Studies have shown that the practice of yoga is a beneficial form of relaxation therapy and supports positive lifestyle changes that may decrease coronary artery disease risk factors. However, little research has focused on the use of yoga as a means to improve physical fitness. Since yoga has become a mainstream format for group exercise classes in the fitness industry, it is crucial that research focus on the effectiveness of yoga in improving fitness levels in the general population. PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of an 8-week yoga program on body composition, balance, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance of college-aged females. METHODS: The participants were sedentary college-aged females (N=7) with no prior yoga experience (age = 21.71+3.64 yrs.; ht = 165.29+6.48 cm; wt = 66.13+13.82 kg). Subjects participated in bi-weekly (45-minute) yoga exercise session over an eight-week period. Physical fitness levels were measured prior to the start of the yoga program and at the program’s completion. Assessments consisted of body fat percentage, stork stance, push-ups, curl-ups, modified sit-and-reach, active knee flexion, active spinal extension, active iliopsoas extension and Forestry step test. RESULTS: Paired t-tests were used to compare the pre- and post- fitness assessments. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Significant differences were found between crunches (36.23+30.21 and 57.71+48.76); push-ups (22.29+13.50 and 25.43+10.78) and modified sit-and-reach (14.53+1.90 and 17.22+1.19 in.). No significant differences were found between pre- and post-fitness assessments of body composition; cardiorespiratory endurance; balance; spinal extension range of motion and iliopsoas range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that an 8-week yoga program for college-aged females may promote improvements in muscular endurance and hamstring flexibility but not cardiorespiratory endurance, balance, body composition or spinal and iliopsoas range of motion. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of yoga on physical fitness levels.Keyword(s): adult fitness, exercise/fitness