"Yoga doesn't present a sufficient challenge for blokes." Well, that’s what I used to think. Then just over a year ago, needing something to chill me out, I went to my first yoga class. An hour and a half later, I came away feeling beautifully relaxed, as if I’d drunk half a bottle of wine. But I’d also stretched parts of my body that hadn’t been stretched since… well, never.

This was real exercise after all......And I kept going to weekly classes. Within three or four months people were commenting that I looked taller. All that stretching had improved my posture. I now stood up straight instead of slouching. I also felt more relaxed. On packed tube trains in the middle of July I didn’t get that tight-chested, breathless feeling because yoga helped me breathe correctly. But most of all I felt stronger, fitter.

Men feel that yoga doesn’t present a sufficiently macho challenge – it’s for girls. But if you stick with it, the positions become more challenging. The repetitions more intense. You will be exercised. The body is stretched and strengthened, particularly the legs. And it’s an ideal basis for other exercise or sports because it improves flexibility. Which is why a footballer like Ryan Giggs – still twisting and turning at 32 - practices yoga.   And if a Premiership footballer can’t convince blokes to take up yoga, here’s the clincher – you don’t have to wear a leotard. Now that is for girls."   

James Lamb 

“Yoga has become a must-do element of my lifestyle and I have noticed the benefits in all aspects of my life, fewer injuries in sport, for example, in football where my skills have really improved, less body aches, despite overwork at the desk and improved mental fitness.”  

Prashant Shah 

"Yoga with Sejel is great: just the right balance between a relaxed, fun approach and attention to individual progress within a group. I can happily vouch for the atmosphere she creates and the mood she leaves you in. Sejel is a natural teacher and a real inspiration."  

Phil McGee

"As a first timer to Yoga, I am actually very excited about learning more. After only two lessons I am beginning to think about my breathing, my posture and my balance even when sitting and walking normally. I realise I have a huge amount to learn, but I think I can handle the humiliation of falling over in class while balancing on one leg! I'll get there one day. At least I'll learn to put my socks on without having to sit down...."  

Giles Andrews

"I leave my yoga classes feeling incredibly relaxed and ready for sleep. For someone who finds it hard to relax, this is quite a statement"   

Philippe Bod

"Recipe for Health and Fitness: Take one middle aged, overweight, sedentary male with high blood pressure, sciatica and a very poor attitude towards his body. Mix with one yoga class with Sejel every week. This comes with a customized set of postures, a selection of breathing techniques and a consistently positive and joyous attitude towards life. Add some effort and regular practice. Season with a healthy diet and a little trust.  

The result: A new lease on life which comes with higher self-esteem, an appetite for exercise, improved fitness and the rediscovery of peace and calm."   

RK