Yoga is an ancient Indian system of philosophy encompassing body, mind and spirit. It involves stretching and flexing the body as well as controlled breathing and meditation. It is said to give us the tools to cope with the challenges of everyday life and help manage stress, but Swami Ramdev says that yoga can go beyond this. He dropped into BBC Leicester to tell Ben Jackson more... Swami Ramdev's followers have reported that his exercises have healing and preventative powers, and he says that sufferers of illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and hepatitis could all benefit.
| "A complete medical science, a philosophy of life, a way of life." | | Swami Ramdev |
He believes that it is not just a form of physical exercise, but a 'complete medical science, a philosophy of life, a way of life.'
Swami also wants to dispel the myth that it's just for people already taking regular exercise.
He says that he has simplified yoga so people who are already ill and not necessarily very fit can take part.
There is no need to worry about back-snapping routines and tying your body up in knots – he has developed a regime that has something for everyone.
Now Swami's teaching his exercises in Leicester, and enthusiasts from around the world have flown in for this once in a lifetime yoga workshop. There are two three-hour sessions running everyday from 29 July to 04 August, and nearly one-thousand people have turned out for each session so far. BBC Radio Leicester's Parminder Dosanjh went to the Walker's Stadium where the world-famous yoga masterclass is taking place... | 
