As you are reading this, is your back hunched over? Are your shoulders tight? Is your head tilted to one side? Stop. Take a deep breath and 'fix' your body

There, you've just made a 'mind-body connection'. That is, you've tuned into how body positioning can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Simple modifications done on a regular basis can help improve your appearance and comfort. This also translates into increased energy, improved athletic performance and reduced injury.

Learning how to control your body through mind cues is not a new concept, but it's certainly a hot area in the exercise world. Below we explain four mind-body fitness options.

Pilates

Origins: Named after Joseph H Pilates, a carpenter who developed this unique exercise system in 1920s for injured dancers. Today, there are reportedly 55 Pilates studios across the country as well as a number of instruction videos and how-to books. Sometimes taught under other names such as 'the method' or 'Re:Ab'.

Basic description: Can be done in two ways: Private lessons on specially designed equipment or a group 'mat' class. You won't do a lot of repetitions of each move, but it is intense work even for those who are extremely fit.

Benefits: Creates strength without bulk and lengthens and stretches your muscles as it creates postural awareness. Focuses on the 'powerhouse' muscles including the abs, back, bum and thighs.

More info: Check out the Fitness finder or log onto the Pilates Foundation website or the Purely Pilates website.

Yoga

Origins: Developed in India more than 5,000 years ago, yoga is now more popular than ever. Many classes have a spiritual element, and there are several different styles of yoga out there so there's a class for everyone!

Basic description: Typically, you perform a series of poses and postures while focusing on your breathing and relaxing your mind. Some classes involve chanting, prayer, candles or incense.

Benefits: Promotes deep relaxation, body awareness, strength and flexibility. Plus, it's a great stress-buster.

More info: Check out Keyboard yoga or Yoga 101.

Qi gong

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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