IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING… SALUTE THE SUN

‘Most people find this challenging at first, but don’t be put off and never, ever strain. Do what you can, try once on each side every day and your flexibility will improve,’ says Barbara. Age-defying benefits: Promotes spine flexibility, helps poor posture, firms arms and legs and keeps knees and feet flexible.

l Stand with your shoulders back, tummy in, hands in prayer position and feet together. Breathe in deeply, then breathe out slowly (pose 1).

l Breathe in and lift your arms above your head (beginners may be more comfortable with feet hip-width apart). With full lungs, stretch backwards, breathing out (pose 2).

l Breathe in as you return to standing. Breathe out as you stretch forwards; you are aiming eventually to get your chin to your shins and your hands by your feet. If necessary, bend your knees to ensure your hands are flat on the floor (pose 3).

l Breathe in as you stretch your right leg back. Keep your left leg between your hands and look up. Breathe out as you stretch your left leg back (poses 4 and 5).

l Lower your entire body to the floor knees first, then chest, then chin (pose 6).

l With your hands by the side of your shoulders and fingers pointing forwards, breathe in as you lift your chest and upper body, ensuring that your lower abdomen stays on the floor (pose 7).

l Tuck your toes under and breathe out as you lift your bottom in the air; stretch your heels to the floor (pose 8).

l Breathe in and bring your right foot in between your hands and look up (pose 9).

l Breathe out and bring your left foot in and look up. Then, with both hands on the floor, gently lift your bottom in the air, aiming eventually to get your chin to your shins with your hands flat on the floor by your feet (pose 10).

l Breathe in and slowly lift your head first, then your arms, and return to an upright position. Stretch upwards. With full lungs, gently relax backwards, breathing out in your maximum position (pose 11).

l Breathe in as you gently return to an upright position. Place your hands in prayer, breathe out and relax (pose 12).

l Repeat the entire routine, this time taking the left leg back first in pose.