Ashtanga has a reputation for being tough and very physical, and indeed it can be a demanding practice if you wish to make it so! But it also is a very meditative and spiritual yoga method, and with consistent, regular practice, you will develop flexibility and strength both on and off the yoga mat – physically, emotionally and mentally.

The traditional ashtanga method consists of a 90-minute flowing series of set postures, all linked by the ‘vinyasa’. In Western classes, however, this sequence is often adapted to suit different levels of practitioner, and to fit different lengths of class.

I believe yoga should be fun and accessible to all, while at the same time challenging, physically and – though I hesitate to use the word with all its connotations – spiritually. But yoga should ask questions of you, both on and off the mat, and if my students go away from their classes feeling that they have been challenged, as well as feeling flexible, revitalised, and more in touch with their inner selves, then I’m happy.