COMFORT IN SOUND

Many musicians, of all genres, draw inspiration from the spiritual practice of yoga. From rock n' roll legends to princesses of pop, the benefits of yoga are far-reaching throughout the celebrity and media world. So it makes sense that if yoga should inspire the creation of many different styles of music, a variety of music should inspire the practice of yoga.

Principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vladimir Jurowski, sees music and spirituality as deeply connected, and his daily music practice is as important to him as his life in music. He comments 'the way yoga changes your perception of the world is amazing. It's another kind of ecstatic experience'.

Music is a sound system, which may be a distracter, concentrator or an accelerator of the mind - every single tone or sound have a particular effect on the human energy system. Thus, the effects of folk, ethnic, new age or contemporary music may be totally different.

While the truest form of yoga is still practised and revered, modern twists have made it more accessible to others interested in an alternate form of health through the synchronisation of body, mind and spirit. People of all ages are now practising some form of yoga, either in specialist classes or at home with the aid of books , yoga DVDs and yoga equipment.

One of the most important training aids for the successful practice of yoga, is yoga music From deeply relaxing 'Chant' rhythms to feel-good harmonies and beats, the traditional yoga sounds, whether calming or motivational, have been proved to clear the mind and enhance concentration.

Some of the most fashionable Yoga centres, which have soothed the spirits of a whole host of celebrities across the world, offer mother and baby yoga sessions where women are encouraged to sing nursery rhymes while stretching their babies' limbs in yoga-inspired movements, and pregnancy classes in which music by George Harrison, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin and many other musical legends are played.

Yoga for Indie Rockers and Pilates for Indie Rockers are two unique DVD's that incorporate fitness classes to a rock 'n' roll soundtrack, featuring contemporary artists such as Rage Against the Machine, Marilyn Manson and metal icon Rob Zombie. Although fairly traditional in the range of exercises shown, simple dance-based stretches at the beginning of the workout and a high-octane soundtrack throughout promotes an energetic alternative to the traditional yoga workout.

Many of the newer variations of the ancient practice are viewed with suspicion by traditionalists, but as stressed-out urban dwellers flock to yoga studios around the world, the diversity of styles is only likely to increase.