Origins: This ancient Chinese exercise form was originally prescribed as a treatment for illness. Today it is enjoyed all over the world as a gentle way to stretch and strengthen the body as well as calm the mind. It's less structured and technical than Pilates or yoga, so there is not much of a learning curve.

Basic description: By using meditation, visualisation, breathing and slow, easy movements you restore the balance of the life-giving force called qi ('chee') and remove 'energy blockages'. In some classes, you move through poses similar to yoga, while in others your teacher may ask you to move spontaneously, roll objects between your palms or meditate while walking slowly.

Benefits: Qi gong will help you feel relaxed yet energetic and teaches you how to breathe properly. It also promotes flexibility and strength,and is accessible to virtually all ages and fitness levels.

Alexander Technique

Origins: Developed by an Australian-born actor in the early 1900s. Focuses on the subtle 're-education' of everyday movement patterns to achieve big differences in body awareness, posture and body comfort. Today there are several thousand Alexander instructors worldwide.

Basic description: You perform basic activities such as standing up and walking while an Alexander teacher gives you cues and adjustments to help you move more easily and with less effort. Much of the work is very subtle, concentrating on positioning of the head, neck and torso.

Benefits: Helps free your muscles from tension that may be impeding movement or causing pain. Restores muscular balance by increasing awareness of how muscles should operate; helps you unlearn poor postural habits and movement patterns.

More info: Check out the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique at www.stat.org.uk

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