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Yoga as most people in the West see it today is a blend of several distinct styles. These have evolved over a period of more than five hundred years, and each focuses on a specific area. However they do share a common base, which is reflected in the three main structures of breathing, excercise and meditation.
The styles are divided into Hatha (Postures), Bhakti (Devotion), Raja (Self-control), Jnana (Mind), Karma (Service) and Tantra (Rituals). As you would infer, each style has evolved to focus concern on certain traits. Hatha for instance, is the closest to what is considered Yoga in the West - physical poses and breathing techniques to aid in health and spiritual aims. Bhakti is the most common form in India, striving to see Brahma (or the "One") in everything, thereby creating love for all things. Karma Yoga is concered with cleansing the spirit and helping to proceed on the path to enlightenment, etc.
Yoga is sometimes seen as a religion, which it is not. It's more a technique to explore and expand spiritually. People from many religions practice Yoga. It is also not just a series of exercises; a weak body can deter one from mental or spiritual growth. It is a way of developing the mind and body as a whole, not just to lose weight or become physically stronger.
