Instructor Victoria Wells, foreground, led the yoga class at the Lexington Senior Citizens Center. The six-week yoga class began at the request of some members of the senior center.

Herald-Leader

For the mind, yoga instructor Victoria Wells turns on a soothing play list from her iPod. For the spirit, she reminds everyone to get rid of negative thoughts. And for the body, she rolls out a rubber mat, and announces, "Now let's get those lungs going."

And in step, her class at the Lexington Senior Citizens Center begins the exercise that Wells calls "the perfect blend of everything physical and mental."

Just like its participants' hamstrings, yoga's age limit is becoming increasingly flexible, and members are posing to the beat by taking the senior center's new yoga class.

The multi-purpose community center offers activities including a book club, aerobics and tai chi for Fayette County residents ages 60 and older, but several members recently requested that yoga be added to the mix, manager Sean Wright said.

"People were looking for smaller groups, more of a personal connection with the instructor and more of a broad wellness experience," Wright said. Class attendance grows each time but averages about 20 people.

Wells, who is certified in yoga and senior group fitness, said she was thrilled to start the class after hearing the feedback.

"I'm so happy that everything fell into place," she said, adding that yoga is one of the best ways for seniors to stay active.

"People need to realize they have to take personal responsibility for their health," she said. "And this is an awesome way to do that."

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Yoga is a hit at Lexington senior center