When I tell people I'm a Dru Yoga teacher the question I'm always asked - after "what is Dru?" - is why I practise this style of yoga. There are of course many answers to this but what most people want to know is what I get from it; how Dru makes a difference?  

Well, there are many benefits of Dru Yoga physically, mentally and emotionally - many people find it helps them become more flexible, better able to relax, feel fitter and sleep more soundly. I certainly did, and lots more besides!

But I know what you're thinking. That as a Dru Yoga teacher wanting to attract students to my class I would say that, wouldn't I.

I also know that a lot is talked about the benefits of yoga in general without a great deal of evidence to back up the claims. 

So sorry if this Blog seems a bit dry and technical but I wanted to give you some proper facts and figures behind the benefits to be gained from the graceful power of Dru Yoga.

A survey of Dru Yoga Practioners

A survey of more than 450 people who regularly practised Dru Yoga reported a range of remarkable benefits:

• 93% experienced improved spine flexibility

• 91% gained more peace of mind

• 91% overcame negative thinking

• 89% experienced improved breathing

• 89% reported reduced stress levels

• 86% enjoyed increased energy levels

• 84% benefitted from enhanced mood

• 3% felt more emotionally balanced

• 81% had greater confidence.

Dru Yoga is underpinned by scientific research

In randomised controlled trials Dru Yoga has shown to have the following benefits:

• increase energy levels

• maintain a healthy back

• improve resilience to stress

• enhance emotional well-being

• reduce sickness absence days.

A randomised controlled trial involving 75 government workers, published in Occupational Medicine in September 2012, showed that Dru Yoga significantly reduced both stress and back pain at work — two of the key factors leading to sickness absence. 

After an eight-week programme, Dru Yoga group scores (when compared with a control group) were significantly lower for perceived stress, back pain, sadness and hostility, and significantly higher for feeling self-assured, attentive and serene. Sponsored by Bangor University and the NHS, a follow-up randomised controlled trial with 150 NHS employees, published in Occupational Medicine in autumn 2017, found that an eight week Dru Yoga programme resulted in less back pain, fewer sickness absence days, and significant cost savings for the NHS. 

I'm also hugely grateful to the top bods at Dru Yoga who work tirelessly to capture proof of all the benefits Dru brings so that we can share this work within businesses and organisations, as well as weekly classes. 

I love that Dru Yoga is suitable for all fitness levels, ages and abilities. That it feels good to do and makes you feel good by doing it.

Why? Because the best way to experience the good that Dru Yoga can bring is by coming to a class and finding out for yourself.   

See you on the mat!