Leading practitioner tells of benefits she has discovered

back to my yoga mat, time and time again, was the strength I found inside.

“The mindfulness yoga teaches helped me shift my outlook on life. It helped reduce my anxiety and it made me work harder than I ever had in the gym.” What’s your favourite way to get a sweat on?

“I love doing power yoga classes (an energetic vinyasa-style yoga). Being a mum means I don’t get much time to go to classes, so when I go I choose wisely. There’s nothing better for the body and mind than a sweaty power class.”

How has your relationship with fitness changed over time?

“I listen to my body much more now. I used to force myself to the gym when I was younger, thinking that it was what I needed. Now, if I’m feeling tired or sore, I’ll take on a much gentler practice and work on calming my mind.

“I think the key for everyone with fitness is finding something you love. With yoga it doesn’t feel like a chore. I enjoy and look forward to my time of peace on the mat.”

What are your gym bag essentials that you couldn’t leave the house without?

“My Liforme travel mat (from £85, liforme.com). In my opinion, they do the best yoga mats for grip. I find that in studios the mats can be quite slippy, so I always like to bring along my own.”

Your favourite song to play while working out?

“Your Love by Sol Rising always gets me into the zone when I’m practising yoga, but when I’m in the gym, it’s got to be Doom Days by Bastille.”

Who are your fitness heroes and inspiration, and why? “There are tonnes of people who inspire me. I worked on a Gymshark campaign at the start of the year with (Paracanoe athlete) Jack Eyers (@jackeyersgb). At the age of

16, he had his leg amputated. He’s extremely inspiring as he’s proved that losing a limb hasn’t held him back in any way.

“I’m also hugely inspired by yoga teachers such as Danni Pomplun (@dannipomplun) and Zephyr Wildman (@zephyrwildman) who have been through such pain in life, but have come out shining and sharing how yoga has helped them.”

Hannah Barrett practises one of her advanced yoga moves.