The accepted view of the ageing process is one of stiffness, rigidity and closing down. Without proper exercise, the body contracts and we lose height, strength and flexibility. As a result, our natural free range of motion is restricted and daily activities become difficult and in some cases impossible.

Yoga exercises counter the ageing process by stretching, strengthening and balancing each part of the body - muscles, joints and organs. Arthritis, high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes and many other conditions associated with getting older can be helped by yoga.

No one should accept that old age inevitably brings disability and suffering. There is a strong misconception that you have to be flexible before you can begin taking yoga classes. This is not true, nor do you need to have started by a certain age. Some people wait until they are into their seventies and beyond before they try yoga. At whatever age, yoga can help you.

Yoga is not simply an exercise regime, but an holistic approach to life. Yoga is not competitive and you only ever do what feels right for you at the time. What is right for you one week may not be right for you another, and yoga helps you to get to know yourself and gives you the ability to judge your own physical needs on a daily basis.

An important part of every class is the practice of pranayama, or breathing exercises. These enable you to make the most of your breath in order to keep your chest healthy and balance the energy flows in your body. In the winter these breathing practises help reduce coughs and colds and in the spring and summer they help to control hay fever and other allergies. Many older people now suffer from bronchitis and other respiratory conditions and the pranayama can reduce their occurrence and severity.

Tiredness and stress can affect us all at times. Yoga relaxation is both healing and energising. The use of sounds and healing phrases are used to calm the body and the mind.

Disturbed sleep and fatigue are helped by the practise of Yoga Nidra. This is a deep, healing relaxation, which reduces tension and revitalises the body and mind from within.

So if you want to increase your flexibility, help an existing problem, learn to relax or just continue to remain healthy, yoga is for you.

The Senior Citizen classes at the Yoga Therapy Centre give you the opportunity to learn and practice yoga with like-minded people in a friendly and supportive environment, under the supervision of a trained yoga therapist.

Swami Satvikananda runs a friendly class entitled 'Senior Citizens', for the young at heart.

But just because you're entitled to a bus pass doesn't prevent you from attending any general yoga class at the YTC.

Please feel welcome to join one of the other classes if Swamiji's class is not convenient for you, or try a range of classes.

Senior Citizens | Wednesday | 11 am - 12.30 pm

Deep Relaxation | Wednesday | 1 - 1.45 pm

General | Monday | 6 - 7.30 pm

General | Tuesday | 12.30 - 1.30 pm

General | Tuesday | 6.30 - 8 pm

General | Wednesday | 6.30 - 8 pm

General | Thursday | 12.30 - 1.30 pm

General | Thursday | 6.30 - 8 pm

General | Friday | 12.30 - 1.30 pm

General | Friday | 6.30 - 8 pm

General | Saturday | 11.30 - 1 pm

Gentle Therapy | Friday | 10.30 - Noon

One to One Session