THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO YOGA

How to become a master of the mat - no flexibility required!

- Amber Bramble.

No matter your fitness level, yoga is one of the best things that you can do if you're trying to improve your activity levels. It's perfect for people of all ages, makes you feel great and there are absolutely no headstands needed.

Yoga instructor Paul von Bergen says many people are put off by yoga because they start by trying the wrong kind.

"One of the best things about yoga is that it is suitable for everyone," he explains. "The problem is many yoga classes are not suitable for everyone, so you really need to realise that there is such a wide variety of classes."

You can start yoga at any age and there are plenty of suitable routines, including some that you can do in a chair. "In fact, the older you get, the more important it is to move and understand your body," says Paul. "Ultimately, everyone only needs their own daily personal practice, where you can do your yoga in your way."

YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE

Yoga has been practised for thousands of years, but a lot of the misconceptions that we have stem from the west, where it's been popularised by influencers and celebrities.

"Yoga is often misunderstood to be something that mainly women do in lycra to become bendy and flexible - how wrong that is," Paul explains. "Yoga could involve sitting on a chair, just moving your little finger with focus and attention. Yoga could involve sitting in silent meditation."