It’s around a month into the fall semester and by now some of us are taking our first exams, some of us are still finding our way and others of us are already counting down the days until Fall Break. One great way to relax and take a step down off the stress train we call college, is participating in different exercises such as yoga. On Monday, Sept. 9, DSU held Sunset Yoga on the Campus Green. DSU’s Daytime/Late–Night and Novelties Chairwoman Joy King, a senior mass communication major, helped to organize this cultural event.
“I would most definitely recommend yoga to anyone that’s stressed or in a depressed state of mind because yoga does have healthy benefits: relieving stress, relieving the mind and things of that nature, so I would 100% recommend yoga,” King said.
The sundown session was taught by Cherilyn Heintz, a senior marketing major and certified yoga instructor. Heintz began by saying soothing words while giving instructions in a calming manner, ensuring that each participant was remembering to breathe and silence their inner noise.
“Usually we just think of yoga as stretching but one of the most important parts is breath,” Heintz said.
Students came out and covered Campus Green in yoga mats and blankets for the DSU Sunset Yoga event.
“I would sum up my experience by saying it was very relaxing and it was a good way to be around friends. Yoga to me is a way to relax. I would definitely take this as a PESH course. It was not my first time but I would recommend it because it is a good way to relax. I enjoy yoga because it is calming,” said Michaela Bartkowski, freshman business marketing major.
Sophomore theatre performance major, Ally Baumgartner, said that this wasn’t her first rodeo either.
“I love yoga. Yoga is a beautiful way to feel connected to your body and mind. It was super relaxing to stretch and relax all while being under the sun setting and hearing the sounds of nature. I use yoga for both exercise and relaxation, it’s a great end to my day. I would definitely recommend taking yoga for PESH,” Baumgartner said.
Freshman psychology major, Courtney Franklin, also strongly recommends doing yoga.
“I enjoy yoga very much. Yoga to me is a full body and mind relaxation technique to increase flexibility and strengthen your respiratory system. It exercises my soul and my body and gives me time to just be in the present moment. Usually on Fridays I start my day with yoga in the fitness group. Personally I use it for both relaxing and exercising,” Franklin said.
If you are in any way interested in using yoga to relieve stress or get in your weekly exercise, consider checking out the PESH courses PESH 105 (yoga) and PESH 110 (power yoga). You can also check out the group fitness yoga class which meets for 45 minutes, Fridays at 10 a.m. in the West Center.
Photo: Kevin Seabrook/ The Johnsonian
