Yoga asanas would fit into the category of stretching which Steemmatt mentions. There are many schools of how to perform asanas. Some like to strain. I follow the no strain - go into the position and hold it for maybe 10 or 15 seconds - relax into the position with the mind's attention on it. You'll find the tightness in the body starts to relax and you become looser over time.
P.S. Meditation is also a branch of "Yoga" as are the asanas (positions) and pranayama (breathing exercises). Cheers.
Yeah I was doing ashtanga I think it was called, still remember all the stretches.
I did notice over the year I was doing it my flexibility improved quite a bit, I will probably start doing it once or twice a week in the evening before bed.
Ashtanga yoga is very popular. If you can continue at home then why not. I am not an expert on asanas but have taken classes in them. I am though a teacher of Transcendental Meditation and feel very expert on that.