing sequences of physical poses combined with deep breathing techniques.

“Defining ‘yoga’ is a bit like trying to define a grand concept like spirituality or culture,” Rayburn says. “I’ve always been drawn to a dynamic definition that resonates differently depending on the person, time and place. Any practice, both internal and external, that weaves intention, knowledge and affirmative agency can be yoga.”