You’ve seen the photos of Gwenneth Paltrow, Madonna, Geri Haliwell and a zillion other media celebs contorting into shapes you never thought possible. They put their flexibility down to one thing — yoga. On a recent trip to Australia, guest ed Robyn Davies got bitten by the yoga bug and here’s her account of its positive benefits.

Intense Stretch Pose

With the pelvis pivoted over the top of the thighs, feet alive, legs strong and straight, maintain the bandhas with the abdomen long hollow and empty, the chest broad and full, and lengthen the spine down the legs. Keep the core of the body soft, with rhythmic, Ujjayi breathing.

Mountain Pose

Stand upright, feet together, activating the bandhas (energetic relay); energise the legs, feet, arms and hands. Look straight
ahead keeping the core of the body soft,
with rhythmic Ujjayi (victorious, powerful) breathing.

Sit with the feet in front of you, using your fingers and thumbs to open them like a book and use the grip of your hands and your arms to lengthen the spine. Clarify the bandhas with the abdomen long, hollow and empty, the chest broad and full, and soften the core of the body with smooth, rhythmic Ujjayi breathing.

From a lying position with feet hip width apart, push the trunk off the floor straightening arms and legs (or from all fours, straighten the legs) so the hips rise up while the head goes back and stays down. Maintain the bandhas with the abdomen long, hollow and empty, the chest broad and full, keep the spirallic charge of arms and legs, with the hands and feet alive and even. Keep the neck relaxed, core of the body soft and smooth, rhythmic Ujjayi breathing.