A WOMAN from Basingstoke has spoken out about the benefits of yoga - and she has encouraged people to boost both their physical and mental health by joining one of her classes. 

Jacqui Morris is a Hatha Yoga teacher and has been teaching the practice to people of all ages and abilities for more than 20 years. 

She started practising yoga in 2000 to complement her long-distance running, and found both the physical and mental benefits enormous. 

The 62-year-old realised the importance of understanding more about the body, and connection to the mind, as well as lifestyle changes, to improve her own health. 

She said: "Yoga has changed my life. It is what we do off the mat that counts - yoga can help us to become less selfish, more compassionate, and ultimately find the odd glimpse of joy along the way.

"The benefits of yoga are universal. I am constantly amazed and inspired to see students become more flexible, more relaxed with an improved sense of well-being."

Jacqui explained that as we live our lives at such a fast pace, 'yoga allows us to slow down, become mindful and experience just being.'

Her classes held in Basingstoke are based on teachings and incorporate movement, breathing, and meditation aimed to involve everyone who attends. 

The married mum of two has extensively studied the practice and has previously travelled to India for a two-week study course to deepen her understanding, in particular, how yoga can be incorporated into our daily lives. 

Jacqui will soon be off on a retreat at the end of April 2023, and is also holding another retreat in sunny Cyprus in June with the hopes that people of all yoga abilities will join her. 

Basingstoke group yoga classes are held at Sherborne St John Village Hall or there is an option to attend private classes. 

For more information, go to abfabyoga.com or for more information on Jacqui's upcoming abroad retreat, go to abfabyoga.com/yoga-retreat-greek-island-june-8th-14th-june-2023/