The Tin Man philosophy is based on the belief that many of the afflictions we accept as the "natural" consequences of aging are caused by lifestyle factors; or at the very least exacerbated by them.

Tomorrow we will inherit a body suitable for what we did today.

Many of us spend long hours seated at work, then sit all the way home in the car or public transport.

The body, brain and nervous system are "plastic". They adjust to the way we use them.

Prolonged sitting will give you a body that can tolerate prolonged sitting; it will not be ideal for other activities.

Fortunately, the opposite is also true. If you take the time to coax your body into motion it will re-tune to increased mobility.

Yoga works on two levels. Firstly, the poses (asana) increase mobility by increasing strength and flexibility; secondly yoga improves physical awareness. It brings you back to a connection with your body that is appreciative and supportive rather than judgemental.

As a yoga teacher, I hear this a lot!

The irony is obvious. Being too stiff to do yoga is a bit like being "too hungry to eat", or "too tense to relax".

Yoga is not a sport, there is no required skill-set to "compete". Yoga is a practice. You win... by turning-up.

Begin where you are.

Tin Man Yoga classes are supportive classes that make allowances for stiffness, injuries or restricted mobility. The classes feature a longer warm-up phase, pose-modifications and props. Tin Man classes are full-featured classes, but recognise that depth and intensity are always the student's choice.

Guy started practicing yoga in his twenties, then stopped.

He came back to yoga in his thirties after disc problems. It alleviated them and then he stopped.

In his forties the penny finally dropped and Guy has maintained a regular practice ever since.

In his fifties Guy trained as a yoga teacher with Nicole Walsh at inyoga.

Guy's teaching style draws from his own experience. He is supportive and inclusive and knows how to work with stiff necks, dicky knees and dodgy backs.

Guy believes his own practice has helped him maintain his mobility and his school-boy figure.

...though sadly; not his school-boy afro.