Can yoga build strength or is it only stretching?

Yoga can absolutely build strength. Many asanas require the body to create and sustain force: standing postures strengthen the legs and hips, balances demand integrated control, plank-like positions load the trunk and shoulders, and transitions can develop substantial whole-body strength.

Traditional asana is not simply passive stretching. Sthira and sukha — steadiness and ease — point toward a quality in which stability and spaciousness coexist. Strength gives a posture integrity; mobility gives it room. When either is pursued without the other, practice becomes less balanced.

Research also shows improvements in muscular strength in yoga programmes. The amount developed depends on the style and progression, but a well-designed practice can train strength, balance, mobility and awareness at the same time.