Why do celebrities choose Yoga .....?

“Your body is the child of the soul. You must nourish and train your child.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

Modern life requires all of us to wear many hats or play several roles; parent, partner, employee, employer, entrepreneur, community-minded citizen, son, daughter, sister, brother, neighbour, friend. The hustle and bustle of life puts such a burden on the mind that most of us are in a state of physical and mental tension... even when we are asleep. We can get so caught up in the expectations we and others have for ourselves, that we fall out of touch with who we really are. Celebrities, who are constantly subject to public scrutiny, are in even greater jeopardy than the rest of us, of moving out of balance and spinning out of control.

Many individuals on the world stage have chosen yoga to stay in shape, to keep focus on their art and restore harmony and balance to their lives. These include Yehudi Menuhin (violinist), Madonna, Meg Ryan, Sting, Jennifer Aniston, Jerry Hall, Geri Halliwell and Julianne Moore -- to name but a few. To play all the roles required of us by our busy lives, we need to be strong in mind and body, but strength is only part of the balance; we also need to be flexible. We all know that we should eat well, rest well and exercise well, but tend to forget that flexibility of the mind is as important as the flexibility of the body -- both comprise the flexibility for practical living, which allows us to adapt to the ever-changing demands of modern life and play all our roles fully, with greater ease and joy.

Erich Schiffman, Yoga teacher to several Hollywood stars, including Ali McGraw, says: "The purpose of Yoga is to facilitate the profound inner relaxation that accompanies fearlessness." His book 'Yoga - The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness' sets out his philosophy and some excellent exercise routines which can be practised by all of us to good effect! Think about it. People who can afford anything choose Yoga because it allows them to be the best that they can be....themselves. Yoga is for everyone.

Check out Yoga for Men for information on sports stars that have chosen yoga to hone their games and reach the pinnacle of international sporting performance!