Go with the flow when practising yoga

JIM Harrington, Virgin Active’s yoga ambassador, has been practising yoga since he was 14 and has trained cricketers, surfers and triathletes.

He says yoga can help anyone from a mental and physical perspective.

Ahead of International Yoga Day on Wednesday, Harrington offers some tips. important when it comes to yoga.

You can wear anything as long as you are comfortable. Getting a good grip is vital when doing yoga.

The ground you’re working on should not be too soft as you might end up hurting your wrists.

A wooden floor or a good mat will do the trick.

Good breathing is the foundation of yoga. Many people feel they need to breathe loudly, but that is a panic breath – breathe long instead of loud. Calm breathing involves the use of your diaphragm.

Yoga is good for you no matter the time of day but morning is probably best because the mind and the air are clearer and it sets you up for the day ahead.

Practise on an empty stomach. Your diaphragm becomes restricted with a full stomach or too much water. Certain breathing exercises will act as an appetite suppressant.

Virgin Active health clubs excluding RED clubs, are offering at least one yoga class for members to join on

PICTURE: DAVID RITCHIE South African freediver, speaker, writer and ocean conservationist, Hanli Prinsloo, conducts a yoga demonstration on a stand-up paddle board. Yoga is a trusted form of exercise that creates a balance between physical and mental wellness. BREATHE TIME...