Physically, yoga is a great way to get in shape. It increases your flexibility, and over time you can expect to notice changes in your hamstrings, back, shoulders, and hips. Yoga is also great for enhancing strength, as many poses require you to support your body weight in new ways. 

Some transitions between poses must be slow, which also increases strength. Finally the breathing, called pranayama, is key in yoga. Breathing exercises teach you how to better use your lungs, which helps keep muscles and tissues healthy.