The word yoga - from the Sanskrit word yuj - means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted to mean ‘union’. It is an ancient practice which is thought to have originated in India over 2,000 years ago. It combines practices for the mind (meditation), breath (pranayama breath work) and the body (physical postures known as asana). Originally the postures (asana) were designed to prepare the body and mind for long periods of meditation.

You don’t need to be flexible to practise yoga!

Anyone can practise yoga and there will be a class to suit you, no matter your body type or experience level. You don’t need to be flexible, fit or strong. That comes as a consequence of practising yoga; it’s not a prerequisite. You wouldn’t think that you’d need to know how to play the piano to take piano lessons; it’s the same principle. Just give yourself the opportunity to step onto the mat and allow the rest to unfold.

FIND YOUR YOGA

There are many different types of yoga. It’s just a question of finding the style that suits to you. My Yoga for Beginners course is an excellent starting point if you are new to yoga. Then there's Hatha Yoga which combines static poses with steady movement, and the beauty of this style is that it continues to challenge you as your practice evolves as there are multiple ways to progress. Hatha Flow takes this a stage further by connecting static postures with steady flowing movement. Vinyasa Flow links continuous flowing movement with the breath and is a more dynamic and energetic style of practice. And of course, there’s Restorative Yoga for deep relaxation, Pregnancy Yoga for mummies-to-be, Postnatal Yoga for mummies and their new babies and Children’s Yoga for little yogis in the making.