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> It is likely that Patanjali's sutras were largely general knowledge in ancient India as ways to stay fit and limber

You must be referring to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika or Gheranda Samhita since PYS doesnt deal with individual asanas/gymnastic yoga whatsoever?

PYS is split into 4 parts: 1. Details regarding superconscious states (samadhi), 2. The means of practice by which samadhi can be attained, 3. the supernatural powers associated with and attained via samadhi including their dangers and pitfalls, 4. how to transcend all the lower samadhis and attain final and complete liberation.

Asanas are only mentioned in the 2nd part and in that context only really mean how to sit properly to attain deep meditation. Gymnastic yoga is nowhere to be found in the book.