One of the benefits of the current period of social restrictions is that it has encouraged more people to look after their health and take up yoga.

Up and down the island, people have been limbering up and practising their ’downward-facing dog’ stretches or ’warrior’ stances in the comfort of living rooms, backyards, gardens or balconies.

As the restrictions are beginning to ease slightly, the Isle of Man Yoga Network committee are encouraging people to venture out into the Manx countryside and share pictures of themselves performing their yoga poses at local landmarks, beauty spots and other outdoor locations that take their fancy.

Some of the committee members have already shared some of their own photographs of them practising moves in their gardens or favourite spots.

Yoga fan and practitioner Howard Caine is pictured above performing the Lotus pose in his back garden, while Linda Carswell (left) shows off a pose in her back garden.

Also seen working out in their back gardens are Daxa Patel, Meena Sidpra, Claire Roberts and Annie Anderson.

Heidi Danaher is pictured performing the ’tree’ pose balanced on a rock in the middle of a river, while her five-year-old son Benjamin made the ’downward facing dog’ pose on Laxey beach, dressed in his wetsuit.

Committee chairman Sue Woolley is herself pictured stretching out in front of the Albert Tower in Ramsey.

’I know that many of us who practise yoga regularly have found it to be hugely beneficial during the lockdown,’ said Sue.

’To perform yoga, you only need a flat, non-slip surface to be able to practise the poses, to help keep strong and flexible.

’Also, many are finding yoga breathing helpful in reducing anxiety in these uncertain times.

’To lighten the mood a little, we thought it would be fun to invite people to send an image of themselves performing a pose outdoors.

’It could be a landmark location somewhere, or just your own back garden.

’Be mindful of health and safety though - no balancing on one leg on castle walls, thank you!’

To take part, email a photograph to Sue at [email protected]

The images will go onto the Isle of Man Yoga Network Facebook Page.