Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 27/06) - The need to keep limber and flexible draws a group of seniors to yoga classes a few nights each week at the Baker Community Centre.

Laying on a thin mat, looking up to the ceiling, Deborah Aee extends her legs out, inhales a large breath, and while exhaling, pulls her knees into her chest, and hold them there for a few seconds.

Meditating and relaxing the body are part of senior's yoga classes. Deborah Aee finds relaxation in the gentle exercise at the Baker Community Centre on Tuesday night. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

This is one of the movements in yoga, called an 'Asama'.

The group of seniors gather twice a week to focus their minds and bodies on peace through yoga.

"It's just good exercise, and a great way to socialize with my friends," said Carole Robinson.

Robinson has been participating in the class since October 2005.

"Seniors use the benefits of the breathing exercises to relax," said Moyra Bissell, a yoga instructor for the past 25 years.

"I was the first yoga instructor in Yellowknife," said Bissell.

One of the skills that Bissell tries to work out with the seniors is their sense of balance.

There are many approaches to yoga for seniors, depending on their level of flexibility.

Some choose to sit on a thin mat, while others would rather sit in chairs.

Bissell said either way is effective in gently exercising your arms and legs, while keeping your back straight.

Bissell also feels that when it comes to your muscles, it's "use it or lose it", and teaches that principle to the people in the class.

For Robinson, being in the yoga class helps her keep her legs strong for her jogging regimen.

"I belong to the Breakaway running club, and competed in a half-marathon last October," said Robinson.

One of Robinson's close friends who also attends the yoga class is Greta Baetz.

"When you get older, you need to stay mobile," said Baetz, who misses the work-out when she skips a session.

Instructor Bissell said that the size of the class is fine, and they're comfortable with the turn-out right now.

"Fifteen people is just perfect," said Bissell.

"It's a very comfortable size for a yoga class."