Yoga a go! In-school practice poses no threat to religious freedom, court says

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A San Diego County school system got the greenlight to continue its district-wide yoga programming. The decision supports a lower court ruling, which justifies the ancient practice as an alternative to gym classes here.

As yoga has close ties to Hinduism, parents of two kids in the Encinitas district had sued on their behalf, claiming it encroached on their religious rights.

While the practice of yoga may be religious in some contexts, yoga classes taught here are, "devoid of any religious, mystical, or spiritual trappings," the court wrote in a 3-0 opinion.

The district said the practice is taught in a secular way to promote strength, flexibility and balance.Yoga is now taught at schools across the U.S., but the district is reported to be the first with full-time yoga teachers at all schools.