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In Glendale, Queens, some former warriors are mastering moves like "warrior pose."

Through a partnership between the Queens Vet Center and New York Sports Clubs, free yoga classes are helping some local war heroes find their "inner chi".

"Coming out of a combat situation or being in combat is extremely stressful," explained Gil Rivera, a Vietnam War vet. "You hold onto your stress and you step on it and hold it down. Yoga tends to center you to deal with those issues more calmly and more relaxed. It tends to really allow you to face life."

Veterans from all wars and conflicts, including, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam, are regulars at the class. Many of them like, Rivera, were actually wounded or were part of heavy combat. Most say yoga was probably one of the last things they ever thought they would try.

"Well of course, it was kind of girlish, but it is a tough workout," said Rivera. "It is not that easy. Maria works us up pretty hard, but it is pretty relaxing."

Counselors at the Vet Center say they believe healing from trauma involves the mind, body, and spirit, and therefore they say trying out yoga is a perfect match for them.

"One of the consequences of war is post-traumatic stress disorder, and that is a serious anxiety disorder," said Paulette Peterson, a psychologist at the Queens Vet Center. "And one of the things we know about yoga is with the postures and the deep breathing, it really counteracts anxiety."

"It probably took about 30 to 40 years to come forward to join a veteran organization and get involved in a veteran's organization, to release all that inner anxiety and hostility you still have inside you," said vet Stephen Smith. "Yoga really brings it out of you in a calm, collected manner. It cleanses you."

And when it comes to teaching the practice of yoga, their instructor says she could not think of a better fit than taking veterans who have been through war to a place that epitomizes peace.

"I think it is a gift," said instructor Maria Gualtiere. "If any yoga instructor is able to teach the veterans, it is a gift and they should truly jump on it. It makes you really appreciate what these men and women have done for your country. And the little we can give back is just a token."