Asanas

Asanas in yoga refers to the physical postures that build strength, flexibility, and balance. This helps in preparing the mind and body for Shavasana (final pose of rest and relaxation), or any other form of meditation.

How you move through your asanas depends on the style of yoga. A few of the most common yoga styles are:

• Hatha yoga – If you're new to yoga, hatha yoga may be the right practice to start with. The slow-paced style can promote a relaxed environment to learn. This means it's a great practice for beginners and for people who want a more gentle activity that can help reduce stress and create mind-body awareness. Hatha yoga can be practiced through a wide age range and as prenatal yoga.

• Vinyasa yoga is a more modern style of yoga that involves moving through physical postures and linking them with your breath. It tends to be a very active style of yoga with quick transitions from pose to pose. It helps to build cardio fitness and muscle strength. Good for intermediate and advanced yogis.

• Hot yoga – this is a variation of vinyasa yoga that is taught in a heated room at a temperature of 35° C. This makes the practice a little bit more challenging but also more rewarding as the combination of physical activity, heat, and mindfulness can leave you feeling more energised and invigorated.

• Yin yoga is a style in which poses are passively held between 3 to 7 minutes, to target deep connective tissue (ligaments, joints, fascia) and allow time to stretch. It is a good way to improve overall flexibility and range of motion, and can be practised by people of all ages and abilities.