GLO Yoga

What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing. The practice originated about 5,000 years ago and has been adapted in other countries in a variety of ways. Yoga is now commonplace in leisure centres, health clubs, schools, hospitals and surgeries.

Can I injure myself doing yoga? Yoga-related injuries are uncommon. Some injuries can be caused by repetitive strain or overstretching.But yoga is the same as any other exercise discipline – it's perfectly safe if taught properly by people who understand it and have experience. It's advisable to learn from a qualified yoga teacher and choose a class appropriate to your level.

What sort of class should I choose? There are many different styles of yoga, such as Ashtanga, Iyengar and Sivananda. Some styles are more vigorous than others, while some may have a different area of emphasis, such as posture or breathing. Many yoga teachers develop their own practice by studying more than one style. No style is necessarily better or more authentic than any other. The key is to choose a class appropriate for your fitness level. No specific qualifications are required to teach yoga in the UK. However, it's generally accepted that teachers need to be insured. Some teachers may have a teaching certificate and accreditation from a yoga association.

What are the health benefits of yoga? Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there's scope for more rigorous studies on its health benefits, most studies suggest yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity – especially strength, flexibility and balance. There's some evidence that regular yoga practice may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains – including lower back pain