is it that serious

The Encinitas Union School District plans to offer yoga instruction at all of its nine schools from January, despite a protest by parents who say they believe it will indoctrinate their children in Eastern religion.

The growing popularity of yoga is forcing US public schools to address the question of whether it is a religious practice or simply exercise.

Encinitas Superintendent Timothy Baird said: "This is 21st century PE. It's physical. It's strength-building. It increases flexibility but it also deals with stress reduction and focusing, which kickball doesn't do."

Mary Eady, a parent who has pulled her child out of yoga classes, said the pupils were learning to worship the sun and it was "inappropriate in our public schools."

School officials said there will be no chanting, prayer positions or cultural references.