Annie's 10-minute YOGA WORKOUT

Stay in shape and restore calm with Annie Deadman’s quick and easy routine

- ALI HORSFALL

Yoga has been around for centuries as a great way to improve flexibility and strength. And, by injecting a little Zen into your life, you’ll also be helping to reduce stress levels and keep a lid on high blood pressure. Plus, it’s never too late to start. ‘Yoga is perfect for all ages and the more you do it, the “bendier” you will get,’ says our fitness expert Annie Deadman. Here, she shares the body and mind benefits that you’ll get from rolling out your mat, plus three easy yoga moves to try today.

Get flexible

It doesn’t matter how tight your muscles are, yoga gently stretches them. ‘As we get older our bodies make less collagen and our oestrogen levels drop, giving us less elasticity in tendons and ligaments. It’s important to stretch so we remain mobile and avoid injury and pain,’ says Annie. One study* found that eight weeks of yoga can boost flexibility by 35%.

Beat the blues

The amino acid GABA is a chemical messenger in the brain that’s associated with reducing depression and anxiety, and research** shows that levels are much higher in yoga lovers. ‘Any exercise is good for mental health and yoga is no exception,’ says Annie. ‘It requires focus and concentration and the challenge of mastering the moves lifts your spirits.’

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