Stop. Breathe. Relax. Inhale. Exhale. Focus. Think. Concentrate. This is Yoga.
With roots in ancient India, the art of yoga has migrated to health spas and fitness facilities around the world.
It finally has reached LSU. The Rec Center now offers yoga classes. In each class, students will learn to access deeper parts of their bodies and minds.
The many different types of yoga stretch the body through various positions. The mind expands through meditation. Channeling one’s thoughts to a particular sound, image, word, feeling or thought allows a person to reach deeper states of consciousness. These deeper states help people understand themselves more.
“With school and work I don’t have time for long, strenuous workouts,” said Jessica Carey, a dairy science sophomore. “But with yoga, I get the same relaxing workout in only half the time.”
The physical aspect of yoga allows for better performance in other sports as well. It increases flexibility and movement. It helps athletes learn their bodies better so they know how hard to push themselves.
“Basically, it’s a stretching class,” said Lauren Archer, a biological sciences sophomore. “Even though it’s slow-paced it’s still relaxing, and it does give you a workout. It also helped a lot in my 14-year ballet career.”
The classes at the Rec will be offered Feb. 4 through March 18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The price is $50 for LSU students, $55 for LSU staff members and $60 for LSU alumni and others.
For more information about yoga classes at the Rec call 578-8601 or e-mail [email protected].