The word ‘Yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit language and means ‘yoking’ or ‘union’ – the union of mind and body.

In yoga practice you learn to hold your body in various postures (in Sanskrit these are called ‘asanas’). Some of these are standing postures, some are done while sitting and others are done lying down. There are even some ‘dynamic’ ones where you move through a sequence of postures.

Holding your body in yoga postures teaches your body to be supple and strong and teaches your mind to concentrate. Progress is gentle and non-competitive. Yoga is for everybody at any age. Everyone works to their own ability but benefits to the same extent.

Many of the postures involve you putting yourself into positions that normal everyday life doesn’t ask you to. This gets the blood circulating properly around all your joints, muscles and organs. The more efficiently the blood circulates, the better your body functions. Oxygen and nutrients can be transported effectively to everywhere they are needed and your waste products can be removed effectively, too.

To read more about the health benefits of yoga practice go to www.allaboutyoga.co.uk.