Yoga is pure fun

WHEN holding a yoga pose it is impossible to think about the shopping list, your next meeting or how you are going to achieve a trillion imperative tasks by bedtime. You are forced to concentrate and that absolute attention transports you out of everyday life into a calmer environment.

Many people think of yoga as either a type of physical exercise or a calming means of escapism from everyday life. Yoga can be either of these but it is also much more. When you embark on the yoga experience you explore both the body and the mind and make the amazing discovery of the vast untapped potential in you. Yoga is a constant journey — only believed when en route, and that yoga path is fun.

When choosing a class there are so many different types of yoga and styles to choose from including hot yoga, hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga and Iyengar yoga to name but a few. Since yoga is all about lifestyle it is important to select an approach that fits in with your way of life and preferences. There is a saying that the right teacher arrives when the student is ready.

The three classes (at different levels) Shirley teaches combine elements of many yoga approaches and concentrate more on the physical movements — or Asanas — than on the spiritual, but incorporate breathing techniques and from time to time touch on the philosophy.

The movements involve deep stretch, strength, flexibility and core control. You will burn calories in the more challenging postures and flow sequences and every element tones the body.

All you need to get started is yourself, wearing loose stretchy clothing in layers, a bottle of water and a yoga mat if you have one (spares are available).

Shirley runs three yoga classes a week: Mondays at 10.45am at Rotherfield Greys for beginner and YogaStretch level, Wednesdays at 10.30am at Rotherfield Greys for more advanced, dynamic-style yoga and Fridays at 9.15am at the YMCA in Henley, a general intermediate level.

Classes re-start on September 16. To book or for details call (01491) 577686.