Yoga is an old discipline from India. Yoga uses breathing techniques, exercise and meditation. It improves health, happiness and mind-power. Yoga is the Sanskrit word for union.

Patanjali was a pioneer of classical yoga. He defined yoga as "the cessation of the modification of the mind." through the practices of:

• Aasanas: physical postures and movements
• Pranayama: breathing techniques
• Dhyana: meditation

• ‘healthy body and mind’
• Increase strength, flexibility and cardio‑vascular development.
• Develop a balanced, toned body with a sharp clear mind.
• Learn to live each day stress free, more able to cope.
• It can be practiced by all ages, sizes and levels of fitness
• Minimal equipment needed - a yoga mat and you can practice anywhere at anytime.
• It works! - Yoga has been around for thousands of years.

When doing any form of physical exercise there are 3 main factors:

• Cardiovascular
• Strength
• Flexibility

Most forms of fitness will only provide you with 1 or 2 of these areas at any given time. Commonly they provide cardiovascular and strength but NOT flexibility. For example:

• Running provides cardiovascular and strength but NOT flexibility
• Cycling provides cardiovascular and strength but NOT flexibility
• Weight Training provides strength a little cardiovascualr but NOT flexibility

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga when practised correctly provides all 3 - CARDIOVASCULAR, STRENGTH and FLEXIBILITY - helping create and maintain a healthy balanced body and mind.