Calling all Strong Women...

With the launch of our new Strong Woman yogurt, we're in an especially zen frame of mind and we're just loving the yoga vibe right now. Ever since Madonna and Geri Halliwell transformed their physiques in the mid 90s, yoga has been top of the health and fitness agenda, with an increasing number of devotees fired up to get bent into (and out of) shape.  If you're planning to kick-start a new health regime for the New Year, yoga is one proven way to boost your physical and mental well-being and improve toning, posture and flexibility. To help get you started, we've got some top yoga tips from celebrity personal trainer and yoga instructor, Pat Henry. Hey, if it's good enough for Madge...

Yoga Advice from Ireland's Celebrity Trainer Pat Henry

Pat Henry, whose celebrity clients are legion, hosted this year's Robert Roberts Pu-erh Tea Yoga Master Class in Dublin and is a respected yoga tutor. So what does Yogi Pat recommend? 

Pat's Tip # 1: Choose a good yoga teacher. Be sure that your instructor has the required qualifications and accreditation and that you feel comfortable working with him or her.

Our view: check out www.yoga.ie , www.yoga-ireland.com or www.pathenrywellness.com to find local classes and instructors.

Pat's Tip # 2: There are many types of yoga including hatha, ashtanga, iyengar and bikram. Stay with one system and perfect it. Don’t be tempted to switch back and forward before you master one style.

Our view: we particularly love Bikram right now. It's (quite literally) the hottest yoga in town since you practice in a heated room - making it extra cosy at this time of year, not to mention pretty nifty at helping to shift those extra pounds. Visit www.bikramyoga.ie for more info.   

Pat's Tip # 3: Commit yourself to 20 minutes of gentle yoga exercise each day to see results and feel the benefits. Consistency is important.

Our view: Sacrifice your lie-in and try to get your practice in in the morning. It's a fabulously positive way to start the day.  

Don’t disrupt the flow of energy with background music or TV

Pat's Tip # 4: Find a special place to practice, where you won’t be disturbed and you can concentrate on your poses without interruption. Don’t disrupt the flow of energy with background music or TV. Silence will aid your focus.

Our view: It's tempting but Corrie and Yoga don't mix. Plan ahead and make sure you can put the TV, radio, phone, dog and kids on mute.

Pat's Tip # 5: Never overstretch or overdo it. Stretching is important but a gentle approach is essential. Yoga is not aerobics. 

Our view: If you start slowly and build flexibility, you'll be more likely to stick with the practice.

Remember Yoga means ’Union’ and not ’Pain’

Pat's Tip # 6: Finally, remember Yoga means ’Union’ and not ’Pain’. If it causes any discomfort or pain, stop immediately.

Our view: What are you waiting for?  Namaste!