Demons in my Leotard

In the gym, getting changed. Two women who seem to know each other vaguely are chatting nearby about back pain. "I had a prolapsed disc," says one, "but I'm almost pain-free now, and I really think the Yoga has helped more than anything. You should come along to the Hatha class on a Wednesday, it's brilliant - and you feel so chilled out afterwards."

The second woman frowns deeply. "I wouldn't be inclined to try Yoga at all," she says."It might do your back good, but all that relaxation stuff puts me right off. Our vicar says that if you empty your mind like they tell you in Yoga, the Devil can get in there. It's dangerous stuff."

The first woman nods very slowly and takes a step back. "Ummm," she says, "Maybe Pilates would be a better bet for you."

So there you have it - in village halls and exercise studios up and down the country, women getting into their 'Downward Dog' pose are putting themselves at real and constant risk of demonic possession. I can just imagine it.."yes, Pamela, it's very good that you can rotate your head on your neck like that, but I think you'll find that the Cobra position just requires you to lie flat on the floor..."