Yoga, from a personal perspective

By Kristen Vermetten
Western Herald

Balancing classes, work and a social life in college can be strenuous. Even the simple tasks begin to feel impossible.

Finding alternative ways to unwind and relax aside from drinking cheap beer or smoking some natural products may seem impossible, but fear not fellow students.

An ancient practice is taking over the Student Recreation Center and its methods have transformed the lives of thousands.

It relaxes, strengthens and increases both body awareness and flexibility.

Looking for a healthy start to 2010? Enroll in a yoga class and reap the benefits.

I have been practicing yoga for eight years and can say that it has transformed my chaotic life into a more Zen one.

The ideology of what a workout can and should be was completely bizarre when it was first introduced to me.

As a competitive swimmer, exercise was all about strength and conditioning so it didn’t make sense that a workout with such little movement could break a sweat.

My friends and I signed up for our first yoga class to improve our flexibility and have some fun.

This was accomplished, but we also found our way of thinking transformed.

For someone with a lifetime struggle with Attention Deficit Disorder, I was able to focus during the concentrated poses and improve my somatic and kinesthetic awareness.

In and out of the pool, I had more understanding of my bodily motions and saw improvement in not just my athletic abilities, but my mind, body and spirit were unified through the movements and exercise I practiced in yoga.

The physical benefits from yoga are endless and many “yogis” suggest that through yoga, the body is able to harmonize and heal itself without other medical attention.

When everything else in life stresses and rushes, yoga allows you to slow down and unwind — completely relax. If you are looking for a positive change in your life, I strongly suggest checking out yoga and seeing if it suits you.

Whether it is athletic, psychological, or spiritual motivation, I guarantee improvement to those who fully commit and open up to this ancient tradition.

Yoga is more than an exercise; it is a state of mind that will allow you to live a more fulfilling, understanding life.

For more information and class times check out the SRC Web site. Until then, Namaste.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Jan 13 2010. Filed under News, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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