Bend it like Beckham.

(From Irish Independent)

Many stressed-out young Celtic Tiger professionals are following the example of stars such as David Beckham and Colin Farrell by taking up yoga, writes Ed Power

You can tell yoga is making a comeback because celebrities are talking about it all of the time. David and Victoria Beckham, Colin Farrell, Britney Spears and Sarah Jessica-Parker are among the A-listers to have declared themselves yoga fanatics. Recently, Jennifer Aniston said yoga helped her get over her divorce from Brad Pitt.

Madonna attributes her new body-builder's physique to an intense daily yoga routine. Gwyneth Paltrow used yoga to regain her figure after the birth of her daughter.

Yoga has even gone bling. Gucci last month unveiled a designer yoga mat, retailing at 1,000 (the matching leather case will cost you another 500).

In the real world, yoga is enjoying a renaissance, too. This has nothing to do with the influence of celebrities and everything to do with the sort of lifestyles we live today.

Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga nourishes the mind - and, arguably, the soul - as much as to the body. As we juggle high-pressure jobs, grinding commutes and the stress of raising a family, yoga lets us experience a simpler, purer way of living.