The potentiality of yoga to improve V̇O2max is often questioned because of its low exercise stimulus. Considering the positive effects of Yoga Breathing Maneuvers (YBM) on cardio-respiratory systems, its effect on V̇O2max needs to be studied. So, possible role of YBM in improvement in V̇O2max in yoga training was observed.32 healthy male students of 19 to 21 years of age were divided into two equal groups of 16 each. One group (YG) practiced yoga (Yogasanas, YBM and meditation) for 40 minutes every day for 6 days per week for 3 months. YBM were progressively inducted by increasing practice duration throughout training. Other group (CG) did not practice Yoga. Their basal heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded in the morning in bed. Predicted V̇O2max was measured on them by Queen’s college step test. HR was recorded before, during and after exercise manually and with Polar sports tester. All the parameters were recorded at baseline, 6th and 12th week end of yoga training.In YG, V̇O2max improved from baseline (47.5±3.7 ml/kg/min) to 6th week (49.4±3.3 ml/kg/min, P<0.001) and 12th week end (53.03±3.3ml/kg/min, P<0.0001). YG showed significant reduction in basal RR, HR and resting HR at 6th and 12th week end compared to their respective base line values. CG did not show such changes. V̇O2max was correlated to basal RR(r= – 0.463, p=0.0009), HR (r= -0.235, p=0.107) and resting HR (r= -0.414, p=0.003). YBM facilitated the improvement in V̇O2max possibly by its effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems.