Avoriaz

Avoriaz is typically known for its kooky but also very striking architecture, and this also applies to that of its ski resort. It is a top destination for a majority of skiers as it is not only terrific value for money, but it also has easy access to the slopes. Looking for a break from the skiing activities? Then why not take a trip to Aquarius, Avoriaz’s waterpark for some wet and wild fun-Avoriaz caters to all!

Cervinia

With its ever-authentic cuisine and shopping destinations, Cervinia looks to offer oodles of Italian culture; which is particularly good if you have yet to venture to Italy beforehand. Conveniently, Cervinia’s massive ski resort also links over to the Swiss Ski-hub, Zermatt; giving you the chance to experience two regions at once. If one thing is for certain, you will definitely want to wrap up warm for this trip, luckily e-outdoor.co.uk offer amazing outdoor gear such as insulated jackets from top brands such as Rab.

Veysonnaz

The charming resort of Veysonnaz in Valais is ideal for those who do not want to be caught in busy and bustling slopes. It also runs along the Four Valleys ski area which can be seen on 4Valleesinteractive map for more information; meaning that you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to which slopes to take on next. When wanting to bask in a little bit of culture, the gorgeous city of Geneva is only 2 hours away; making it a perfect blend of authentic Swiss urbanity and snow-sports action.

So as you can see, there are many destinations available on hand that are incredible ski-resorts for those who have grown tired of the dry slopes here in the UK. Therefore, why not take the trip that any avid skier would be jealous of, there is a guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

So why is it so popular now?

In 21^st century Britain, between what feels like an eternal ‘age of austerity’, employment stress (finding, keeping or getting paid more than the minimum for your job) and the demands of juggling our hectic lives, it seems we’ve been seeking a means of disconnecting from the stress of it all by reconnecting with ourselves. With yoga now well embedded in the UK’s health and fitness industry through dedicated yoga studios, classes and a percentage of those 3 million plus yogi who are qualified trainers, accessing yoga has become much easier. Add to this the viral popularity of YouTube ab-toning yoga videos, a prevalence of celebrity endorsed yoga DVDs and apps in the fitness media market, all of which creates interest in the benefits of yoga as well as wider interest into its holistic benefits. As a result, its popularity has soared.

Another reason why yoga’s in demand now is that with our 21^st century lifestyles come medical conditions which may actively prevent us from taking up other forms of exercise such as energetic aerobics classes, running or dance. Yoga can be practiced to great benefit by the old, the pregnant and even, to some extent, the ill, with mainstream news reports from the Daily Mail (2014) and the Daily Telegraph (2013) about how yoga can benefit sufferers from cancer and blood pressure.

All you need to do is choose the right yoga discipline:

SATYANANDA

The gentlest form of yoga, Satyananda is ideal for beginners. It focuses on deep breathing and flexibility through slow stretches and also teaches deep breathing.

HATHA

Another great version of yoga for beginners, Hatha offers more extensive stretching exercises but still at a relatively low-impact level, making it also suitable for older adults or those with health concerns. London based gym, The Factory, cite Hatha as a great way to start your yoga journey; allowing for poses to be modified based on physical challenges, such as recovering for injury for example.

IYENGAR

Iyengar is a yoga discipline which concentrates on body aligment and balance through postures. Props such as blocks and straps are used to help maintain postures.

KUNDALINI

The Kundalini yoga workout is more intensive, with faster paced routines and postures including a range of different breathing methods, including deep breathing, meditation and chanting.

BIKRAM (also known as MOSHKA or “HOT YOGA”)

With an added focus on the benefits of purification and developing stamina, Bikram yoga sessions take place in a heated room, making it an intensive, whole body workout. This level is more suited to those with high fitness levels and not those with heart or blood pressure health conditions.

ASHTANGA (“POWER YOGA”)

For the added benefit of weight loss in addition to those other holistic benefits of stamina, flexibility and core strength for mind and body, Ashtanga is the higher impact yoga workout. It’s more suitable for those who already have a certain fitness level to start with.

Finally, like any form of exercise, it’s beneficial when you’re doing it right. So although having multimedia access to online yoga classes is great, beginners especially are recommended to attend a few sessions with a qualified yogi, so that you can be sure you are creating postures properly for maximum benefit, not accidental damage.

*Image from Flickr and member a4gpo.