Mandelson promotes the benefits of yoga

By Martin Banks - 22nd February 2011

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The top civil servant in the EU's diplomatic corps has become the latest devotee of Bikram yoga – thanks to Peter Mandelson.

David O'Sullivan, Brussels-based chief operating officer of the external action service, shares the same yoga teacher as the former UK business secretary.

Irishman O'Sullivan said it was Mandelson who first introduced him to the discipline when Mandelson was EU trade commissioner.

"Peter told me he did Bikram yoga and that he could recommend it as an excellent way of keeping fit.

"As it was something I'd wanted to try, he offered to introduce me to his personal yoga tutor," said O'Sullivan, 58, who was secretary-general of the European commission for five years.

"Although Peter has, of course, now left Brussels it would be nice to catch up with him to have a chat about our mutual love of Bikram yoga."

Each class lasts 90 minutes and both O'Sullivan and Mandelson were introduced to the discipline, which is done in 97F (36C) temperatures, by Feroze Khan.

Khan said, "Since Peter returned to London I have not practiced yoga a lot with him but David is practicing once a week and he has improved his flexibility, strength and looks more focused in class."

O'Sullivan said "I'm not a sporty type but we lead such sedentary lives in Brussels what with a constant stream of meetings of what have you that it is important to look after yourself physically and the yoga is a great way of doing that."

He may now be tempted to promote its benefits to his boss – Baroness Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign affairs chief who heads the EAS.