The word "Yoga" derives from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to yoke or bind, or to give it its most recognised and understood interpretation it means "union", and not least of all, a union of mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is not really a "religion" but more a philosophy. It is a set of guidelines and a framework for both spiritual growth and also attaining mastery over physical and mental health. It originated in India over five thousand years ago, and is often interwoven with hinduism and buddhism, however it is not necessary to study or follow those pathways if you want to study and practice yoga. It is also not necessary to give up or replace your own religious or spiritual beliefs in order to practice yoga!

And it is absolutely categorically not necessary to be flexible in order to practice yoga! This would be a little like saying you shouldn't run if you're not fast or you shouldn't go to the gym because you're not fit enough!! Yoga in its purely physical form can be practiced to improve not only flexibility, strength, balance and co-ordination, but also to provide a means of de-stressing from our busy modern lives.