Yellowknife (Sep 24/03) - It's a union of body and mind, a series of movements designed to properly align your body.

Moyra Bissell has been doing yoga for almost 30 years. She can even practice yoga while sitting down. - Yose Cormier/NNSL photo

"Muscles that have been half-asleep for years are about to be roused from their slumber and reawakened," says Moyra Bissell.

She has been teaching yoga in Yellowknife for close to 20 years. She says it can change your life.

"You get a deep sense of inner peace. You're just happier," she says.

The movements, or poses, are called asanas.

There are more asanas than Bissell can count.

While some are geared towards the more advanced practitioners, most asanas can be performed by any beginner or expert.

"It's knowing your body limits. You can do one asana and reach further as an expert.

"The beginner will only be able to stretch so far and hold for so long," Bissell says.

Once you do reach a more advanced level, Bissell notes there are more challenging asanas to do.

"You learn something new every time you practice," she says.

The basics in yoga are key for a satisfying session, Bissell says.

"You have to start by mentally and physically relaxing. You start with a 15-minute breathing session.

"It relaxes the muscles clears the mind," Bissell explains.

The key is focusing on your breathing.

"You learn awareness of the rhythm of breathing.

"The constant chatter in your mind disappears and a feeling of relaxation comes over you," Bissell says.

After your muscles and mind are relaxed and limber, you can begin performing asanas.

A final breathing exercise near the end of the session will have you feeling relaxed and energized at the same time, Bissell says.

"It's the total opposite from no pain, no gain.

"You should never feel tired, never feel pain," Bissell says. She adds that your body will tell you when you reach the point between pain and muscle soreness.

"It's very personal. It doesn't matter what the other person is doing. You learn to be happy with where you're at," Bissell said.