By my early twenties I realised I could not touch my toes. I tended to slouch and wasn't very fit. I did no excercise apart from walking and I wanted something that would improve my health and well-being. I saw some yoga on TV and thought I would try it out.
After trying a class, I realised what a fantastic way it was to excercise. It improved my posture, calmed my nerves, strengthened my back and increased my flexibility. It wasn't long before I could touch my toes!
Yoga is a holistic system of excercise for Mind, Body and Spirit. It consists of physical postures, breathing excercises, relaxation and quiet time. Sometimes meditation is taught too.
Originally from ancient India, yoga integrates and balances your whole being. Postures ('asanas') stretch and strengthen your muscles, balance the glandular system, detoxify your body and increase your flexibility.
Generally, yoga combats fatigue, increases the blood flow, tones the body and stabilises emotions. Improved health results in more energy to live and enjoy life to the full. Yoga aims for harmony of body, mind and breath, and encourages us to be in the present moment.
Anyone can practice yoga, but it is important to find the right type of class to meet your specific needs. Classes range from the strenuous for very fit people, to gentle for people with a serious health problem. There is also the option of taking individual sessions of yoga therapy with a specially trained yoga teacher. For pregnant women, there are a few classes run by the British Wheel of Yoga, as well as classses for mother and baby. In future, there could be yoga classes for children.
Yoga Styles
Hatha
This is an umbrella term for all physical yoga. Hatha yoga is an all-round yoga which emphasis yoga postures with breathing and relaxation. It is recommended that you check on the teacher's qualifications as they vary considerably. British Wheel of Yoga teachers have trained for 2-3 years with the emphasis on safety and pace.
Viniyoga
This is a flowing style of hatha yoga which emphasises breathing and concentration. As well as group classes, one-to-one sessions are available. These are particularly good for people wanting to improve a health issue, or for those who want an individual yoga programme for their daily practice. There are only a few viniyoga teachers in South East Wales - check the teacher holds a Viniyoga teacher's diploma.
Iyengar
This method emphasises detailed postural alignment and a thorough working understanding of 'asana' practice as a means of deepening relaxation. It is physically demanding and suitable for people who are fit and strong. Teachers should hold an Iyengar Teaching Certificate
Ashtanga
This is a fast flowing dynamic sequence of postures coordinated with breathing. It is physically demanding and it helps to be fit to start with.
History of yoga in South East Wales
Hatha yoga has been popular in the region since the 1960s. Philip Jones who suffered lung damage as a miner used yoga to improve his health and becam a British Wheel teacher trainer. Viniyoga and Iyengar made it in to the region in the 1990s with Astanga following in 2000. Today there are more yoga teachers in South East Wales than ever before. The British Wheel of Yoga hold foundation courses as well as the full yoga teacher training course.
Safety
When finding a class, ask yourself what you need. A gentle class would suit you if you are not so fit, or have a health problem that requires special attention. Middling classes are good for people who are generally fit and have healthy backs. Only join a strenous class if you are very fit and want something a bit more challenging.
Remember to check out the teacher's qualification, and only ever do what feels right for you in a class. Every yoga teacher has their way of teaching, even within a particular style, so try a variety of classes to find out what suits you best.
Further information
The following websites have information about classes and teacher training:
Hatha Yoga - yogainwales.co.ukIyengar Yoga - iyengaryoga.org.ukViniyoga - yogastudies.orgThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
© Sally Studd - 2004
Sally Studd is a British Wheel of Yoga teacher in Cardiff.
All content within BBC South East Wales 'Mind, Body & Spirit' is provided for general information only. The effectiveness of complementary therapies is a contentious topic. The views in the section do not necessarily reflect those of the BBC. They should not necessarily be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or other health care professional.
The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
Advice is also available on the BBC Health website.
your comments
Sharon Walker from Devon
I am 37 and a Mum of 3, and don't get alot of free time. I have recently taken up Yoga again and I really look forward to my weekly 2hr session. It has made me feel more in touch with myself and is gr8 to have time just for me. It's also spurring me on to continue giving up smoking. Yoga is beneficial in so many ways.
Abdullah, Cairo, Egypt
I feel yoga change my mind toward this world & control my self more & decide my way in this life.
Nita Almeida
Hello, I am 30 and married; trying to conceive for past 2 years. Now I have consulted a gynacologist and am on my medication. Can you please suggest a yoga which will help me conceive.
[Sally Studd: specific yoga postures can help to increase fertility in women. To find out more, visit the British Wheel of Yoga website (www.yogainwales.co.uk) for my contact details.]
Steve Ennis from Ystrad Mynach
I have been doing yoga for nearly a year, and what a great help it has been to my whole life.
I am 47 and have high blood pressure, which I have to take medicine to control. This is one of the reasons I took up yoga. My blood pressure is a lot lower after yoga breathing exercises. I feel far more relaxed and a much better person. The best thing I have done for a long time was to take up yoga. Shanti om.
Ashley, New York City
Why is it my two dogs and cat go wild when i practise yoga with them in the same room? I don't think that they are playing, I think that there's an energy flow that simply gets them going? Can that be true?
oh, by the way, i love yoga, my teachers and the strength i have gained.
Caitlin Williams from Llandrindod Wells
I have practiced yoga in my own home and have read many books and found that my general wellbeing has been greatly influenced by it, (which is a good thing), but I have yet to find any yoga classes in my local area and would like some information on either classes that you know of, and/or courses to become an instructor so that I could introduce yoga to my local community.
[Sally Studd: Hi Caitlin, to find out about yoga classes in Wales go to yogainwales.co.uk. To find out about training to be a yoga teacher in Wales go to bwy.org.uk to train as a British Wheel of Yoga teacher. Happy yoga-ing.]
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Lisa Zahra from Cardiff
I did a lot of yoga while doing my degree in Cardiff. I am interested in doing a teacing course. Are there any here in South Wales?
[Editor's note: the British Wheel of Yoga offer a range of teacher training courses.]
Sue from Quakers Yard
Can anyone tell me where the nearest centre or class is that can de-stress me?
Sarah from North Staffordshire
Yoga has given me more energy and a bigger grasp for life. However it made me reassess my life giving me a more earthy passion. This made me focus on what makes me truly happy!!! yay :)
pramila, West Midlands
Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga changed my life by offering an optimistic and challenging vision of evolution.
The British Wheel of Yoga teaching Diploma has changed my life and the lives of many students: safe, sensible, self-empowering,intelligent and in keeping with the ethical principles of Yoga.
Hauwa Audu from Nigeria
I have never tried yoga in my life. May I have ideas for a beginner please. I am 49 yrs old.
Natalie Frank from Fareham
Practicing yoga from a spiritual aspect taught me to become more intune with myself, listen to my body and ways of releasing the inner stress. I feel going to a class is more motivational than purely home practice but yoga is about you and what works for you. When I was little I would go into asanas like 'shoulder stand' or 'cobra' or 'child's pose' for no reason whatsoever! I hated anything gymnastic or exercise based! Yoga is fantastic for me and I hope many other people are able to benefit from it.
Anonymous of Bristol
I experienced huge benefits when I did it nightly. Now 20 years later I still find certain exercises (forward bends) invaluable, even if I just do for 10 mins after really strenuous night duties. When nothing else works I do this and it soothes my mind. God Bless All.
John Harris from Milton Keynes
I did yoga when I was little. I now hate exercising because I hated yoga!!
Tanul Anand from Cardiff
Yoga is not just twisting and turning of the body, it is a harmony of mind body and spirit.
Mel from Cwmbran
Yoga has changed my life. I feel like a new person. Really! Go on give it a go!
