Midlife guide to...

...Bodhi

Q: Animal, vegetable or mineral? A: None of the above. Pronounced “bode-ee”, this is the latest workout craze to make its way across the Atlantic from Hollywood. Q: Ugh. Is this like the time they convinced us to try yoga with dogs? A: Not really. This is more hardcore. Bodhi involves suspension-training Pilates, where you hang from two ropes attached to the ceiling or a high bar – like a well hung ham – to improve posture, balance, core strength and muscle tone.

Q: Who is doing it? A: Gwyneth Paltrow, of course. And she’s over 40, before you start.. Q: Where does it come from? A: Bodhi is a Sanskrit word that roughly means “enlightenment” and comes from a Buddhist concept to do with reaching nirvana – it has also become a trendy name for children, à la James Taylor, who has a grandson called Bodhi.

Q: How useful is Pilates? A: Pilates was pioneered in the 1920s in New York by German-born Joseph Pilates, who championed the link between mental and physical health. It has morphed into a mish-mash of gymnastics, stretching and the development of core strength. At best, you’ll burn about 500 calories in an hour.

Q: And if I want to try it? A: Look up bePilates, who are offering classes from this summer. Or speak to a personal trainer who is good with guy ropes.

Q: Anything else? A: Don’t wear baggy T-shirts. You think you’re covering up, but you won’t be once you’re hanging upside down. The only way is Lycra. Sorry.