Why I was wrong to have doubted yoga

Last month India led the way for the inaugural International Yoga Day. Reportedly 35,000 officials, soldiers and students attended an event in New Delhi alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with 650 of India's 676 districts participating. While over the other side of the world New York's Time Square yielded its traditional hustle and bustle to thousands practising the sun salutation (surya namaskar). In fact, yoga events were planned in 251 cities in six continents. There is no doubting its popularity.

But I have always been rather frustrated by yoga - I have a busy lifestyle, working as a BBC News presenter and like it that way. So patience isn't really one of my virtues. When I exercise I do so on the squash court, in the gym on a spinning machine or on a challenging hike. Whenever I have tried yoga classes I have found myself a little restless, frustrated and have even fallen asleep.

Possibly I would be the last person you would want to tell the story of yoga to. But hearing more and more about the benefits I felt perhaps it's time to get on the mat. And when I was asked to take a closer look for a special programme marking the International Yoga Day I grabbed the opportunity to learn more about it - with open mind and lungs.

As the Yoga Day has shown, hundreds of thousands of people around the world make it central to their exercise routines and it is to be found in practically every gym, studio and even at the top of London's famous Shard building. But while talking to many people who are devotees of yoga, I learnt that there is much more to it than just the classes and "downward dogs". I even found that one of my regular colleagues was a fan, he swears by practising a particular stretch when he struggles to get to sleep before a breakfast presenting shift.

Making the BBC documentary allowed me to delve a little more into the roots of this ancient Indian tradition and discover that for many Hindus yoga is a deeply spiritual practice. For some it is a complete way of life which provides principles to live life by, guidance on the foods to eat and when and how to meditate - much of which is simply common sense but for many it does bring stability and peace.

What I found particularly interesting was examining why yoga is so popular and hearing what it means to different people. Is this something that would actually have relevance and be a positive addition to my energetic life?

From those taking just a class a week, even in the workplace, and using it as an opportunity to take time to relax and de-stress, to those who want to live a yogic life, it seems there is something for everyone. I even encountered a group of rugby players who make it part of their training routine.

I have also spent time with those whose yoga practice focuses on breathing exercises or pranayama, visiting a retreat on a tiny Scottish island. Listening to people talking about how this has transformed their health and lives, it seems many see yoga as something that helps the mind, body and soul.

As part of the show I did take part in a few classes - some were more suited to me than others. I am an obsessive golfer who plays at least five times a week. It was quite a revelation when I was taught how yoga could help my golf.

I certainly haven't been converted to a yogi. But hearing the benefits mean I have had my ideas challenged and at least now I am more prepared to give it another go.

(Naga Munchetty's documentary International Yoga Day will be broadcast on BBC World News this weekend on Saturday, July 4 at 6pm and Sunday July 5 at 6am and 1pm.)