THE YOUTHFUL YOGA TEACHER

Barbara Currie is a real-life advertisement for the anti-ageing benefits of yoga. Barbara, who has practised yoga for more than 50 years, is the same weight and dress size as she was in her 30s. She says, ‘Yoga works all of your body, helping keep you toned.’ For details of Barbara’s classes and yoga plans, visit barbaracurrieyoga.com.

SIMPLE TWIST

Age-defying benefits: Releases tension from the spine and helps slim waist, hips and bottom.

Sit with legs straight out in front of you. Inhale deeply, bend your left knee, lift your left foot over your right leg and place it on the floor on the outside of your right thigh as you exhale.

Place your left hand on the floor behind you. Place your right arm on the outside of your left knee with your right elbow on your left knee.

(If you can’t reach, don’t worry, just let the hand rest where it is comfortable).

Take a deep breath and, as you exhale, carefully twist your body to the left.

Hold this position, breathing normally, for a count of five, increasing to 10.

Slowly come back to the original position. Repeat to the right, then repeat both twists once.

CAMEL POSE

Age-defying benefits: Tones thighs and waist, firms the jaw and throat, corrects poor posture and relaxes your body.

Adopt a high kneeling position on a thick mat with your knees and feet about hip-width apart. Place your hands on your waist with your thumbs in front and fingers behind.

Take a deep breath in and, with full lungs, gently relax backwards, keeping your thighs straight. Arch back as far as you can go and, if possible, place the palms of your hands flat on your feet. If you cannot reach, keep your hands at your waistline and stay in your maximum stretch, breathing normally for a count of five.

If you can place your hands on your feet, well done! Take a deep breath and exhale fully; push your abdomen, thighs and hips forwards. At the same time, arch your torso as far back as possible. Hold the stretch for five, increasing to 10 as you improve. Inhale as you slowly move to an upright position, exhale, lower your bottom to your heels, bring your chest to your thighs, and relax with your arms by your sides.

Inhale, return to kneeling and repeat once.