Jess Ennis-Hill: How yoga keeps me in shape

The pregnant London 2012 star shared her secret as she opened a new yoga centre in her home city of Sheffield, launched by her long-time yoga coach, Nicola Harpin.

The 28-year-old, who is due to give birth this summer, said she had been a regular attender at Nicola’s classes.

She said: “I’ve been coming with a friend for the last couple of years.

“Nicola does pregnancy yoga, so we’ve changed what we do compared to before.

“We learn really good breathing techniques and exercises and it’s a great way to have a stretch.

“Yoga has been really good for me training-wise.

“It helps keep some level of fitness up through my pregnancy and also on the run-up to major championships.”

Jess was joined at the opening of the new centre, Yoga At Reach, by her husband Andy Hill, and even persuaded him to join in with some bhangra dancing alongside other guests.

And despite being busy preparing to become a mum, Jess said she would still find time to keep up with next month’s Commonwealth Games.

“I’ll definitely be watching. I’ve still got lots of team mates who are competing,” she added.

Nicola, a mum-of-two who has taught Yoga in the city for several years, set up her own venture earlier this year thanks to a crowd-funding exercise which saw supporters donate over #9,000.

She runs pre and post natal yoga classes, as well as lessons in Ashtanga and Hatha yoga styles.

“We were delighted when Jess said she could come along for our opening day,”

she said.

“We wanted to thank everybody who has supported us and let people know we are here.”