This question has come up in the last couple of years with the growing popularity of physical fitness and exercise classes. So it also 
comes up as churches look for more ways to use sports to connect with those in their community.
The following is a guest post from Christie Wickline, Fitness Director at Connection Pointe Christian Church, where she gives her answer to that question.
Yoga continues to increase in popularity in the United States. As Yoga has become popular in western culture since the 1960s, there has been a separation of its traditional spiritual roots. The focus of most classes offered in the US and especially in the Christian Church is on the physical and wellness benefit. We live in a time and culture that is overscheduled and overstressed. Yoga is excellent for flexibility, stress reduction, strength and focus. It can be an opportunity to calm, relax and meditate on Christ. Yoga can be done with a focus on renewing your mind and body with Jesus Christ. Spending time with him in prayer and worship. I believe time on the yoga mat can be renewing as we focus on God, asking him to fill us with his spirit and leave the class with energy that He has given to love and serve others more passionately.
