Asanas, the physical postures in yoga, are a vital part of the practice. The term "asana" comes from the Sanskrit word for "seat" or "posture." In yoga, asanas are designed to balance the body's energy, strengthen the muscles, and prepare the mind for meditation. With over 800 million yoga practitioners worldwide, understanding asanas is essential for anyone looking to start or deepen their yoga practice.

The word asana is derived from the Sanskrit root as , meaning "to sit" or "to be present." In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , the seminal text on yoga philosophy compiled around 400 CE, Patanjali defines asana with distinct simplicity: Sthira Sukham Asanam .

There are several types of asanas, including: