Having goals is good but there’s not much point in setting them unless they’re challenging – and my latest one certainly is!
I went to my first ever yoga lesson last week and I have much to learn. Like mastering the move above - just look at it! I have no idea what it’s called but here teacher Mark is using his two arms to hold and suspend his entire body in mid-air. Impressive!
In one silky smooth action, Mark swung his legs forwards from a press-up, tucked them under his chest and then held the pose for what seemed like an eternity without a single wobble. Anyone who can do that is strong, mobile and flexible beyond belief.
I had a go copying Mark but… let’s just leave it at that! But despite my rather dismal attempts at perfecting the art form, my virgin yoga experience was a success. I loved it and I’m going to make yoga a regular part of my exercise regime.
Friends have been singing yoga’s praises to me for years. But I’m a total gym rat (don’t fear, gym, I’m not about to desert you). The relative calm and relaxation of the yoga classroom has never previously held any appeal.
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The benefits of yoga include:
- It’s a complete mind/body workout
- It’s safe (it doesn’t strain the joints) and it’s suitable for all levels (yoga comes in different intensities – choose one to suit)
- It promotes relaxation
- It strengthens and tones the body (builds muscle)
- It improves flexibility (increases your range of motion)
- It improves balance
I went along to a class local to me in Tunbridge Wells called the Freestyle Yoga Project. If you live anywhere near, I can highly recommend it – details here. The NHS also has an informative guide to yoga, with links to various associations, here.
Do you do yoga?