Yoga’s popularity is stretching far and wide! In the US it is the fastest growing area of health and fitness, in recent years the UK is showing the same trend. Once only the enclave of hippies and ladies of a certain age, Yoga is now seen by many people as an essential part of life.
Yoga has been around for thousands of years, it originated in India and can now be found in most countries on the planet. The vibrant, varied nature of Yoga means that regardless of who you are, there will be a class, teacher or online video that will suit even the most diverse needs. In this fast paced world many of us sit too much, eat badly and are coping with huge workloads and responsibilities. We crave time to ourselves and ways to fix aches and be fitter. Yoga gives us a place to stop and reflect, to step away from the phone or Internet and bring balance to life.
Research proves that Yoga, meditation and mindfulness are amazing tools to be happier and healthier. The beauty of Yoga is that it offers a quick fix to instantly calm and reenergise and it is also a long term solution too. With regular practice, just even a few minutes a day, Yoga gives you back power and ownership of your body and mind, relationships with yourself and others are better and you feel more contentment.
The best thing about yoga is you take exactly what you need, and leave the rest. What are you waiting for…your future self and your loved ones will thank you for it 
5 good reasons to start YOGA now…
1. Yoga unites mind and body…it feels awesome to move, stretch and breathe in this way, you will look younger, feel more energised and alive! Also a yoga class is a great way to meet new friends and gain a sense of belonging.
2. Yoga teaches you how to use your body and breath to relax…if you are anxious or stressed the fight or flight instinct kicks in. Stress is responsible for over 70% of illness that people get in the western world.
3. Yoga lets you take control of your health and wellbeing…it kick starts your digestion so you can manage your weight, bone density increases through the weight bearing nature of the poses, it boosts the immune system and lowers blood pressure, so good for heart, and soul!
4. Yoga is strength and flexibility training at its best!…it improves range of movement of joints and muscles, you learn to walk taller and have better posture.
5. It is FUN! Yoga is exercise for the mind and body that helps us to be more playful and happier! It is a lifestyle choice which aids the ability to cope physically and mentally with the ups and downs of life.
This article was written by Anna Davies who teaches Yoga throughout Somerset and at her retreats in Spain. Find Anna on Facebook 