How to find the right yoga for you

“The aim of yoga is to develop and balance all aspects of your being – body, mind, emotions and psyche – taking you towards a more harmonious state of being,” says yoga therapist Kate Bell, 42, who has been teaching a variety of yoga styles for more than 15 years. “Various teachers have developed and named their own customised styles – ‘power yoga’ and bikram, for example – however, all yoga is essentially the same sequence of poses with faster or slower movements, and hatha yoga is technically all forms of moving yoga.”

Don’t expect a quick fix. But over time all yoga styles will strengthen your body, bring about greater flexibility and increase feelings of contentment and relaxation. Be prepared to start slow. For example, Bell says, you need to already be fit and up for a good workout to try one of the more vigorous forms of yoga. Otherwise, build up your strength at the beginner end of the spectrum for a few months first, then step it up.

“Doing just two regular classes a week of your favourite yoga is enough to see really positive long-term benefits,” says Bell. “It’s fantastic for healthy circulation, building strength and fat burning. Yoga will also give you great flexibility and provide excellent natural stress relief. It’s the mind/body cure that may well become a way of life and help you develop a great level of fitness.”
 

VINYASA / BEGINNERS

What is it? The sequence and choice of movements varies according to changing circumstances such as the season and the skill level of attendees. It’s a good all-rounder class. Great for getting and staying fit.

Perfect for: beginners. You need to be generally healthy, but don’t be put off if you find it difficult. If you’re a beginner, take up the easier alternative positions and stay with those as long as you need to. It’s challenging, yet doable. You’ll feel relaxed but also like you’ve had a good workout and should feel happily energised post-class. It’s a really good, strong, exercise class that doesn’t include much meditation, so it’s great to do if you aren’t as into the “relaxing” element of yoga.

Benefits: Ideal for slow but sure fat burning, increasing flexibility, general health and stress relief. It’s a great all-round exercise class to do at any age.