My first experience of a yoga class involved a lot of muscle shuddering, the realisation that my wrists were about as strong as two brittle sticks, and some hilarity at being surrounded by women of all ages making moaning noises in time with the teacher. I was also called upon to reassure my mother – who came along too – who steadfastly refused to tip her head over backwards for fear of dizziness.

Luckily my initial doubts as to whether yoga was for me soon disappeared as I became familiar with the breathing exercises and sequences of movements, and felt increasingly comfortable in the various postures the teacher gently talks you through. I definitely feel stronger and more flexible as a result of doing yoga, and have noticed that I no longer have back twinges as a result of sitting at a desk all day.

Yoga has probably never been more popular than it is today; you don't have to go far in the UK to find a class, a fanatic who practises at home, or even a yoga weekend retreat. There is so much choice in types of yoga and the teachers running the classes that if you don't like one, it's worth trying another. Sivananda yoga classes and varieties inspired by it are particularly popular, focusing on breathing exercises and relaxation combined with a series of poses including the ‘sun salutation’, leg lifts, shoulder stands, bending, balancing and other stretches.

Yoga is far different from a lot of sports and forms of exercise in that it's not competitive and the idea is not to push yourself as far as you can go. Yoga teachers always emphasise that you must work at your own level without straining, and gradually, once you get the hang of synchronising breath and movement, you will notice your stamina and abilities improving.

Alongside an increase in strength and suppleness, there are numerous other benefits to doing yoga. The relaxation aspect will help combat stress, and the exercises also improve circulation, boost energy, improve digestion, massage the internal organs and help you lose weight (in a nicer way than hurtling around the block in trainers or being ordered around by a Nazi-esque gym instructor). Yoga can also be beneficial during pregnancy (but attend a specialised class) and for conditions like arthritis and backache – just make sure your teacher knows about it before the class begins. Forms of yoga like Ashtanga (popularised by celebrities like Madonna and Sting) can involve practising in a heated room – to relax muscles – with a swifter progression from one move to the next, which thus has a more aerobic effect.

Spirituality enthusiasts are also keen on yoga. The very word ‘yoga’ means ‘union’ in Sanskrit, a classical Indian language, and implies a fusion between mind, body and spirit. More often than not most yoga classes will end in a series of chants or hums, led by the teacher. Even if you don't exactly feel enlightened, where else do you get the chance to do this?! Attending a yoga class is an ideal way to forget your worries and everyday stresses for an hour or so, and come out feeling calmer and physically stronger. You'll soon be doing ‘tree poses’ and ‘downward facing dogs’ in front of the telly!

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