Discover the benefits of yoga for yourself

YOGA has so many benefits: lower blood pressure, increased strength and bone density and reduced anxiety.

That should be enough to get most people on the mat!

But there are some interesting myths around yoga that can stop people giving it a try: it’s slow and boring; it’s only effective if practised at speed in 90C heat; it’s just for girls and — most common of all — yoga is only for people who are flexible.

The truth is that there is will be a class to suit you whatever your body type or temperament.

Yoga develops strength, balance and concentration as well as flexibility. Being flexible happens because you practise yoga — it’s not a prerequisite!



All yoga styles create a feeling of lightness, ease and relaxation, but to get the most benefit and the most enjoyment you need to find a class that suits you.

Tina Jacobs is one of the most experienced yoga teachers in the Henley area — she’s been teaching for nine years and practising for 15.

She qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga after a four year diploma course and continues to study anatomy, structural integration and mindfulness — bringing these into her teaching.

Tina teaches Hatha yoga and is influenced by the work of Italian teacher Vanda Scaravelli, who encouraged work with breath and gravity to release the spine and so the whole body.

Her YogaHenley schedule includes “steady and relaxed”, intermediate and restorative classes at Henley YMCA and Pure Stretch.

A brand new Absolute Beginners class starts on September 24 at Henley Cricket Club. New students are very welcome to come and try out a class and see if it’s right for them. Students can drop in or block book 10 classes to take within two terms.

Further details are available online at www.yogahenley.co.uk — or call 07703 190523.