Pensioners wanted to try out new type of yoga in Harrogate and Knaresborough

Yorkshire Yoga of Halfpenny Close, Knaresborough, has teamed up with the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria University to conduct a study in the town and Harrogate about a different kind of exercise class.

Gentle Years Yoga can be done sitting down or using a chair for support. Teacher and research co-ordinator Jenny Howsam said: “We are needing to recruit 40 older adults - aged 65 years or older – to take part in 10 weeks of exercise classes at one of four centres in Harrogate or Knaresborough.

“In exchange for answering a few questions and being tested before and after the 10-week research period, tuition for the 10 weeks of classes will be free of charge.”

She added: “The exercises are modified for different conditions, so you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself safely.

“The benefits include improved balance, greater mobility and increased strength.

“You will also make lots of new friends as there’s a chance to socialise over a cup of tea and biscuits after each session.”

Dr Garry Tew, the principal investigator from Northumbria University, said: “After providing written consent and completing some initial tests in March, participants will be randomly assigned to either a yoga intervention group (20 people) which will take part in 10 weeks of classes in April-July or the control group (20 people) for whom the 10 weeks of free classes will be delayed until after the follow-up assessments have been done in July.”

For more information, contact Jenny Howsam at Yorkshire Yoga & Therapy Centre, 9-10 Halfpenny Close, email [email protected] or phone 01423 864343 Monday-Thursday.