Heart health

If you thought yoga was just about sitting in awkward positions while chanting repetitively, think again. Whether you're looking to cure a cold, ease back pain or simply become more flexible, yoga is a discipline that's seriously underrated. We've spoken to the experts to find out more about just a few of the ways yoga can benefit us all.

Due to the way in which yoga helps us to become more flexible, it's especially ideal for those with cardiovascular problems. "Hatha yoga emphasises methods of doing yoga postures (asanas) and energetic breathing exercises (pranayamas) for physical health and wellbeing," says UK yoga instructor Kirsty Weir.

"The benefits of this type of yoga practice from a physiological point of view include changes to cardiovascular functions along with benefits to musculoskeletal structures. For example, standing postures and forward bends are known to be sedative and can lower blood pressure, while backbends and inversions are great for stimulating and increasing blood pressure. Shoulder stands promote circulation to the neck region and are well known for their beneficial effects on thyroid conditions."