Yoga is a physical discipline involving body movement and manipulation, with both mental and physical effects. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ and has many different meanings; some of which include of “union”, “control”, “unite”. Yoga is all about building and maintaining physical fitness, but also focuses heavily on improving and cleansing the mind.

Yoga itself has roots in ancient Indian culture but is also one of the most popular in Western culture. It is available at most gyms, with all levels – from complete beginner to extreme advanced – generally available. The beauty of yoga is in the variation, and with over 20 different branches of yoga currently being used, the choices are endless.

The use of yoga can be for many different reasons, and depending on your desired result. There are specialist branches of yoga, each designed to achieve a different goal. This include yoga for mind and body purification (known as Hatha yoga), action yoga (Karma) and energy (Kundalini). Whatever you want to get from yoga, there is a branch specialising in providing just that.

Although it is the more advanced types of yoga that grab media attention, yoga is available to anyone of virtually any physical age or fitness. When you begin practising yoga, you will begin “your practice”. This is used as a description of your own personal experience of yoga and will be tailored to suit your exact needs and requirements. You will go through this with a yoga teacher, known as a Yogi (masculine) or a Yogini (feminine). With your teacher’s help and an open mind, yoga is hugely beneficial for mind, body and soul.