Regular yoga classes can help you stretch and tone your body muscles. Easy yoga poses, like the "Plank" will simultaneously work on strengthening your arms, legs, shoulders and abs. You don't need to be fit to learn yoga, yoga can be practiced at all levels of ability. Regular yoga classes will soon make you feel the difference in your flexibility!

Some companies now offer "break time" yoga. It has been observed that yoga is an excellent stress buster. There are three core elements; poses, breathing and meditation. Studies show that those who practice all elements are better able to regulate their heart rate variability. This translates giving the body ability to respond to stress.

If you suffer from
 anxiety, yoga might just be your lifeline. Studies show that practicing yoga can lead to reduced symptoms of anxiety. 34 women diagnosed with "anxiety disorder", participated in yoga classes. Summarising the study, those who practiced in the classes had significantly lower levels of anxiety than the control group.

Many studies now indicate that regular yoga can reduce inflammatory markers in the body and help prevent inflammatory diseases, such as reducing the levels of stress hormones that cause inflammation, reducing the levels of inflammatory molecules in the body, lowering inflammation that is beneficial in conditions such as arthritis.

When you practice yoga, breathing deeply and calmly is an essential part of every yoga pose. Yoga breathing methods (pranayama) aim to slow down the breath and on breathing, from the bottom of your stomach to the top of your lungs. You should feel more relaxed and balanced, helping you face the day with calm and confidence.

Don't worry, you don't need be able to "bend double" in a yoga pose to lose some weight. Regular yoga classes can engage your metabolic system and this can help you to burn fat, leading to weight loss. Regular yoga lessons can also help restore the hormonal balance in your body, which can normalise your body weight.

Practicing yoga with your "new" friends makes yoga classes more enjoyable. You are also more likely to keep going with the classes, and you can spend time with like minded yogis! If you are new to practicing yoga, and a little bit shy, then why not come along with a friend to get started?

Yoga can help to improve your level of fitness, regulate your heart rate, reduce your stress levels and make you feel happier. All those elements may add valuable years to your life. Yoga can decrease the risk of heart disease, reduce the pace of your breathing and this is linked to a longer lifespan.

Feeling a bit down? Sit in "Lotus" pose, or better still, try a "King Dancer" pose. Studies have found that regular yoga classes improved depression and has led to a increase in serotonin levels. A finding that has been correlated with greater levels of happiness and better immune function.

Practicing yoga mindfulness has many psychological and physical benefits for your body, mind and soul. You should feel more relaxed and calm, and therefore, less stressed and anxious. You should feel higher levels of enthusiasm and energy and more self-confidence and self-acceptance.