More than 60 Yukoners are running or walking a little easier thanks to a few workshops taught at the Canada Games Centre over the weekend.

The workshops were designed to help take the pain and any potential injuries out of both activities through teaching the proper techniques involved in ChiRunning and ChiWalking.

Saturday included a full-day of ChiRunning, which was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday featured two ChiWalking clinics, with the first being held from 8 a.m. to noon and the second running from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"They were excellent, well attended," said Dick Felton, the instructor of the three workshops. "People were enthusiastic. I think that most of the people came away with a positive attitude about both running and walking that they are going to try the method and actually I think with most people help them with their biomechanics."

ChiRunning and ChiWalking teaches people the biomechanically correct method of movement. The techniques used are based on the same principles that are found in Tai Chi, Yoga and pilates.

A lot of it centres on working with core muscles, the integration of mind and body; as well as focusing on long-term performance and well-being.

The ChiRunning workshop emphasized proper posture, which Felton said is the cornerstone to the technique.

"We did a lot of work on posture and sensing proper body alignment for running and then what we did was we went over different techniques to show them how to run effortlessly."

Some of the techniques used included keeping the knees down and their heels up, which Felton said prevents against heel striking and going against the force of the road that is coming towards a runner.

Runners were also taught a series of body loosing exercises to benefit their joints, ligaments and tendons.

The walking workshops on Sunday also focused a lot on posture, but Felton said the detail is a little different.

"The biggest difference between regular walking and ChiWalking is that in ChiWalking we stride backwards and the only leg to straighten in ChiWalking is the back leg," he said.

Felton has taught clinics over many different cities in North America, including San Antonio, Texas, Asheville, North Carolina, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver and Sarnia, Ontario.

One of the differences about the Whitehorse workshops included a running session on Monday at F.H. Collins Secondary School. Felton video taped each person at the running session and gave the participants a copy to take home as a way to help improve their technique.

Felton said all of the participants at the running session did well.

"One day's practice is not a lot," he said. "One of the things that we do with ChiRunning and ChiWalking is that it's gradual progress. We try and turn it into a holistic practice, so each time they go out, they practice a different focus. So as they progress they get better it's a process oriented sport."

There was also an opportunity for walkers to practice the technique on Monday, which was held at F.H. Collins.

Sandra Duncan took part in one of the Sunday walking clinics and said that it was an amazing opportunity for her.

"It was fantastic," she said. "It was an amazing opportunity to just line up your body and walk properly."

Jim McLelland also took part in the the second walking clinic on Sunday. McLelland said in the past he has felt pain when hiking and hopes this will make a difference.

"I am just interested to see whether this will give me a more pleasurable outdoor experience when hiking," he said. "It certainly has been all positive so far today and up to this point and I would be surprised if it didn't make a positive difference."

McLelland said he purchased a ChiRunning and ChiWalking book in preparation for attending the workshop, adding the workshop strengthened his belief in the technique.

"For me this exercise today has confirmed that ChiWalking is the real deal and the techniques seemed to work for me and for many others," he said. "I went up there and did a lot of walking and my back muscles didn't tighten up and I'm not tired."