Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Friday, January 11, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - Melissa Chung, a yoga instructor with the Racquet Club for the past four years, says interest in yoga has grown considerably.

"Yoga has come a long way," said Chung.

Melissa Chung, a yoga instructor with the Racquet Club, stands in the reverse warrior pose. - Cara Loverock/ NNSL photo

Often stereotyped as an activity for hippies and urban yuppies, interest in yoga has been broadening in Yellowknife, and classes are offered at the club once or twice a day.

"I was not a fan at first," said Chung, who was a fitness instructor before she moved into yoga.

She said she became interested in yoga when she was pregnant with her third child and a friend loaned her a pre-natal yoga video.

Chung became certified at the International Society for Yoga in Vancouver, as there are currently no yoga teacher training courses in Yellowknife.

While most may think yoga to be a female dominated activity, Chung said more men are taking part in classes.

"A lot of men take the classes and they're surprised at how much strength it takes," said Chung. "It's good for men who may have less natural flexibility."

She lists cyclists, hockey players and squash players among some of her clients.

"It heals, it rejuvenates," said Chung of practising yoga.

One of the main hurdles of the job is always being physically ready to lead a class. While Chung said there are days when it is hard to get motivated, in the mornings she lights candles, plays music and dims the lights in order to prepare for the day.

Chung instructs what is called yoga fusion, but the club also offers different varieties such as yin yoga and vinyasa flow.