The fortitude of the muscles can be built up with strength training exercises such as weight lifting, but only working certain muscle groups can leave the body unbalanced. Strength training with weights also makes the muscles very tight, and without proper stretching to gain flexibility, it is more likely that an injury will occur. Another fitness option for building balanced muscle groups and flexibility in the body is fitness yoga.

Yoga is a total body exercise which strengthens all of the muscles, and helps to improve balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. To improve overall fitness yoga classes should be taken routinely, at least once or twice a week, in addition to cardio and strength training. Yoga for fitness is typically practiced in a yoga studio, standing and sitting in bare feet on a yoga mat, and starts with deep breathing or meditation. The yoga practice involves moving the body with the breath into different dynamic positions, and holding those positions by finding the center of the body and maintaining focus.

The core muscles are the most important muscle group to develop in the body, as they promote the strength of other muscle groups. Throughout a yoga class, the entire body is strengthened by maintaining standing and sitting poses which work the entire body, with an emphasis on the core muscles. The movements between the poses and certain poses themselves also provide a deep stretch for the muscles for improved flexibility. Fitness yoga for overweight people is one of the most effective and safest ways to control weight and improve overall feelings of well-being.

For someone who is looking to improve their levels of fitness yoga is one of the best practices to implement. Along with a more limber body and overall toned physique, the routine practice of yoga encourages looking inward, which develops a keen awareness of the body and improved balance. This heightened awareness of how the body moves and the increased range of movement which results from yoga practice improves physical ability and performance during other workouts. Improved flexibility also loosens the muscles, and therefore reduces the risk of injury.